Husky Pride runs deep. Homecoming Weekend at New Hampton School, highlighted by the annual Powder Keg Games against Tilton School, showcased the spirit and pride that forever characterize Husky Nation. The weekend began on Friday night with the debut of the fall play Clue: On Stage and, simultaneously, a dinner to honor the individuals set for induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday morning. Students also gathered later in the evening for a pep rally in anticipation of Saturday’s events.
The Athletic Hall of Fame
The Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony, hosted bi-annually at New Hampton School, helps to stage the importance of Powder Keg and our school’s athletic tradition. The individuals and teams honored in the ceremony have used their New Hampton experience as a launch point for successful careers as athletes and into the professional world of athletics as coaches, program leaders, and game-changers on and off the field, court, or ice. This year’s inductees included one coach, a male and female athlete, and one team as additions to the current Athletic Hall of Fame members.
Powder Keg
Powder Keg 2018 kicked off with an opening ceremony with both schools present, our mascots Harry the Husky and Rusty the Ram, and a small cannon. Tilton’s Head of School Pete Saliba fires the cannon annually to signify the start of the games.
Teams didn’t waste any time getting down to business with Women’s Varsity Field Hockey, Men’s Varsity Soccer, Varsity Mountain Biking, and JVA Soccer all beginning at once on various game fields across campus. Men’s JVB Soccer, Women’s Varsity Soccer, an Men’s Varsity Football followed after with football as the final contest. Both the Field Hockey and Football teams celebrated their senior players with a short ceremony preceding each game.
Pride and History
Throughout the day, the sidelines and concession tent were full of faces coming and going. Many people stopped for a picture of themselves with the Powder Keg, reminiscing over wins and losses over the years as marked by the small, inscribed plaques on the face of the Civil War era keg, or simply, quietly rubbing the top of the keg for good luck in the day’s games. Parents, alumni, friends and prospective families passed through to catch an event or stay for the day. The tent offered warm drinks and hot foods to fill everyone up and keep spirits high. Along the sidelines, Husky fans cheered on their peers, celebrated victories, and showcased exceptional school pride.
The crowds braved the blustery day with moments of rain, sleet, snow and strong winds, and gathered along the sidelines of Kennedy Field for the football game. After battling through some challenging games throughout the day, the Huskies finished on a high note. All teams came away victorious with the exception of Men’s JV B Soccer, who were defeated by Tilton in a close competition on Palazzi Field. With their victory over Tilton, New Hampton School retains the Powder Keg for the 7th year in a row. Additionally, Women’s Varsity Field Hockey advances to the Lakes Region Quarterfinals game on Wednesday, November 14 against Holderness School.
Alumni Hockey
The celebrations and events of Homecoming Weekend didn’t end with the Powder Keg. Following the joyous celebration on Kennedy Field, many Huskies likewise went on to support their classmates for the second night of Clue: On Stage in McEvoy Theater. Sunday morning saw the final event of Homecoming as the Alumni Hockey Games brought a crowd to Jacobson Arena. Alumni and current students gathered on the ice for a free skate, and then went on to play some hockey or watch the games. After each game, meet and greets with the teams helped to further build the connection with alumni and current students. This wrapped up a fantastic weekend for Husky Nation.
Athletic Tradition
The athletic tradition at New Hampton is strong. Our Homecoming Weekend and the Powder Keg help highlight this tradition. Though our teams and athletes are competitive and love to win, they also love to play, to cheer, to support one another, and to share their pride in the school. The alumni that return, whether as Athletic Hall of Fame inductees or simply lifelong fans, remind our students that sports are about more than the score, but the strength of character and leadership we gain through athletics that will stay with us into the future.
