Homecoming full of fun and spirit
North Bay was alive with Lakers pride earlier this month with alumni, students and friends celebrating Homecoming Weekend 2014.
A weekend of sold-out events made for a fantastic and spirited turnout, even though Mother Nature didn’t exactly cooperate with sunny skies and warm breezes.
The Lakers Men’s volleyball team served up the first action of the day on Saturday, October 4, with the inaugural Varsity vs. Alumni match. While the varsity team took the match 3-1, the intensity was strong throughout, setting up what is sure to be a rollicking rematch next year, with alums already hatching plans.
Meanwhile, both the Lakers Men’s and Women’s soccer teams out shone the RMC Paladins at the Omischl Sports Field with Pints & Pancakes being enjoyed on campus.
Homecoming crowds got a sneak peak of the newest team in town as the Men’s Basketball team played an exhibition game against the Laurier Golden Hawks. The Golden Hawks might have taken the game, but the Lakers certainly impressed the crown and are looking to build on that momentum and enthusiasm to start the upcoming inaugural season.
The annual tailgate party, the largest of the Homecoming events, culminating with the Lakers Men’s Hockey home opener against the U.O.I.T. Ridgebacks, was as spectacular as ever. Students and guests arrived with their Nipissing pride on display, from face paint to Lakers gear to official (and highly sought after) Homecoming toques, the stands were filled with enthusiastic fans. Partnering with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the Lakers showed their community support, by making this game their sixth annual Real Men Wear Pink Game.
“It’s always great to see so many students and alums getting together and sharing that love of Nipissing,” said Nipissing University Alumni President Mark Webster. “Homecoming has been building every year and we look forward to seeing more and more graduates come back each year!”
Plans for Homecoming 2015 are already underway with dates to be confirmed in the spring.