By: Draven Dabrowski
Sports Columnist
“Homecoming and Family Weekend” brought plenty of excitement as the Owls returned to action across multiple sports while also recognizing an important figure in the university’s athletic history.
The university’s football team gave the Homecoming alumni crowd plenty to celebrate. On Saturday, Oct. 10, they defeated Monroe University 35-28 at Jess Dow Field in front of 3,377 fans.
The Owls overcame a 14 point second half deficit, scoring 21 unanswered points to secure the victory.
Running back John Amaning, a graduate, led the offense with 146 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries.
Monroe took control early, building a 14-0 lead in the first quarter before Amaning scored the Owl’s first touchdown. The Mustangs entered halftime ahead 21-7 and later extended their advantage to 28-14 in the third quarter.
The owls responded with 21 consecutive points, beginning with Amaning’s third touchdown late in the third quarter.
Quarterback Brandon Jorgensen, a graduate, connected with wide receiver Andres Perez, a sophomore, for a 31-yard touchdown with 6:38 remaining in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 28. Perez finished with nine receptions for 132 yards, while Jorgensen completed 16 of 19 passes for 186 yards.
Defensive back Emeka Yearwood, a freshman, intercepted the Mustangs on its following possession, giving the team an opportunity to take its first lead. Jorgensen capitalized with a one-yard rushing touchdown with 2:57 remaining.
Yearwood also recorded nine tackles, helping the Owl’s defense hold Monroe scoreless throughout the fourth quarter.
The Owls return to NE10 Conference play Saturday, Oct. 17, when they host Assumption University at 2 p.m.
During “Homecoming and Family Weekend,” the university honored the legacy of former Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Head Coach Tim Quill with a scoreboard dedication at Bruce Hutchinson Natatorium on Friday, Oct. 9.
Quill, who died in February at age 58, spent 28 years leading the university’s swimming and diving programs, establishing one of the most successful coaching careers in university history.
During his tenure, the university captured 34 NE10 Conference championships and produced 121 NCAA All-America selections. Quill also coached 13 individual national champions and earned NE10 Coach of the Year honors 28 times.
His influence extended beyond the program’s competitive success. Quill was recognized for his commitment to developing student athletes and establishing a culture centered on discipline, accountability and mentorship.
The scoreboard dedication recognizes his contributions to the university and preserves his legacy at the natatorium where his teams competed for nearly three decades.
Meanwhile, the university’s Men’s Soccer team experienced a difficult Saturday, Oct. 10 afternoon, falling 6-0 to Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire.
The loss dropped the Owls to 3-3-5 on the season, while Southern New Hampshire improved to 10-0-3.
The Owls managed five shots throughout the contest, with four reaching the goal. Winger Izan Vila, a freshman, Kasper Murzinski, a junior, Midfielder Gísli Ágústsson, a freshman, and Midfielder Alessandro Bacabac, a sophomore, each recorded a shot on goal.
Goalkeeper Diego Flores, a sophomore, played all 90 minutes and finished with two saves as the Owls struggled to contain Southern New Hampshire’s offense.
With the “Homecoming and Family Weekend” concluded, the universities fall programs turn their attention toward upcoming conference matchups and the remainder of their regular-season schedules.
