The last two months have been exciting on The Hill. Fall has begun and school is in full swing. Fall sports have kicked off with a significant number of students playing on the Boys Home soccer team. In addition, six students play recreation football. Between school, sports, activities and weekly chapel services, the students stay active!
Boys Home of Virginia has some big news to share, we have a new athletic name and mascot! For decades, the athletic team’s name was the Boys Home Hilltoppers. Although a good nickname, it lacked a mascot. In spring 2022, Donnie Costigan began his position as athletic and recreation director. As he was considering ways to promote student engagement and team spirit, he thought a new mascot would be the right change. He stated, “As an alumnus, I proudly wore the Boys Home Indians basketball jersey from 1990-1994. I took a lot of pride in wearing that jersey and being a Boys Home boy. I want the current students to experience that same level of excitement now and for many years to come.”
The Boys Home mascot challenge began in spring 2023. Initially, staff and students submitted ideas for consideration. Once it was narrowed down to three choices, the students went through two rounds of voting. In the final vote, Boys Home Bears won by an overwhelming majority. Boys Home worked with the agency Becker & Weaver to develop the new logos and branding elements. Executive Director Chris Doyle stated, “We could have purchased the rights to a generic bear logo, but we wanted something customized and unique to Boys Home. I am proud that the students had a voice in the process and look forward to the sense of pride they will have in being the Boys Home Bears.”
The new mascot and branding materials were revealed at a soccer pep rally at the end of August. Several students were asked about their thoughts on the new name and mascot. A current sophomore at Boys Home, Chris, stated, “I really like the new name. I always wondered, what is a Hilltopper? It’s not a good mascot. I am excited to have an animal as a mascot and look forward to seeing the costume.” A younger student in 6th grade, Dasmond, stated, “I really like the new mascot. I think his teeth make him look intimidating. My favorite mascot is the full-body one.”
Please join us in cheering on the Boys Home Bears as the soccer season continues and basketball starts in November. The current soccer schedule can be found by searching “soccer schedule” at boyshomeofva.org. Go Boys Home Bears!
Front row: Michael Miller and Chris Silvas (left/right)
Back row: Assistant Coach Marie Mason, Kenny Blackwell, Kenneth Bailey, Josh Eng, DeLeon Lee, Nevie Tingler, Kemon Lewis, Sage Custalow, Paul Voigts, Bryson Rhoades, Noe Tenke, Sedekee Koroma, John Mark Herring, Carveon Lee, Zavian Avant, Michael Donald and Head Coach Melisa Sommer (left/right)
On August 24, Boys Home kicked off the fall soccer season. The team is led by Head Coach Melisa Sommer and Assistant Coach Marie Mason. Kenny Blackwell and Jacob Freeman were selected as the team’s managers. Melisa stated, “A record number of 21 students came out for the team this season. It is a great opportunity to rebuild after three seniors graduated this past spring. The team is made up of quite a few returning players and a couple of new players. I am looking forward to a good season.”
In addition to the coaches and team managers, two students lead the players on the field. The role of team captain is shared by Kemon Lewis and Sage Custalow. Kemon stated, “We play as a team. We win as a team. The team’s strengths this season are passing and working together. There are quite a few players who practice outside of scheduled practice time to further improve.”
Please join us to cheer on the team at the next home game on Saturday, September 16 at 4:00 p.m. against Alleghany.
The schedule below is subject to change. Please call the day of the event to confirm the game is still being played.
Weekdays | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | 540.965.7700
Weekends After Hours | 540.521.4859
