My first Deerfield Day experience was vigorous. By 9:00 in the morning, every member of Choate volleyball was preparing for her 10:00 game against the Big Green. As I competed on thirds’, I noticed the crowd of fans on the bleachers getting denser. As the viewers increased, both schools started getting riled up — cheering on their peers or booing the other team. At the end of the matches, all three of Choate’s teams swept away Deerfield with final scores of 3-0.
Right afterwards, I headed down to Wilken Field to catch the junior varsity football game. When I arrived, the Boars were down by one touchdown, and Head Coach Jesse Minneman was yelling some inspiration at his team. “Do what you are good at doing, and remember to do your part like always!” he shouted. Listening to him cheer for Choate’s junior varsity team made me smile, suddenly proud to call Choate my school.
At 11:30, it was time for the Girls’ Varsity Soccer to take on the Emerald City and, hopefully, shine like always. As I watched from the edge of the soccer field, I was surrounded by energized members of the Choate community. At one point, as we launched into a new cheer, Deerfieldian voices rang out: “ Get a different cheer! Get a different cheer!” Right as they said that, one of their players got fouled within the box, granting the Boars a penalty kick. Kristina Schuler ’17 made an outstanding shot to win Choate a point. Shortly after, my fellow classmate Erin Martin ’20 netted an incredible side shot. At that point, I headed off to see Boys’ Varsity Soccer, but it came as no surprise when I later heard that GVS had won 5-2.
Boys’ Varsity Soccer played a captivating game at noon. I was stunned by the amount of Choate students that came to root on the sidelines. Over 150 students formed a travelling crowd of blue and gold, blowing horns and waving posters to cheer on the Boars. Ultimately, the team earned a score of 1-0.
Last but not least, I headed for the varsity football game. As always, Choate’s defense and offense were amazing, tallying a total of 44 points to Deerfield’s 20. I found that attending this game was actually the most comical part of my day — the way the two schools yelled out inventive cheers and disses was hilarious. One major factor in Choate’s spirit was the members of Boar Pen feeding cheers to the crowd while waveing and jumping around to boost our energy.
My first Deerfield Day was certainly one to remember. It was the first time I had seen so many students, parents, alumni, and faculty bonding over a mutual love for Choate.
