The Blue Hen community gathered for traditional Homecoming events before cheering the UD football team to victory
Alumni, friends and parents returned to their University of Delaware home for the most blue-and-gold spirited day of the year, Homecoming, on Saturday, October 22.
With Delaware football’s new football coach, Ryan Carty — a 2006 alumnus — and the team’s 5-1 record leading up to the Homecoming game, the excitement in the tailgate lots was palpable. Waving Blue Hens flags surrounded Delaware Stadium, cheer squad alumni performed stunts, the UD marching band and alumni gathered for a sidewalk performance and diehard Delaware fans and alumni from all class years celebrated with music, UD-themed cornhole games, food and drinks in a sea of blue and gold gear.
Then, more than 16,000 fans cheered on the Blue Hens as they came away with a 38-7 victory over the Morgan State Bears.
For many, Homecoming is not just about the game, but also about reuniting with former classmates and teammates.
Coming to Homecoming is a tradition for Stacy Yates, a 2005 graduate, which she started with her brother, Keith Richards, a 2001 graduate who passed away in 2017.
“I carry him with me wherever I go,” said Yates, showing her brother’s stage name “Just Sayin” on her sleeves. “To follow in his footsteps and continue our traditions is important.”
Yates said she also felt it was important for her to join the UD Alumni Association (UDAA) Board of Directors to represent black and minority students and alumni. Her time serving for the UDAA also ties back into her love for the Center for Black Culture (CBC) as a student. During Homecoming weekend, Yates and her family attended the Blue Hen Tailgate, the Black Alumni Organization (BAO) and CBC BBQ & Tailgate, football game, BAO Late Night Party and BAO Brunch.
Alumni and brothers Paul and Tony Davolos have carried on the tradition of tailgating at Delaware football games since their parents started it 46 years ago. On Saturday, they enjoyed an oyster and seafood spread, which they prepare for one tailgate every year toward the end of the season.
For some, attending Homecoming this year was a first — at least since they’ve been alumni. Rob McAnnally came back to UD to celebrate with fellow members of the Class of 1992 for their 30th reunion. It was the first time he had been back on campus since graduating.
“Out of habit, it was natural for me to take that turn on 896 toward South Campus, but then everything looked different, campus has completely changed,” said McAnnally after traveling from Arlington, Virginia, that day. He was most excited to get the chance to wander around campus, check out Deer Park and just have fun being back in Newark. Plus, he reconnected with one of his fraternity brothers from Kappa Delta Rho.
While the Blue Hen Tailgate was open to all alumni, friends and families, the Classes of 1992, 1987, 1982, 1977 and 1972 celebrated milestone reunions at the tailgate.
UD President Dennis and Eleni Assanis, cheered “Go Hens” at the Blue Hen Tailgate along with the cheer team and thanked everyone for attending, supporting UD, and for rooting for Delaware against Morgan State.
In addition to tailgates and the football game on Saturday, Homecoming events earlier in the week included a Blue Hen 5K, Spirit Day, CIS Distinguished Lecture featuring alumnus Mike Mignano, a Black Alumni Organization Friday Late Night Mixer and the 50th Reunion Cocktail Reception and Dinner.
Photos and a video from Homecoming events are available at udel.edu/homecoming.