Filled with fervor and excitement, Peddie Falcons woke up early on Saturday, November 4, to participate in the 120th annual Blair Day. Whether competing or cheering, participating in this rivalry is a hallmark of any Peddie student’s experience.
This momentous day was preceded by a week full of lively spirits. Peddie students paraded around in their school pride by dressing up for each of the spirit days: Pajama Day, Halloween, Decades Day, Farmer Day and Blue and Gold Day. Blair Week transformed Peddie’s campus into a blue and gold oasis filled with school spirit and community. The halls were decorated. The sidewalks were chalked. The banners were hung. On Friday, Chapel was a sea of blue and gold where students came together and got pumped for Blair Day. This was the first time Blair Day Chapel had been held in the Chapel in four years. The annual pep rally was filled with fan-favorite team performances and annual competitions to build excitement around the day to come. Friday ended with the bonfire, where Peddie’s swim team continued their tradition of running around the fire in uniform.
On Saturday morning, Falcons made the journey to Blairstown on team buses or fan buses to compete or show their support for their friends and classmates. Peddie students arrived at Blair decked out in blue and gold (mainly the Peddie pajama pants) with their cowbells and pom-poms in hand. Students were greeted by the friendly faces of Peddie parents, faculty and alumni at the Peddie tent as soon as they stepped foot on campus. This tent was the home base for students all day and provided them with all-you-can-eat food, drinks and desserts.
The morning began with Girls JV Tennis. Both Girls Varsity and JV Tennis dominated the courts with 6-1 and 5-0 wins respectively. Girls Varsity and JV Field Hockey played hard until the last minute but lost in the end. The JV Girls Soccer game resulted in an incredible win where Peddie students stormed the fields to chant the Ala Viva and celebrate the victory of this team. Peddie students cheered on every runner as they were approaching the finish line. Both boys and girls cross country won their races. The cross country team waved their Peddie flags victoriously during their final lap. Both Varsity Soccer teams battled fiercely until the end but lost in close games. Boys JV Soccer was cheered on by crowds of students in blue and gold and tied in the end. The day ended with the football game, which was a nail-biter. The crowds cheered vigorously until the very last second. The team played hard but lost 14-0 in the end.
The day resulted in a tie, meaning the Kelley-Potter Cup will be shared throughout the year. The Cup will spend the first half of the year in Blairstown and the second half (in its rightful home) in Hightstown. In the end, Peddie students ran onto the field for one final Ala Viva.
Every year, Blair Day brings out the best in the Peddie community: the spirit, unity, resilience and excitement. Win, lose or tie, every Blair Day, Peddie’s spirit prevails.
