By Yvonne Girard, Staff Writer
On the weekend of October 1-3, we welcomed back alumni for an eventful homecoming on campus. It was a weekend full of activities, reunions, and games. All Golden Bear teams walked away with a win, and there was a lot of energy in our community, given that we were not able to have a homecoming last year due to the pandemic.
Festivities kicked off on Friday, October 1, with the Downes Hall of Fame Dinner held at Twin Hills Country Club. The following athletes were inducted; Alex Dos Santos ‘11 (Men’s Soccer), Mike Rubino ‘13 (Baseball), Amy (Lorinovich) Denault ‘07 (Volleyball), and Jared Pabis ‘09 (Men’s Lacrosse).
Field Hockey hosted Salve Regina at home Friday evening. The Golden Bears came out on top with a score of 4-1. Seniors Taylor Klesyk, Ali Larochelle, Ali Martin, and sophomore Carly-Anna Barba scored one goal each, along with defensive help from goalkeeper Zoey Wexler. This is the Golden Bear Field Hockey team’s second Commonwealth Coast Conference win of the season.
Saturday morning began with some fun events for both students and alumni. Golden Bear Boulevard had food trucks, balloon art, and games for both adults and children. School and student organizations hosted tables along with some intellectual speakers and sessions. Women’s Lacrosse and Volleyball hosted their alumni games, followed by the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society Recognition Ceremony. President Robert Johnson hosted the Homecoming Brunch on the Commonwealth Lawn.
Women’s Soccer picked up another in-conference win at home against Suffolk University. Senior Allison Bruehwiler scored in the first half as the Golden Bears completed their third shutout of the season. Sophomore goalkeeper Molly McLaughlin made three saves.
Football hosted Salve Regina University for their first conference game of the year, capturing a 41-3 win over the Seahawks. Steven Fedorchak had 87 receiving yards and scored in the fourth quarter to set a Golden Bear program record for career touchdown catches, now holding the record at 23 catches.
Quarterback Bryce Karstetter had 207 passing yards and EJ Dudley had 3 touchdowns, leading rushing yards at 52. The Golden Bears played great defense led by Josh Salem and Ricky Montalvo, each completing six tackles.
The Pep Band played the game as well as a halftime performance from the Dance Team. Halftime also included an on-field honor of 50 years of Western New England Football. Members of the first decade of the program attending included Murray Bauer ‘72, Clif Treco ‘73, Albie Ferullo ‘74, Peter Garafalo ‘74, Kenneth Olejarz ‘75, Deane Swanson ‘75, Alan Himmelfarb ‘76, Rusty Cazalet ‘78, Charles Rocque Jr. ‘78, Terry Ryan ‘78, Ray Shamlian ‘78, Michael Sullivan ‘78, Kevin Jandreau ‘79, Wayne Murphy ‘81, and Mike Thompson.
Men’s Soccer continued the day on Saturday with a home match against Suffolk, winning 2-1. Sean Lanzillo scored twice, with Chris Allen and Roger Leland assisting. The Golden Bears are currently 3-1-1 in conference play.
Halftime consisted of on-field honors of the 1975 Men’s Soccer team, who were champions of the New England Regional and made it to the 1975 final four. Head coach Bill Downes, along with captains Mark Staropoli ‘76, Dave Boino ‘75, and Glen Goldstein ‘76 are all honorable mentions of the team.
For the last game of the day, Volleyball challenged Eastern Nazarene College at home. Western New England University swept the Lions for a 3 set match. Olivia Hall showed out with 11 kills and 8 digs, and Becca Mayer had 6 consecutive serves in the second set. They currently have a conference record of 2-3.
Saturday night wrapped up with a celebration for the Class of 2020. A reunion dinner and reception were held, followed by Sunday morning brunch the next day. Class of 2020 President Donna Montgomery, Nick Newell ‘05, and previous president Anthony S. Caprio were present as well.
