Rocky Mount, N.C. - North Carolina Wesleyan celebrated its 2015 Homecoming on Saturday, and the day was full of notable highlights. USA South wins by football and women's soccer followed baseball and softball alumni games, while the Department of Athletics' annual Hall of Fame inductions wrapped up the festivities.
The day began with a ribbon cutting ceremony for baseball's new clubhouse adjacent to Bauer Field, which features a lockerroom, lounge, study area, and a variety of artifacts from the college's most storied program. Former assistant coach Ernie Jones was on hand for the event, and the Bishop alum was later surprised to learn that his #8 jersey has been retired by the NCW baseball program.
Following baseball and softball alumni games at Bauer and Edge Fields, football and women's soccer each kicked off what would prove to be key USA South wins for both squads.
Out at Bishop Stadium, freshman Adrian Minondo rushed for 134 yards and four touchdowns to help NCW post a 61-36 win over Greensboro College. The Bishops, who scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, saw senior quarterback Dustin Midgett pass for a program-record 412 yards and three TDs. Malik Adams caught nine passes for 144 yards and a pair of scores, while sophomore Anthony Janezic led the defensive effort with seven tackles, one sack, and an interception.
Back on campus, women's soccer won its third straight contest with a 4-0 thumping of Huntingdon. Junior Logan Bill netted her third gamewinning goal of the season in the 9th minute off a Julia Rebellon assist. Goals by Hannah Tolson and Marissa Aguilar made it 3-0 Bishops at the half, while Bill returned the favor by assisting Rebellon on the only goal of the second half. NCW keepers Vanessa Batchelor and Ashley Major made two saves each to secure the shutout.
On the men's side, a goal by Caetano Viegas off a Thorfinnur Thorfinsson corner knotted the score at 1-1 at the break, but the Hawks would get the go-ahead score in the 59th minute and hold on for the 2-1 upset.
Several staff members and friends of the College then made their way over to the Dunn Center to attend the annual Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony. Cross country star Wallace Johnson, women's soccer All-American Alexa Kapetanakis, and men's soccer teammates Taher Husain and Shamil Salah were officially inducted, putting a fitting end to a great weekend across campus.
On behalf of the Department of Athletics, we offer congratulations to all of our victorious teams and award winners during our 2015 Homecoming!
* A special thanks is extended to faculty members Drs. Carl and Jackie Lewis for their photography work over the weekend. To view photos from all of the events mentioned above, please visit http://www.ncwcsports.com/photography/index.