Exeter Preps for E/A Festivities

Since the first Exeter/Andover football game on Nov. 2, 1878, the two schools have embraced their rivalry and brought their best school spirit to the annual contest. Between Friday’s pep rally and Saturday’s competitions, this weekend’s activities will show Big Red enthusiasm at its peak.As students bring out their red gear and competitive spirit, logistics for this weekend’s events are underway.For Friday’s Assembly, Student Council has prepared a video featuring the P.R. Committee, written and directed by senior TJ Hodges. The Red Bandits will teach some classic cheers, and step groups Outkast and Precision will perform.The much anticipated pep rally on Friday night will not disappoint either. “We are hoping to start the Snake Dance from Ewald to the bonfire, which the Red Bandits will lead, and at pep rally, the teams will be performing their skits and Lionettes, Poms, ABS and Imani will be dancing,” senior and Student Council President Alice Ju said. “Essentially, we will be keeping up the traditional Assembly and pep rally events of past years, and we have our fingers crossed for good weather.”Seniors Nikhil Chuchra and Hope Logan look forward to being this year’s pep rally emcees. “We are really pumped for pep rally. It’s going to be a great time, so everyone should come out and support our athletes,” Logan said.As a result of the games being at home this year, Student Activities has coordinated with Famebridge Witherspoon, associate director of communications,  to simulcast the football game online. There will be live commentary, as a well as an Exonian calling the game from the booth. Additionally, a feature that the administration might utilize this year is WPEA, Exeter’s very own radio station, 90.5 FM. Witherspoon hopes a few D.J.’s will be willing to broadcast their comments on air so that listeners can tune in.With an estimated few thousand people on campus this weekend, preparations must be made in order to keep everyone safe. Since so many Andover students and Exeter alumni are going to visit this weekend, Campus Safety will be taking extra precautions to make sure that all goes well. The number of officers will be increased and Exeter Police will also be assisting with traffic.“Andover will be sending all of their deans and five campus safety officers to complement our deans, campus safety officers and Exeter police officers. We have an event plan and are working closely with Athletics, Grounds and our custodial staff to ensure the best possible experience for the weekend,” Director of Campus Safety Services Jeffrey Nelson said.Campus Safety Officer John Clemmons described Campus Safety’s role in the events.“At Campus Safety, we treat all visitors, alumni and Andover students the same: with courtesy and respect,” Clemmons said. “We are are here to make sure that they, as well as all of us, have a great, safe time. During the Exeter/Andover weekend we increase our officer presence in order that we are able to keep all visitors and PEA folks safe.”Although alumni are excited to revisit their alma mater, the deans have made it clear that no sleepovers of alumni or students from other dorm are allowed on Friday and Saturday nights.Past situations of alumni drinking on campus has caused problems, and efforts have been made to prevent this as much as possible this year. “Campus Safety and the Exeter Police will be called to investigate any situation where someone is believed to be under the influence of alcohol and potentially acting irresponsibly,” Dean of Students AJ Cosgrove said.Nonetheless, many on campus enjoy reuniting with alumni. “When I walk through this building on Saturday night, I see so many familiar faces,” Student Activities coordinator Kelly McGahie said. “There are tons of one-year alumni here, and even two-years and three-years. And most of them are fine, respectful, and here to hang out with their friends and to have a good time.”Other events, such as the E.A.R. concert and Soule Tea in Grainger Auditorium, are sure to keep students busy this weekend.“It has been difficult these past few years, in respect to the nighttime activities, because of the reputation of the activities after the games,” McGahie said. “My hope this year is that students still get excited about the weekend.”Students, alums and faculty are looking forward to the real purpose of E/A—to cheer on Big Red and bring out the Exeter spirit.“Exeter/Andover weekend is a great opportunity to celebrate athletics, friendships and homecoming,” Cosgrove said. “Hopefully, everyone will stay safe and make good decisions.”