Morgan Reese ’21
Morgan Bramwell ’21
Despite the previous statements, AIS day will no longer have a delayed opening and will begin at 8 AM as it has in the past.
As of last week, it was known that AIS Day would start late at 10 AM and begin with chapel followed by the pep rally. From 8 to 10, the varsity teams were allotted the time to warm up, practice, and prepare for their upcoming games. This also offered non-varsity students the opportunity to rest for the long day ahead.
Despite public knowledge, Zach Richards, Form Dean of the Sophomore Class, states, “There was a little bit of a hurtle with the use of facilities on Haverford’s end and as a result, we, unfortunately, had to change the schedule around a little bit. The Girls’ events remain unchanged at AIS, but Boys’ XC will now run on Friday (EA/AIS day) at 11:30 at Haverford. We will have transportation on that Friday to Haverford, AIS, and to Gulph Mills (for golf.)”
Gina Buggy, Athletic Director and Head Coach of Varsity Field Hockey states, “You have to understand, Haverford and AIS are both same-sex schools, one being all boys and the other being all girls. Clearly, Haverford is interested in the boy’s contests and what goes on there and Agnes Irwin is interested in the girl’s contests and what goes on there”. Buggy alludes to the point of miscommunication between Haverford and Agnes Irwin due to differing interests, which leaves EA in the middle.
Bradley French ‘21 and member of Varsity boys Cross Country adds, “It’s disappointing. Because it doesn’t ruin the tradition, but it definitely makes it less important and less exciting for all the runners. It would be a lot more fun to run on Saturday rather than Friday.”
Tommy Craig ‘19 and Manager of Boys Varsity Soccer expresses his opinion on the subject, “I feel like since we are away this year, it’s more a hassle. EA as a co-ed school deals with both boys and girls events for the weekend and it is contained to one area. This year, because AIS and Haverford are primarily concerned with their part of the weekend, schedule mishaps have already happened.”
When asked about their opinions regarding the changes in schedule, many students and coaches had varied responses. Kelly Smith ‘21, Defensive Center Midfield on Varsity Field Hockey says, “I’m sad that I won’t get to sleep in but I’m excited to spend more time with my friends and teammates before the game.”
Eliza Aldridge ‘21 and Third Singles Player on Varsity Tennis states, “I think that by allowing for a delayed opening, the team would have been able to fully prepare for the day both physically and mentally because we wouldn’t have to worry about any classes.” She then adds, “and this includes both girls and boys teams because it would allow the girls for time to prepare for the day and allow the guys time to practice for their games the next day (besides golf.)”
Maiah Islam ‘21, member of Girl’s Cross Country explains her opinion, “In previous years, I believe that having classes for a half day on that Friday is unfair for the girls to have to learn/be stressed about school on an important sports day, while the boys have the whole day on a weekend devoted to sports and aren’t stressed about school. This year I love how we don’t have the stress of school on our minds and can focus solely on the girl’s sports and give them the attention that they deserve”.
Amy Brotschul, French teacher states, “I think the camaraderie and competition will more than make up for the loss of class time on Friday. It’s fun to have the whole school cheering on our teams! And it’s healthy to blow off steam and then come back to class focussed and ready to work”
Buggy adds, “I don’t think not having the delayed opening will affect my team at all. As long as they are in a routine from years past, I think they will be fine. I don’t think having a couple classes will affect the way they perform”
In the end, decisions were made with the intent of supporting both boys and girls in both of their endeavors over the course of the weekend, although many believe having a boys athletic event on a day dedicated to the girls sports provides of an unbalance of attention, it was the best accommodation possible for all parties involved. EA/AIS day encompasses campus unity through spirited community support from students, teachers, parents, and alumni, regardless of schedule changes and lack of classes.