Blue Devil pride was evident all over the campus this past weekend as Central Connecticut State University celebrated its Homecoming Weekend on Oct. 5-7.
The festivities began with the CCSU Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Thursday, followed by a trio of events on Friday. The “2023 Football & Friends “Nine & Dine” 9-Hole Golf Tournament”, “Alumni Pep Rally,” and “Alumni Reunions.”
It all culminated on Saturday with various events, including a brunch, family day, and a faculty artwork display. On Saturday night, the football team capped it all off with a Blue Devils victory in its Homecoming game against Delaware State University.
The hall of fame inductees on Thursday included tennis player Paul Arciero, ‘86, cross country and track and field coach George Kawecki, basketball player Paige (Martin) Krabill, ‘95, football player James Mallory, soccer player Jessica McCavanaugh, ‘07, and soccer player Steve Stokoe, ‘90.
The athletic department also gave out the Harrison J. Kaiser Alumni Service Award at the Hall of Fame ceremony. CCSU Athletics gives the award to an alum who has distinguished themself and the university by their accomplishments and service since graduation. The 2023 Kaiser Award recipient was Harold Crocker, ‘74.
Crocker, a CCSU football alumnus, was part of the 1973 team that went 9-1 on the season and won the Eastern Football Conference Championship. Crocker was also on the All-Conference team that season.
Saturday was game day, and it was evident that the buzz around campus, as the stands filled up, was palpable.
The marching band returned for their first homecoming performance since 2019.
The football team came to play as the Blue Devils had homecoming circled on the calendar.
“We made a list of goals, and the number one goal was ‘win homecoming,’” team captain Shayne Manson said.