Wilkes Colonels hosted the homecoming game on Oct. 3 in the damp and windy cold. Alumni watched the Colonels lose against Widener with a score of 7-27.

Widener went nearly undefeated last year, finishing out the season with a record of 12-1. Wilkes came to this game off a rough loss on the road to FDU-Florham after an upset late in the game.

The game began slowly. The cold rain made it difficult, and both offenses struggled to maneuver the ball in the first half.

Widener struggled on their first drive once they came close to the end-zone. After a stop from the Wilkes defense, Widener settled for a three point field goal.

The teams punted back and forth until Widener put together a drive early in the second quarter, which resulted in a touchdown. A two yard fade pass brought the score to 10-0.

Wilkes looked alive when they threw a 51-yard pass on the beginning of their drive. Soon after, they turned over the ball, tossing the ball into the end-zone and into the hands of Widener.

Once again Wilkes pieced together a drive making it to the Widener red-zone. They turned over the ball after passing incomplete, looking for the end-zone.

Widener scored another field goal bringing the game to 13-0.

Wilkes defense put the team on the board late in the third quarter. The defense intercepted a shovel pass and returned it 29 yards for their first points of the game, the team trailing 13-7.

The game was in reach until late in the fourth quarter, when Widener scored a 27 yard pass for a touchdown. Soon after, Widener scored again, ending the game with the score of 27-7.

At halftime, a ceremony was held to honor the homecoming king and queen and two alumni. This year, everyone was encouraged to share their photos on Instagram using the hashtag: #FamilyofColonels. Alumni took pictures with a cardboard cut-out of the Instagram page hosted by WilkesUAlumni, and posted with their hashtag.

Anthony Fanucci and Kara Serfass were named the homecoming king and queen. Fanucci is a pharmacy major, and Serfass is a pre-pharmacy major.

Kevin Gryboski was honored as the homecoming guest of honor. Gryboski graduated in 1995 and is a former Atlanta Braves pitcher.

George G. Pawlush received the Ancestral Colonel Award at the game. The award recognizes accomplished athletic alumni and friends who have achieved personal and professional excellence. He is a retired hospital public relations administrator and the CT American Legion baseball committee chairman. He graduated in 1969. His wife and son are also Wilkes graduates.

The Colonels travel next weekend to Reading, Pa., to play their toughest opponent this year so far. The Albright Lions stand at 4-0, and are now ranked 25th.

The following game against Lebanon Valley College will be played at home on Oct. 24. For further information, access Gowilkesu.com.