Forever Bulldogs

When the Annual Alumni Games first began over 20 years ago at ICSB, there were only two games. Before volleyball and soccer were added in recent years, the Alumni Games consisted of back-to-back Basketball Games, in which each varsity team played the alumni. It has been a joy to see this Alumni "homecoming" grow into a multisport event with growing participation each year, this one being no exception. It's especially exhilarating to see an increase in turnout for the newer volleyball and soccer games, despite the latter being held off campus.

Morning Goals

Football, also known as soccer, was added to the Alumni Games four years ago. This school year's event kicked off with a co-ed morning match at DNS. So many alumni showed up that the coaches and alumni staff ended up playing with the varsity team instead of the alumni, which had been the case in previous years. The two teams played for an hour and a half, the time equivalent of two Danube Valley Athletic Conference (DVAC) Games. It was a close and exciting matchup with the combined Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer team beating the Alumni 3-1 in the first half, or game, while the Alumni won the second stretch of playing time 4-1. Both sides played well, and our community as a whole did its part, too, with bleachers packed with friends and family showing up in support of this newer addition to the itinerary.

 

 

Alumni Approach

After years of people forming impromptu volleyball scrimmages following previous Alumni Basketball games, Volleyball was officially added as a planned portion of the event, along with soccer, in 2022.

Following a short lunch break, the games picked back up indoors, moving to ICSB, where alumni were greeted in a more official capacity with a snack lounge, available campus tours, old friends and teachers waiting to hear all about what they had been up to, and, of course, current varsity teams ready to play ball. Thus, the stage was set for two high-energy volleyball games. Both of our Varsity teams delivered dominant performances. The Varsity Girls volleyball team came out strong and maintained their momentum throughout, winning their match against the alumni 2–0.

 

 

The Varsity Boys followed suit, delivering powerful serves and solid teamwork to also claim a 2–0 victory in straight sets. The gym was buzzing with excitement as students, families, and alumni cheered on both current and forever bulldogs, celebrating impressive plays and sportsmanship all around.

 

 

Buckets and Bulldogs

Finally, the gym was reset, players prepared, and the gym was abuzz for the last two match-ups of the day in the longest-running sport event of the Alumni Games, basketball. Both varsity teams kept the winning streak alive. On the basketball court, The Varsity Girls took control early in their game and held a steady lead to secure a solid 38–22 win over the alumni.

 

 

The Varsity Boys game was a nailbiter. A close game ending in dramatic fashion as the Varisty boys clinched a 37–35 victory in overtime after an exciting, hard-fought battle. 

 

 

From the first kick on the pitch to the final seconds on the clock above the court, the Alumni Games were filled with fun competition, reconnections, and lots of school spirit—showcasing the fact that once a student, staff, or parent becomes a bulldog, they will forever be a bulldog.