Ann Arbor, MI… Knoxville, TN… Madison, WI and Charlottesville, VA – homes to four of the most prestigious state universities in the nation. Today, all were well-represented in Skylemar’s 78th edition of our Intercollegiate Day.
If the temp for this competitive day had begun to rise with yesterday’s 5K Relay and Boat Races, Mother Nature stepped in to cook us up a bit more. After the usual morning routine, IC Day Marshall Nick Shep called the Michigan Wolverines, Tennessee Vols, Wisconsin Badgers and Virginia Cavaliers down to the Snow Field for the official start of this time-honored tradition. Nick explained how the day would work, with each of six Divisions competing in 6 uniquely formatted team events. Only the Dash and the Seniors/Stars Long Drive competition would have a select few individuals represent their schools. Then, for Evening Activity, each university would take the Skylemar stage to perform a set of Songs & Cheers with the entire day’s results producing the eventual winner of IC Day 2025.
And the Dash started us off in front of a raucous crowd supporting each of their sprinters. Winners included Wisconsin’s Bodhi, Max R and Max P, while Tennessee’s Lionel and Alex Sw also impressed with blazing runs to the finish line. In the oldest Division, Nabil (Virginia) ran away from the pack to claim the podium’s top spot as the “fastest man in camp”.
After the Dash, each Division begun a rotation through their 6 activities for the day, with a midday break for lunch. The morning vibe was electric, with fun-filled excitement at every venue.
In the afternoon, all gathered in front of the Rec Hall only to be “wowed” by the majestic drive that won it by Wisconsin’s Matthew R. Off to another Songs & Cheers rehearsal (the boys have been practicing for 3 days) and some rest, before attacking the afternoon activities with refreshed energy. It seemed unlikely on such a hot, steamy day, but the rousing school spirit continued to build for each team as the day went on, and the yelling and cheering, hugs and high fives were non-stop throughout. Of course, it helped that the 90’ Skyleslide as well as Snow Cones were available to all participants as they moved in and around the various activities all afternoon. The events were not only competitive, but most importantly as was heard all day, lots of fun. Here’s a rundown:
The little guys (10U) favorite, Steal the Bacon, contested though in all 6 Divisions. Clearly, the older guys really miss the game based on their enthusiastic play. As in all the other contests, each “sport” was bracketed with a semifinal and final to determine the winners.
Blacktop Hoops felt like a Final Four in each Division, with highly competitive basketball action in 4 on 4 and 5 on 5 play. Buoy Ball, another Skylemar favorite, had the boys competing on the Middle Diamond and Fred Pierce Field, and seemed to generate the most noise as runs were scored with each swing of the (buoy) bat. There was a Gaga tourney, using both sandpits, and Volleyball too (Newcomb for the youngest group). Finally, World Cup Soccer provided some of the closest, most exciting matches of the day. Best of all, each and every camper participated in all 6 events – now that’s really something!
When the daytime activities had ended, the score was so close that all 4 teams had a legitimate shot to win it all. Exactly 50% of the scoring remained for tonight’s Songs and Cheers, as everything thus far accounted for the other half.
The counselor team leaders have been writing original songs and cheers since late June when camp began, but that’s only a small part of how much they put into tonight’s performance. They not only write the songs, but they have to somehow teach the words and tunes to their boys, all with just a few total hours of practice. It’s a monumental task. The late-night hours of collaboration and creativity leading up to this night seem impossible – yet for 78 years, they get it done!
And they did it again. Under a beautiful Maine sky, each collegiate team took the outdoor Rec Hall stage to perform five songs: Team Fight Song, Original Team Cheer, Camp Cheer, Old Camp Song, and an Original Camp Song. The performances were a treat for all, and the spectators and entire Skylemar community responded with heartfelt applause and appreciation for what was presented. Each state university represented today would be proud of all the boys for a fantastic competitive atmosphere filled with teamwork, sportsmanship and fun.
And the 2025 Intercollegiate Day winner is …. the University of Tennessee Volunteers!
