Rival Williams Defeats Wesleyan by Two Before Huge Homecoming Crowd

The Wesleyan University Cardinals lost by just two points today in a tough gridiron matchup with rival Williams College before a huge homecoming crowd at Andrus Field.

The football game was a classic nail-biter which saw Wesleyan ahead by one in the third quarter and within within scoring distance at the start of the fourth. But the Williams defense proved too strong and the Red Birds were unable to come back after trailing by two points in the last minutes of the fourth quarter.

There was a crowd tailgaiting at the foot of Foss Hill, enjoying the beautiful blue skies and crisp air, in the wake of a freak snowstorm that knocked out as many as 94 percent of residents' power in the city.

The Cardinals had high hopes going into homecoming Saturday, with a 3-3 record, as they took on the Purple Cows. At halftime, the score was 14 Wesleyan, 16 Williams. With 4:48 remaining in the final quarter, the Ephs kicked a field goal and the Red Birds never recovered. Wes is now 3-4.

Running Back Shea Dwyer '10, the second Wesleyan player to receive the distinction of Gagliardi Trophy finalist and one of Wesleyan's all-time leading rushers, was in the stands watching the game and stopped into the broadcasting booth.

Dwyer set records for rushing yards in a game (255) vs. Colby College and in a season, 1,242. He was finalist for National Player of the Year in 2010.

Also in the crowd was onetime Wes star fullback David Revinaugh of the legendary undefeated 1969 football team. He was later joined President Michael Roth and Community Health Center CEO Mark Masselli, chatting on the sidelines after the game. While Roth was disappointed by the outcome, he said he was impressed by the homecoming turnout, one of the largest in recent years.

The next Cardinals game is Nov. 12 at noon at Trinity College.

See the remaining Wesleyan Homecoming events here.

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