2025 Football Reunion
Football Reunion
This Garnet Weekend marked a historic first for Swarthmore, as football alumni, fans, and supporters returned to campus for a special Football Reunion honoring the legacy of the Swarthmore football program. Throughout the weekend, more than 100 attendees reconnected over stories and shared memories from their playing days, reflecting on what the program meant to them, including the often complex emotions surrounding its conclusion.
Festivities began Friday evening in Singer Hall with music, conversation, and reconnection. The following afternoon, attendees gathered for lunch and a narrated presentation of films and photographs produced by Jim Weber ’84, highlighting memorable moments in Swarthmore football history. A lively panel discussion followed, featuring Harvey Buek ’63, Gil Brooks ’79, and Jeff Leiser ’86, with Jim Weber ’84 serving as moderator.
Reunion participants continued their celebration at the annual Garnet Tailgate, then paraded onto Clothier Field to be honored during halftime of the men’s soccer game. Cheered on by Garnet fans, alumni, parents, and friends, this recognition marked both an emotional and celebratory moment in the continuing story of Swarthmore football.
The evening concluded with a reception and dinner in Kemp Family Commons, where attendees shared a toast to Swarthmore football before hearing remarks from Honorary Reunion Chair Neil Austrian ’61, Director of Athletics Brad Koch, and President Val Smith. As the night came to an end, there was a sense that Swarthmore football lives on in the lifelong friendships, memories, and shared experiences that bind generations of players together.
