Honor G Weekend
Front row (l to r): Shelley Floyd ’72, John Pfitsch, Jeff Taft-Dick ‘73. Back row (l to r): Mario Bognanno ’72, Dave Gitlin ’73, Barry Huff ’73
On October 16-18, the College welcomed alumni back to campus for the inaugural Honor G Weekend to celebrate Grinnell’s athletes from yesterday and today. More than 200 alumni, ranging from the class of 1950 to the class of 2009, and friends braved the somewhat chilly fall weekend to cheer on several Pioneer teams and enjoys one another’s company. Grinnellians watched the women’s and men’s soccer teams against Carroll University, caught a solid victory by the volleyball team over Illinois College, and many left the football game hoarse after shouting through a thrilling comeback that fell just short (28-35) against Lake Forest.
Alumni were able to attend open practice sessions for all of the teams, including men’s and women’s basketball, swimming and diving, and water polo. For some teams, the weekend featured games with alumni competing alongside the current student athletes. The swim teams held the Randall Relays, their traditional “meet” pitting odd years against even, alumni and students on the same teams. Others, such as the basketball teams, played alumni against students. All of the competitions, however, were more about camaraderie and fun than winning or losing.
It was wonderful to reconnect with folks. I look forward to more of these Honor G weekends and the possibility of seeing more of my friends and former teammates. Hopefully the next opportunity to reconnect with many more will be at the dedication of the new fieldhouse and natatorium.
-Barry Huff ’73
There was plenty of time for socializing, whether at Friday’s opening reception, the tail gate hosted by the families of current football players, or in the stands during games. Lyle’s Pub in the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center hosted happy hours at night that drew a good alumni crowd. On Saturday after dinner, many coaches hosted team gatherings that brought the alumni and current student athletes together one last time.
Even though I wasn't into athletics at Grinnell (unless you count Tom Latimer's attempt to set up a men's volleyball team), the weekend was a blast. It was great to see the College, watch the games, catch up with some fun alums, and even to sit in on a class! Who knew that hanging around with the jocks could be such fun?
-Ed Senn’79
While attending Honor G Weekend, alumni also got to experience life across the College. They enjoyed meals in the Marketplace, now the only dining hall on campus, and many attended classes on Friday. There were also tours of campus, downtown Grinnell, and the Athletic and Fitness Center, Phase II construction project. On Saturday afternoon, a full lecture hall enjoyed a presentation by George Drake ’56 on his recently published history of the Midwest Conference, No Ordinary Conference.
Finally, on Saturday evening, dinner was held in the Marketplace in honor of John Pfitsch’s 90th birthday. He and his wife, Emily, were joined by family, friends, alumni, and students (athletes and those remaining on campus during fall break), faculty and staff for what one could call a true Grinnell Community meal. John and Emily then hosted a reception in the Laurel Leaf Lounge for many of the guests, with stories lasting well into the evening.
The Honor G Weekend provided an opportunity for our former student-athletes to visit campus, see our teams compete, visit with each other, and witness the incredible facilities Grinnell College will soon offer to student-athletes of the next generation. We hope to build upon this event and look forward to seeing increased participation from alumni as this event becomes a tradition.
-Greg Wallace, Director of Athletics and Recreation
This was the first of many Honor G Weekends to come. The event will take place every 18 months, allowing the Honor G Weekend to be alternately centered around sports activities in the fall and spring semesters. Plan to join us in the spring of 2011!
For a bit of Grinnell athletics history, read Strong Mind, Strong Body: Athletics at Grinnell by Jeffrey Raderstrong ’09. The story adorned the homepage of Grinnell’s website during Honor G Weekend.
