The return of Hewett Day after a year hiatus due to covid brought with it plenty of high spirits, enthusiasm, and solid competition. In the week prior to the game days, Spirit Week, students dressed each day in a theme from pajama day, beach/tropical outfits, and various colors representing each form which only amped up the atmosphere for the entire week. On Friday morning, our Middle Schoolers took to the turf and participated in an ear-ringing pep rally with teams chanting and school flags unfurling. That afternoon, the Upper School had their own pep rally in the Hewett Gym with a fun (but clumsy!) wheel barrel race among the teams. Kudos to the boys’ varsity soccer team for their impressive win. After the rally, the Upper Schoolers made their way to the fields to cheer on the Middle School teams competing against Renbrook. Throngs of students dressed in KO’s black and crimson spirit wear with embellishments of ballet tutus, face paint, red cowboy hats, and bandanas crowded along the sidelines lifting the tenor of the day. The display of unity was celebratory and heartwarming. While the MS games occurred on the fields, MS students on the XC team ran around the campus course while other students took a break playing corn hole.

On Saturday, the Wyverns were busy with the following teams playing with mixed results: Cross Country at the reservoir vs. Wilbramham and Munson and Suffield Field Hockey vs Westminster (0-6), Girls’ Soccer vs Westminster (0-7), Volleyball vs Kent (3-0), Boys’ Soccer vs Marianaplos (1-0) and Football vs. Dexter Southfield (6-35). 

The campus was bustling: a tent was set up that displayed KO merchandise for sale, parents were grilling, and a mobile concession cart manned by Meghan Kurtich added to the festivities. But, it was all about the night lights as the Wyvern football team took on Dexter with a roaring crowd, featuring a good dose of talcum powder that gave the air a smoky atmosphere. Right before kick-off, we celebrated our Sports Hall of Famers who were inducted earlier in the year on the turf. Outlook, conducted by David Baker provided a stirring rendition of the national anthem. During halftime, Faith Potter performed a flaming baton twirling routine that captivated the audience and a group of students competed in a field goal attempt with Aidan Dillow crowned the winner.

Although the football game did not turn out in KO’s favor, that didn’t dampen the vibe as alumni returned to campus amidst lots of hugs and high fives. What a fabulous two days of sportsmanship and spirit and a reminder of what we have missed out on over the past year and a half!