Homecoming Extra Special for Seniors

The football team celebrated its homecoming with a 25-14 win over Ridge on Friday night. The win was the Panthers' first of the season in what has been a rocky one for the football team.

Friday night’s game however was a night that was not just about the game, but a night to celebrate school spirit. The school held a pep rally earlier in the day, and the homecoming dance was to immediately follow the game. 

For a recap of Friday night's action, head here.

For a full photo gallery from Friday night's victory, head here.

Friday’s football game was more of ceremony to recognize the student athletes who play for the Panthers as well as the fans who have come supported them through thick and thin. 

The high school’s homecoming court was recognized at halftime. Bridgewater-Raritan's homecoming queen was Jenn Uno and the king was Mike Dipascali.

One pairing for the homecoming court consisted of seniors Scott Bieda and Martina Figel. The two have really enjoyed the events of Spirit Week during their four years at Bridgwater, but now as seniors have much more appreciation for the week as a whole.

“It was really exciting before we led up to the homecoming dance,” Figel said.  “We had our Spirit Week all this week and the pep rally today. It’s been really exciting to see the turn out tonight for the pink out and to just cap off the week.”

The annual pep rally is a large part of Spirit Week. The seniors won this year’s pep rally, and both Bieda and Figel were happy with the support that they and their classmates showed during the event.

“It’s my senior year, so I definitely want to go out on a high note,” Bieda said.  “Today was a lot of fun. The seniors were going crazy against the juniors and the seniors came out on top.”

“The pep rally is important because it brings all the grades together,” Figel added. “There’s a lot of competition and it shows the amount of school spirit that we have.”

The homecoming court was introduced at halftime as they walked out on the field in front of the crowd. It is an honor to be voted on to the court, but Bieda admits that being with his friends was the greatest feeling for him.

“I was really happy to be voted, but I just want to have the most fun I can with my best friends,” Bieda said. “It’s our last year together and I won’t see these guys for a while. Sal Vitello and Mike DiPascali are here with me and they are two of my best friends. It’s been a big thrill to be here with them, and tonight we all just want to have fun together.”

For Figel, she expressed her excitement for being voted onto the court.

“I was not expecting this so when I found out I was really excited,” Figel said.  “It was a really nice surprise and I am just so excited for our night.”

Besides the current students being at the game, Bridgewater-Raritan alumni were also present at the game. The members of the class of 1966 were on hand, but other alumni were also there to celebrate the homecoming weekend.

Tommy Talty was an alum who was on hand for his first game of the season.  Talty described what it was like to see the current students showing their support for the Panthers and reminisced about his days as a Bridgewater-Raritan student.

“Homecoming was always a good time as a student,” Talty said. “Coming back as an alumni and seeing the support that the students have for the school is great.  It makes you remember your time at Bridgewater-Raritan and want to go back.”