Family Weekend Returns in Full Force

Maybe it was because Family Weekend was canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the Family Weekend festivities on post held Oct. 8-10 seemed livelier than ever.

Loved ones arrived early to post from across the country on Friday and by the afternoon, parking spots were filled and the sidewalks were busy.

“That face to face contact with other families of VMI was just so awesome,” said Rob Diamond, co-president of the VMI Parents Council. “VMI is an extended family for many, and being able to socialize with families and cadets sure made things seem like they are getting back to normal.”

Photostrip of women’s soccer match and parade.

Friday afternoon, faculty had the opportunity to host cadets with their parents to talk about the academic year so far. The evening hours were filled with fan support at the women’s soccer game against the Citadel, the VMI Commanders and Glee Club joint concert in Memorial Hall, and the VMI Theatre’s production in Gillis Theater.

The theater, which is back in business after taking a break during its 50th year, presented “It’s a ‘Theatre Thing!’” on both Friday and Saturday nights, as well as Sunday afternoon. The variety of one-act plays was open to the public, with nine cadets, including five rats, making up the cast.

Collage of photos from Family Weekend football game, including Moe, cadets in stands, and football players on field.

Saturday morning was misty and cool, but that didn’t stop the parade on the Parade Ground and tailgating at McKethan Park, located about five minutes from post. Family members were also welcome in a barracks open house. The Keydet football team then put on a show for a large crowd in Foster Stadium, coming off the tough loss at the Citadel the weekend before. The skies cleared and the momentum stayed strong as the Keydets won in overtime against the Chattanooga Mocs, 37-34. Following his 37-yard field goal in overtime to win the game, redshirt sophomore Jerry Rice was named the Southern Conference Special Teams Player of the Week.

Another win of the day was the VMI men’s club rugby team, who beat VCU in a game held on North Post.

Several religious services were held on Sunday morning in Memorial Hall, followed by another women’s soccer home game against Mercer.