Daniel Adibi ‘26
It’s that time of year to root for the blue and the white, as EA will play against Haverford and AIS on November 11th and 12th. Each year, the EA community comes together to cheer on student athletes in five athletic competitions for the boys and four athletic competitions for the girls. This event sparks EA’s school spirit and unifies the community through the ultimate goal of claiming the sweater and the banner. Michael Letts, Head of Upper School, explains that “[EA/Haverford/AIS day] is a time when the entire EA community, from alums to parents to students to faculty, is unified; it just reminds you what a special place [EA] is.”
EA/Haverford day originally started when the two schools played their first football game against each other in 1889. As time progressed, EA and Haverford started to incorporate more sports into the competition, such as soccer in 1910, cross-country in 1965, water polo in 2002, and golf in 2011.
Photo courtesy of EA Yearbooks
Although the rivalry between EA and Haverford has existed for over a century, the current format of the day reflects a significant change: the introduction of girls’ sports to the competition. Jim Farrell, Assistant Athletic Director, discusses the history of the rivalry in a Scholium article written by Michael Zhou ‘21 and Peter Woodville ‘21 on December 8, 2018. He states, “Originally, the last game of the year culminated in Haverford. In 1980, the heads of both schools came up with a way to celebrate the rivalry by dedicating a day to the EA/Haverford competition.” The sweater which embodies the spirit of competition was also introduced that same year, and soon became one of the most cherished objects at EA. While EA/Haverford Day has existed since the 1800s, it was not until 2005 when girls finally started participating in the events against Agnes Irwin (in field hockey, soccer, cross-country, and tennis).
Photo courtesy of EA Yearbooks
Over time, the event has branched out to include school-wide community involvement. Originally, EA/Haverford Day was centered completely around the Upper school, but the Lower and Middle schools eventually became more involved in events such as the bonfire, spirit week, and pep rally. According to the EA Unlocked “EA/Haverford/AIS Weekend History” podcast episode, the one-day event of a chapel service, pep rally, and games evolved into a week-long buildup, community involvement, and multiple days dedicated to the competition.
Photo courtesy of EA Yearbooks
Retired Athletic Director Gina Buggy, Hon., explains that, “When you involve the Middle School and the Lower School, it really gives you a profound feeling of tradition … including the entire school really makes it a very compelling tradition for the entire student body” (EA Unlocked). Letts shares a similar sentiment about the event, stating, “It’s my favorite part of the year – the lounge decorating, spirit week activities, pep rally, and buildup. Every year I look forward to it and certainly hope our student-athletes have success, but more than anything, I just enjoy the community feel.
Varsity football captain Reese Bufala ‘23 says, “EA/Haverford Day is the best day of the year in my opinion… it’s the best opportunity to play for the blue and white by representing Episcopal. The competition, support, and common goal unite the school to come together to watch each other play the sports we love for the school we love.” Varsity girls soccer captain Chelsea Swei ‘23 echoes Bufala’s sentiment, saying that “ever since joining the EA community, it [AIS day] has been a tradition I’ve been waiting to be a part of. I’ve dreamt of being able to finally step onto the field and play for the blue and white. It’s an honor to potentially contribute to defending the banner and keeping it at home another year.”
In addition, varsity golf captain Louie Beardell ‘23 believes that his “favorite memories of the golf team have been not just playing on EA/Hav day itself, but the days leading up to it. In that time, the team comes together, practicing almost everyday during the week leading up, and prepares to play their best come match day.”
Photo courtesy of EA Yearbooks
As this year’s EA/Haverford/AIS day approaches, EA’s varsity teams are working hard and preparing for the culminating match of their seasons. November 11 and 12 will be an opportunity for all of EA’s players to prove themselves and reclaim the sweater and banner while representing their school in a deeply rooted tradition.