Story and Gallery by Janelle Clausen
Staff Writer

Over 12,000 people barred the cold for Homecoming in Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium Saturday, making it the most attended football game in the stadium’s history.

While the Seawolves started strong, scoring 14 in the first two quarters, Towson made a strong comeback. A fumble led to the Tigers possessing the ball and racing it down the field. Thereafter, they retained a strong defense and scored three times. Stony Brook’s last opportunity to score and tie the game, with fifty seconds left in the final quarter, ultimately failed. They lost 21-14.

This was the third loss in a row for Stony Brook football- and clearly not the charm.

Amid the sea of red Stony Brook attire and jackets, some students had painted themselves red. Little kids took front row to catch the action. One student, meanwhile, held up a sign calling the Towson Tigers the “runt of the litter.”

A few people cuddled together in a blanket and the cheerleaders, clad in skirts, shivered as the game went on. They nonetheless braved the chilling breeze, supporting the team throughout the game and performing during half-time along with the Stony Brook Dance Team and field-spanning Spirit of Stony Brook Marching Band. Among the pieces performed were Stony Brook’s old anthem.

But it proved to be a good night for Valli Lakshmanan and Ruchi Shah, who were crowned homecoming king and queen. Lakshmanan and Shah were honored for their involvement on campus and contributions to the Stony Brook community. The rest of the homecoming court was also thanked for their contributions to the academic body.

The likes of Dr. Charles Ryan and New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie were also honored for their achievements with the Distinguished Alumni Award from Stony Brook University.