Bears Take the Turf for 60th Homecoming Game
The Fall of 1960 brought several changes to the Bridgewater college campus.
In September of that year, Pope and Scott Halls opened and the school transitioned from the Bridgewater State Teachers College to Bridgewater State College.
The name change, in particular, not only recognized the growing scope of the curriculum and the desire of a majority of students wanting to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree instead of the Bachelor of Education degree, it also marked the return of a formal football program. This, 30 years after the last time the Bears took to the field.
Under head coach Edward Swenson (yes, he of the field’s name), that season’s November 11 game was designated the First Annual Homecoming and it was a central part of the college’s inaugural Homecoming Weekend, with festivities that included a parade followed by an afternoon of the greatest show on turf. Not quite like today’s Homecoming celebration, but the first, nontheless.
Unfortunately the Bears were defeated by the Brown University Freshman, 32-0. Homecoming number two in 1961 saw a solid victory over Nichols College, not to mention the production of a much more upscale game program.
The very first Homecoming didn’t see a victory or have much of a printed program, but 1961’s game was not only a solid win (Bears 20 – Nichols College 0), but it produced this awesome vintage piece.
Of the 60 years the Bears have taken to the gridiron for a Homecoming challenge, Head Coach Joe Verria, ’81, has played in (1976-1979) or coached (1988 to present) 46 of them. He took the helm of the club back in 2016. But then he learned from the best, Peter Mazzaferro, head coach from 1968-2004 and the most successful football coach in Bridgewater State’s history.
Verria not only played under Mazz, but starting in 1988 in the role of defensive coordinator, he contributed mightily to the legendary coach’s success. Coach “Mazz” led the Bears to 2 NCAA D-III National Tournament appearances, 8 NEFC League Championships, 3 MASCAC Championships and 2 ECAC Postseason appearances. With an overall coaching record of 209-157-11, Mazz is the 57th winningest coach in NCAA College Football history and is regarded as one of the greatest Division III college football coaches of all time.
It is early in the 2021 BSU Bears football season, but Coach Verria has great faith in this team. The cancellation of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 and losses in the first two games of this season has not dimmed Coach’s or the player’s enthusiasm. Quoted in a recent Brockton Enterprise story, Coach Verria is feeling optimistic. He said, “We have the talent in the room to win a championship, but it’s going to depend on how we grow as a team and how we get better.”
Homecoming’s game against Westfield State will mark the 7th in the 2021 season, with challengers UMass-Dartmouth, Framingham State and the 42nd Annual Cranberry Bowl against Mass. Maritime yet to come.
But enough about football (as if that’s possible).
Are you ready for Homecoming?
It is going to be over the top. Among many events, Friday, October 22, 2021, kicks-off with Golden and 50th Reunion get togethers, a “Walk Down Memory Lane,” inductions into the Athletics Hall of Fame and an all new Welcome Home Party.
Saturday, October 23, 2021, includes the Alumni Champagne (and Bloody Mary) Brunch, the new 70’s Decades BBQ at the Citizens Club, then off to the ever popular Rathskeller Tent and Football Game, followed by your choice of evening events: the Bear Bash featuring Jim Plunkett or the Homecoming After Party at Barrett’s with food, drinks, DJ and door prizes.
Below, find a complete agenda for the weekend, with links to individual events. (Even if the event is free, registration is required and we request the names and emails of all attendees in the event tracking measures are necessary.) In addition to single event ticket purchase options, weekend, as well as single Friday or Saturday packages are also available.
From here click on Friday and/or Saturday to select individual events or scroll down and consider one of four Special Packages:
Homecoming Day Pass 1
($85: Alumni Brunch, Rathskeller Tent, and the Bear Bash featuring Jim Plunkett);
Homecoming Day Pass 2
($85: Alumni Brunch, Rathskeller Tent, and the Homecoming After Party at Barrett’s Alehouse);
Party Pass
($65: Rathskeller Tent, Bear Bash ft. Jim Plunkett, and the Homecoming After Party at Barrett’s Alehouse); or
50th Reunion Weekend Pass
($150: 50th Reunion “Walk Down Memory Lane,” 50th Reunion Dinner, Alumni Brunch, 70s Decade Party, Rathskeller Tent and Bear Bash featuring Jim Plunkett).
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2021
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Golden Reunion
Dunn Conference Suite, BSU Campus
$35 (Reserve & Purchase)
All alumni who graduated over 50 years ago are invited to join us for a luncheon buffet and learn the latest updates about the University.
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
50th Reunion “Walk Down Memory Lane”
Horace Mann Auditorium, BSU Campus
FREE (Reserve)
50th reunion classes (1970 & 1971) are invited to reunite and reminisce about their time at Bridgewater with their guest host, David Wilson, ’71. Check out the complete schedule of 50th Reunion events and our package pricing.
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
50th Reunion Reception & Dinner
Dunn Conference Suite, BSU Campus
$60 (Reserve & Purchase)
Classes of 1970 and 1971 are invited for appetizers and a dinner buffet to reconnect with their fellow Bridgewater graduates. Cash bar.
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Athletics Hall of Fame
Rondileau Student Union Ballroom, BSU Campus
$50 (Reserve & Purchase)
The Bridgewater State University Athletics and Recreation staff will host the induction of the 24th class to be enshrined into the BSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Welcome Home Party
Greyhound Tavern – 39 Broad St., Bridgewater
FREE (Reserve)
Getting into town on Friday night? Swing by Greyhound Tavern (formerly Tony’s Cantina/ Larry’s at 39 Broad Street, Bridgewater) to enjoy some live music featuring John Balutis, ’92, and some special treats.