Centenary Lights Up Anderson Field Once Again

Centenary University’s Wrestling Team, Student Government Activities (SGA), and The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted the annual Bonfire located on Anderson Field on Friday, Oct. 10th, from 8 - 11 pm. 

The event was filled with fun activities for students, including a tug of war competition! There were many rounds of the game, including various winners: 

1st round: Freshmen won against Sophomores. 

2nd round: Juniors won against Seniors. 

3rd round: Freshmen won against Juniors. 

4th round: The Wrestling Team won against Sussex Football. 

5th round: The Wrestling Team won against the Hackettstown Fire Department. 

“When I was the SAAC rep, the wrestling team partnered with the SGA and campus life to create an event to bring everyone together,” said John Garriques, the Director of Wrestling and the Head Coach. “The event has become a tradition, one that everyone looks forward to, which also marks the start of our wrestling season.” 

Many students attended this popular event, probably due to the free pizza, sandwiches, and s’mores (provided by EOP). Additionally, the Evergreen Club sold multiple delicious baked goods, including brownies, cupcakes, and dulce de leche empanadas.

“I had a great time,” said Caprice Copeland, a sophomore criminal justice major. “I got to make s'mores and watch my best friend perform a stroll. The fire was so cool to see, and it was huge.” 

The fire was ginormous! Check out the accompanying pix. The Hackettstown Fire Department built the fire with multiple huge planks of wood. The firefighters remained on site to contain the fire and protect all the students who attended.

There is quite a process to approve such a large bonfire to happen on campus, according to Garriques.

“SGA contacts the Hackettstown Fire Department and gets a permit, and I have to contact the US Forest Service to get a special permit for a bonfire,” said Garriques. “Once we have all the permits, we are permitted to have a bonfire, which the Fire Department ignites.”

Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority, Inc. and Omega Rho Fraternity both performed a stroll, a dance that multicultural sororities and fraternities perform to showcase their cultures, and they both did a phenomenal job doing so! 

A very popular guest at the bonfire, our very own President Dale Caldwell. He walked around taking selfies with those who attended, including our editor-in-chief, Alexis d’Ambly, and staff writer Carmella Vitel. 

Overall, this event was a huge success! This event is always popular among Centenary University students because it is filled with laughter, good food, and great vibes!