HOMECOMING 2022 RECAP

Thousands of alumni, families and friends packed the Ashland University main campus, enjoying the many activities associated with Homecoming 2022, as well as the picture-perfect weather conditions – blue skies, highs in the mid-70s and a light breeze.

The long weekend kicked off with a benefit concert, “An Evening with Cathi Campo.” The niece of famed American singer/ actress Rosemary Clooney, Campo is a professional singer and accomplished in her own right. She took the audience back to the Jazz Age by singing selections from legendary composers George and Ira Gershwin.

For some, Saturday began with the traditional 5K Fun Run put on by the Department of Recreation and Wellness, while others witnessed the induction of the latest AU Hallof-Fame class – Nick Bellanco ’09, Vickie Schmitz Brake ’90, Paul Graham, Joe Horn ’10, Kibwe Johnson ’14, Jacob Petkac ’10, Carrie Ritchie, Simon West ’99 and Billy Cundiff ’09. Additional activities prior to the always-popular Pizza Pizza Pizza Fan Fest included a tour of the recently renovated Clayton Hall and a campus update from AU President Carlos Campo at the Eagles’ Nest. Local pizzerias were just part of this year’s new and improved Fan Fest, which featured food trucks, inflatables and face painting for kids.

As for the Homecoming game itself, Ashland built a 14-3 halftime lead and then answered a burst by a talented Tiffin team in the second half. After the Dragons pulled within 14-13 midway through the third quarter, the Eagles scored touchdowns on consecutive possessions for a 28-13 cushion and an eventual 28-20 victory that moved their undefeated record to 7-0.

Many fans stuck around for the 5th Quarter Celebration at Upper Convo, where they continued to revel in the win and reminisce with friends while enjoying complimentary food and music.