Fall at Eastern can mean a lot of things: changing tree colors, the ping of baseball bats in the baseball team’s new batting cages, the Kea-Guffin Hill once again packed for soccer games and so much more. It also means that homecoming is right around the corner. From October 8-11, there is a lot to get excited about around campus.
Speaking of excitement on campus, Eastern Football had a major milestone win for their home opener. The Eagles swooped in and beat Anna Maria College 46-7 to secure their first opening day win. They built off of their successful 4-1 ending to the 2024 season by scoring 29 points in the opening half. The scoring started with a drive that lasted all of 50 seconds. Fans really started to get excited when defensive back Dru Beckford had a 45 yard interception, making it 15-0.
The Eagles never looked back, with the only Anna Maria score coming at the nine minute mark of the fourth quarter. Eastern kicker John Nolek said that “some teams go into that game and they play down to their opponent, but that’s not us, we’re going to go out there and we’re going to compete every game.”
Senior wide receiver Justin Nickopoulus, who had 54 receiving yards and one touchdown said that the win, “really shows the potential we have.” Justin led the team in rushing yards that day and Nickopoulus said he, “took advantage of each opportunity that was in [his] hands.” Nickopoulus credited the win to the team preparation over the summer and the strong team chemistry in the locker room.
Looking forward to Eastern’s homecoming, there is plenty planned for the university’s centennial year. Homecoming on a small campus like Eastern is different. Everyone feels it in the air. The weather is crisp and the leaves are turning color. In Eastern’s athletic complex, whistles are blowing and crowds cheering can be heard from the other side of campus.
Officially kicking off the festivities on Oct. 8 is Eastern Field Hockey facing off against Ramapo College. On Friday, Oct. 10, it is a big day on Olson Field. Starting at 2 p.m., the women’s soccer team takes on Messiah University. Then, at approximately 4 p.m., the men’s soccer team will be playing Messiah as well. Both of those games will be close, so make sure to fill the hill and watch some soccer!
Saturday is another full day of athletics at Eastern. At 12 p.m., the football team faces off against Delaware Valley at Valley Forge Military Academy. Delaware Valley and Eastern were ranked second and third respectively in the MAC Coaches’ Preseason Poll, so it will be a competitive game.
Not only are fans, alumni, and staff excited for homecoming, but players are too. “I think everybody on the team is ready. You know, it doesn’t matter who we play, we are just trying to win every week,” said Junior running back Jeremiah Avrillien.
Because football acts as the culmination of the homecoming festivities, the fans should be out in full force. “We have a surprise coming too, so it’s going to be a great time for the community of Eastern and really the team in general, with it being our 3rd year and us just having a great year so far,” says Junior wide receiver Justin Nickopolous. The whole team is super excited for what they’re going to show us for the game against Delaware Valley. “You’ll love it, we’re so hype for it,” said kicker John Nolek.
Eastern’s Athletic Director Brian Bingaman had this to say about homecoming weekend: “Homecoming is always the most packed soccer game of the season. The energy is high, families are in attendance and the atmosphere is amazing. Eastern always does a good job emphasizing the community aspect of why people attend this school.”
Eastern Soccer Alum Zach Chaplain said this about homecoming soccer games: “Homecoming is always the most packed soccer game of the season. The energy is high, families are in attendance and the atmosphere is amazing. Eastern always does a good job emphasizing the community aspect of why people attend this school.”
There is always something to do every weekend on campus, but homecoming weekend brings a special energy. Make sure to attend as many athletic events as possible and find out what Eastern Football has in store!