What a weekend. The 2011 edition of Bradley University Homecoming was a lot of fun.
My parents (both Bradley alums) came up for the weekend and they joined me and the kiddos for the festivities.
Things got started with the giant bonfire Friday evening at Meinen Field. This thing was huge. Within a minute of lighting it, some of the people gathered around the perimeter were already having to move back a bit as the heat and the flames both intensified quickly.
The kids got a kick out of the firefighters that were on standby. They ended up hosing down the fire a few times…you know, just in case. It was a pretty impressive fire!
Saturday afternoon was the annual business meeting for the Bradley University Communication Alumni Group, or BU-CAN.
If you’re reading this and you’re a Bradley COM alum or a current COM student, I encourage you to check out the group. It’s a great way for alums to get involved and a great source of information and networking opportunities for students.
My parents mentioned that they had never been to a tailgate before. Conveniently enough, the BU soccer tailgate party was Saturday afternoon and I decided it would be a perfect chance for them to get a small taste of what this stuff is all about.
We sat outside the car and the kids threw the football around and kicked the soccer ball back and forth. Cranked up the tunes and enjoyed some good conversation on what was a beautiful fall afternoon.
Then it was time to head in for the soccer match between Bradley and SIU-Edwardsville. The placed was packed. I’ve never seen that many people there. Great atmosphere.
The Braves came out sluggish and went down 1-0. However, a clutch goal late in the second half tied it and sent it into overtime. That set the stage for the big finish.
We had moved down behind the goal so the kids could kick the ball around a bit. Turns out, we would have a front row seat to the grand finale.
Bradley pushed the ball up the field and Ross Williams sent a great ball into the box, where Wojciech Wojcik headed it in.
High drama at Shea Stadium. Braves win.
Before we left, the kids had a chance to get autographs from the players. My oldest son gave them his homecoming shirt to sign and my youngest son gave them his soccer ball. They loved it.
Good times had by all on the Hilltop this weekend. Go BU.
positively second 