Homecoming 2025 at Delbarton brought together students, alumni, families, faculty, and friends for a weekend of tradition, celebration, remembrance, and community spirit — culminating in an energetic matchup on the gridiron, even if the outcome wasn’t what the Green Wave had hoped for.
A Preview of the Weekend
In the days leading up to Homecoming, the Delbarton community prepared for a full slate of events designed to reconnect, celebrate achievements, and build new memories.
Thursday, September 18 — The Homecoming Golf Outing at Fox Hollow Golf Club in Branchburg, NJ kicked off the weekend. Alumni and friends hit the links, networked, and enjoyed a cocktail reception and awards ceremony.
Friday, September 19 — The spotlight turned to the Hall of Honor Cocktail Reception, held in the Fine Arts Center, featuring alumni honorees Ned Crotty ’05, Greg Devine, and John Tonzola ’95. Festivities began at 6:30 PM.
Saturday, September 20 — A jam-packed day of events:
At 9:00 AM: Cross Country Course Dedication & Fun Run/Walk, introducing a newly installed course.
10:00 AM: Alumni Soccer Game on Ryan Field.
11:00 AM: Memorial Mass at Spada Commons in St. Benedict Hall, honoring those in Delbarton’s legacy.
1:00 PM: The Varsity Football Game on Regan Field — the official Homecoming contest against St. Peter’s Prep.
Afternoon & Evening: Reunion gatherings, class photo opportunities (especially for reunion classes ending in 0 or 5), and an All‑Alumni Reception under a tent. Golden Green Wave alumni (50+ years) received special seating in the Van Rooyen Room at Pizzo Family Field House.
In short: the weekend offered something for everyone — from athletic competition to quiet reflection, from celebration of legacy to welcoming new faces.
Highlights Beyond the Field
Several moments stood out over the weekend:
Reconnecting Through Reunion: Reunion classes (especially those ending in 0 and 5) had dedicated gatherings in the Senior Garden, capturing the sense of continuity and history that Homecoming fosters.
Alumni Events: The Hall of Honor reception recognized distinguished graduates whose achievements keep the Long Green Line strong.
New Traditions: The Cross Country Course dedication & fun run/walk was a welcomed addition to the weekend lineup.
Faith & Memory: The Memorial Mass allowed the community to pause, reflect, and honor those who helped shape Delbarton’s story.
These off-field moments are often just as meaningful as the game itself — they help bring newer students into the fold and remind alumni why they came “home.”
Reflections & Looking Ahead
As Delbarton turns its focus to the weeks ahead, a few takeaways stand out:
The game result is a tough one to swallow, but it does not diminish the sense of unity felt over the weekend.
The inclusion of new events like the fun run signals a willingness to evolve traditions while maintaining Delbarton’s core identity.
Alumni engagement remains strong, especially through the Hall of Honor and reunion programs.
Even in defeat, the Green Wave showed flashes of promise (e.g. Irby-Mason’s running, the Gilardi–Van Raaphorst connection).
Delbarton Homecoming 2025 may not be remembered for a victorious scoreline, but it will be remembered as a weekend when the bonds of community, tradition, and pride took center stage — and that, in many ways, is what Homecoming is truly about.