Ann Arbor, Baton Rouge, Clemson, Knoxville and Madison. The Big House, Death Valley (x 2) and Rocky Top – some of the most storied and historic venues anywhere, and home to some of the most prominent and spirited collegiate athletic programs in the country. But not on this day.
Today, Naples, Maine was where it all went down, hosting five of the most powerful and spirited universities in the country. It’s one of Skylemar’s oldest (76 years!) and most cherished traditions – Intercollegiate Day.
The Michigan Wolverines, LSU Tigers, Clemson Tigers, Tennessee Vols and Wisconsin Badgers were set to compete (by Division) in tests of skill, accuracy, quickness, agility, teamwork, song and fun. IC Day Director Nick Shep crafted an event-filled day, where participation from everyone was the standard, in some non-traditional ways. There was Newcomb and Beach Volleyball, 3v3 Blacktop Hoops, Steal the Bacon, Team Gaga, World Cup Soccer, Buoy Ball and Pickleball. Of course, classics like the Dash and the Golf Long Drive competition were most popular, with the entire camp gathering in support of their selected participants. Here’s how the day unfolded….
Just after breakfast and morning inspection, Nick called all down to the Snow Field for the official start of IC Day 2024. The first event was the much-anticipated Dash. One runner for each team with a race in each of the eight Divisions. The first two ended in photo-finishes. Congrats to the winners – Everett K and Lionel (Michigan), Luke McD and Max P (Wisconsin), Jackson (Tennessee), Alex Sw (LSU), and Clemson’s Will A and Cosme (‘the fastest man in camp”)!
Each Division then moved around to venues all over camp. From the Pickleball courts to the Fred Pierce Field and everywhere in between, points were scored and tallied for their respective teams. The action was non-stop right up until we broke for lunch, and the cheers could be heard reverberating from the Gaga Pit to the Volleyball court. Camaraderie and team spirit were the name of the game, and smiles filled the morning activities at every site.
Last night’s brief downpour had cooled us off a tiny bit, but the glorious morning gave way to another afternoon of steamy heat and humidity. So Nick adjusted the after-lunch schedule to allow for some rest and a Songs and Cheers rehearsal. The whole camp gathered together under the shade of the Rec Hall porch and Big Tree to watch the Long Drive Competition among the Seniors and Stars. Bode G (Wisconsin) flew his tee shot well past the other Seniors, and Jared R (Clemson) launched one nearly 300 yards to win the Stars Division. Then, all Divisions had a chance to rejuvenate down at the Pond until just before dinner. Waterfront Director Peter and his full lifeguard staff gave all competitors a much needed respite from the heat and allowed the magical water of Trickey Pond to do its thing. Feeling refreshed, the teams headed to dinner, then a final rehearsal before IC Day’s culminating event – Songs and Cheers.
The team leaders have actually been working for a couple of weeks in preparation for tonight’s big show, putting in countless hours after Taps for several long nights in advance. It’s not so easy to pick tunes and write fresh lyrics, and then spend just a few days teaching and rehearsing a group of boys aged 7 and up for tonight’s onstage performances. Judges LJ, Blake and Beags would have a very tough job as well, deciding which was the best. The teams were tasked with performing a set of 5 songs (Team Cheer, Camp Cheer, Team Fight Song, Old Camp Song and Original Camp Song), and that they did. One after the other, each team took the stage and impressed us all with the results of their efforts. A tough choice indeed.
The judges returned and Nick quieted the boisterous crowd. The winner of Intercollegiate Day 2024 – the Tennessee Volunteers!
