WRSU Makes Station History in Unforgettable Rutgers Homecoming Weekend
WRSU's team takes part in the annual Homecoming Bed Races down Sicard Street on October 20, 2024. (Staff photo)
Scarlet spirit filled the air as Rutgers welcomed thousands of Scarlet Knights to campus for an eventful Homecoming and Family Weekend. From October 17-20, students, parents and alumni gathered to partake in festivities and cheer on the Rutgers football team as they faced UCLA in a Big Ten matchup.
The festivities began on Thursday, October 17 when RUPA hosted its annual Bed Races. Students raced down Sicard Street for charity in front of a massive turnout of students and staff. Participating teams donated almost 13,000 toys to Lincoln Elementary School.
For the first time in station history, WRSU had the opportunity to participate in the renowned event. Entertainment Director Alexis Bonilla — who coordinated WRSU’s retro radio bed design — lay atop the wheeled bunk, while General Manager Johannes Stoeber and sports department members Max Sanchez and Woody Silverstein pushed it. Although Team WRSU won their first race, they did not qualify for the next round, finishing outside of the top eight.
It also marked the first time that WRSU broadcasted the Bed Races live on air. Sports Director Eddie Kalegi handled play-by-play duties alongside broadcasters Phil Jaccoma and Brandon Bachleda. Listen to their historic call here:
Through the evening, Assistant Sports Director Jess Buckley and WRSU news reporters interviewed racers and fans, while WRSU’s Visual Media Director Evan Leong captured social media content with the Promotions and Visual Media departments.
The Bed Races weren’t the only Homecoming festivity WRSU took part in. Two days later, WRSU broadcasted from the scene as the Rutgers Scarlet Knights suffered a Homecoming defeat to the struggling UCLA Bruins. Though Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis passed for a season-high 287 yards, the Knights struggled to keep Bruins quarterback Ethan Garbers out of the end zone, allowing him to score five touchdowns for UCLA. Jaccoma and fellow sportscaster Frankie Palumbo handled play-by-play duties for WRSU.
Despite the loss, the environment at Rutgers’ Busch campus was electric. When the university honored legendary alumnus Paul Robeson in a mural unveiling, the crowd burst into a smattering of applause. WRSU reporter and photographer Julia Persad captured the scene.
Before the game, Persad spoke with Rutgers students and alumni about their anticipation for the Homecoming matchup. Listen to her story here:
–Evan Leong