Dartblog

Homecoming is a tradition important not only for Dartmouth students but for the faithful alumni who return each year to Hanover to witness the newest Dartmouth class running around the bonfire. It is the first time that the freshmen class joins with the entire Dartmouth community to celebrate the wonderful college that binds us together. The presentation, as usual, began last Friday with speeches and performances by a cappella groups in front of Dartmouth Hall:

The bonfire is of course the highlight. Built by the freshmen, for the freshmen, this stack of wood lights up the night sky. This is the one night when it is perfectly acceptable for upperclassmen to switch from welcoming the freshmen to chanting obnoxious sayings like “Worst class ever” and “touch the fire” as freshmen run around the bonfire. When the energy of these young students is flagging after the first hour or so, there is a noticeable change in mood from taunting to encouragement. Water is given out, upperclassmen run some laps of inspiration with the students, and hands are extended for high fives as the dedicated freshmen continue their run.

For returning alumni, the benefit of homecoming is the beautiful autumn weather. These trees, lining the edge of the green illustrate the vibrant colors around campus.

Homecoming would be nothing without the game of course. This year, we took on Holy Cross, falling 44 to 26 despite a valiant second half effort by our team. Students turn out in droves for this game, not only to support their classmen, but to encourage the freshmen to rush the field. Though banned by the college, rushing the field is a Dartmouth tradition that the most spirited freshmen continue to uphold. One student carrying a sign bearing his class year raced onto the field before half time, apparently taking Hanover Police by surprise who failed to make a serious effort to chase him. Six students rushed last year, but no arrests have been made since 2006. One ought to mention perhaps that the discredited organized field rushing garnered much lower numbers than last year, perhaps because the freshmen were more properly informed of the booing they would receive from upperclassmen for taking part.

Moving past our disappointing Homecoming loss, the football team takes on Columbia in New York this weekend. Here’s hoping for our first season win!