By TOM WILLIAMS
It is probably the biggest sports weekend of the year at Ocean City High School.
Beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday and continuing through Sunday afternoon, OCHS will bring together its alumni, present its field hockey and football teams in Carey Stadium action, celebrate Homecoming with a queen selection and a dance and then honor former players and coaches with a Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
It’s called Red & White Weekend and it is two days away.
The field hockey game (against Mainland) starts at 3 p.m. on Friday. The Raiders are currently tied with Millville in the loss column of the Cape-Atlantic League’s American Conference so the game is even more important than a typical Ocean City-Mainland game.
At 4 p.m., the Red & White Rally starts on the practice field behind the home bleachers. There will be refreshments plus face painting and giveaways. It is a chance for fans, parents and alumni to get together to support the Raiders. Susan Rumer Peifer from the Class of 1964 will be the honored alumnus and guest of honor.
At 6 p.m. OCHS alumni who are military veterans will be invited to join the football team on the Carey Stadium field during the playing of the National Anthem. The Raiders will be playing Triton Regional in a non-division crossover game in the West Jersey Football League.
At halftime of the game, the homecoming queen candidates will all be introduced by stadium announcer Tom Park and, at the conclusion, the winner will be announced.
On Saturday night, the Homecoming Dance will be held in the high school and the Red & White Social will be held at Josie Kelly’s Public House in Somers Point from 7-10 p.m. There is a $35 charge that benefits the Ocean City Education Foundation which covers a buffet. The event also features a cash bar and raffles. Visit OCNJEF,com or phone 609-425-6245 for reservations. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
Sunday at 11:30 a.m. the induction of new members into the OCHS Sports Hall of Fame will begin in the Bill & Nancy Hughes Performing Arts Center in the high school. The event is open to the public and there is no admission charge. Being inducted are Casey Beyel, Coach Gary Degenhardt, Robyn Fortsch, Joi Johnson, Jill Kozakowski, Scott Lipford, Lauren McHale, Joe Myers, Miles Schoedler, Don Tarves and the 2010 baseball team.
Following the induction ceremonies there will be a reception in the high school cafeteria that is open to the public. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door.
It’s the Red & White Weekend – this weekend – in Ocean City.