Aug. 27, 2014

WASHINGTON - The Georgetown University Department of Athletics hosted its inaugural Welcome Back Event for more than 700 current student-athletes at Multi-Sport Field on Wednesday evening. The event featured games, a photo opportunity as well as speakers to welcome the group back to the Hilltop.

The beginning of the event was a photo shoot featuring the student-athletes marking one of the first time in recent history that almost the entire group was photographed together. The cheerleaders led the way as the teams spelled out Hoyas on the field and did chants with Jack the Bulldog to get ready for the new school year.

Director of Intercollegiate Athletic Lee Reed welcomed the student-athletes back and introduced University President John J. DeGioia, a former student-athlete himself, who spoke on what it means to represent Georgetown in competition.

"One of the greatest honors that we can have as members of this community is to wear the Blue & Gray in competition in intercollegiate athletics," DeGioia said. "You all have this honor. Let's show the world just what it means to wear the Blue & Gray."

DeGioia was followed by the Vice President for Mission and Ministry Rev. Kevin F. O'Brien, S.J. who reminded the student-athletes how their play on the field goes back to the Jesuit mission.

"In this context of a Jesuit education, there is a firm belief that we can find God in all things," said O'Brien. "Religious stuff and spiritual stuff is not just meant for chapels and prayer rooms. It happens anywhere you are, because each person is made in the image of God."

He reminded the group of the story behind Chariots of Fire, quoting a key scene in the movie.

"God made me for a purpose, God also made me fast, and when I run, I feel God's pleasure."

Closing out the speakers was the introduction of the officers of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. President and senior Emily Hall (Potomac, Md./Winston Churchill) from the women's swim team encouraged the student-athletes to support one another throughout the year.

"You always think of your team as your brothers and sister away from home and it's time for us to start thinking of Georgetown Athletics as an extended family."

The band and cheerleaders performed the fight song to conclude the program and begin the ice cream social.