The SPSG Varsity Soccer team was the first to take the field, kicking off at 6:00 p.m. as the sun began to set. What followed was a masterclass under the lights. The team dominated from start to finish, securing a commanding 10–0 victory. With every goal, the field lights danced and dazzled. The lights illuminated a performance that set the tone for an unforgettable night at St. Paul’s.
Samara Joseph ’27
“Playing in Friday Night Lights was such a hype and very exciting experience. Everyone was so energetic, and it felt really special to play in front of so many students and teachers. Everyone was cheering and supporting us, which made the game feel really united and brought so much school spirit. The student section definitely made a difference because hearing everyone cheer pushed us to play harder and made the whole experience even more fun.”
Charleston Caruso ’27
“Playing Friday under the lights is the most hype game of the season. The student section really brings the fun and excitement with their chirps and cheers, so the bigger the section the hyper we get. It is just a totally different experience than playing any regular game, so we look forward to it from the beginning of the season.”
The Crusaders would follow SPSG’s lead with a nail-biting 1–0 win. The night was set with tension after a scoreless first half and a restless student section. That tension was broken by junior Dario Baldi, who scored with two minutes left in the second half, leading yet another win under the lights.
These nights were made possible by the generosity of St. Paul’s alumni, whose $795,000 donation funded the installation of new stadium lights at Tullai Field and Levering Field. Through the generosity of alumni and the enthusiasm of the St. Paul’s community, the new lights represent more than an upgraded athletic facility. They created a setting where school pride shines just as brightly as the competition itself.
The Voice sat down with a few alumni before the Varsity Football FNL game to hear their thoughts on the new stadium lights and discuss what night games mean to them and the community.
Don Obrecht ’78
Obrecht played football for the Crusaders during his time at St. Paul’s.
So, what does it mean to you to see the St. Paul’s community come together under the lights?
Obrecht talked about his time teaching in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the atmosphere that the night games would create.
“Down there every Friday night, the stands would be packed with 5,000 people. You knew you were on your way. All over Tennessee, children would be running all over campus, hitting the concession stands, the smell of hot dogs in the air. There would be fields full of tailgaters. And it would be a really... community-binding experience.”
Tim Burdett ’80
Burdett also played football for the Crusaders, and his son graduated from St. Paul’s in 2019.
“Being able to do it at night or on a Friday just makes it a little bit more festive. And hopefully this is the first of many. It seems like there’s just a couple games this year, maybe testing it out.”
“As a former athlete, I think it’s even cooler when you can do it around the sporting event under lights. I played football here. Awesome.”
Current senior Brayden Jardell ’27 agreed with Burdett.
“It’s a really cool environment and I hope all sports get a chance to play under the lights. The atmosphere was exhilarating with all the students there from both schools.”
What song should play after every St. Paul’s touchdown?
Obrecht ’78 couldn’t answer, since his picks came before the student body’s time. After some thought, Burdett ’80 answered with “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses.
As a St. Paul’s community, we would like to thank these alumni and many more for their contribution to our wonderful campus.
St. Paul’s, what song should they play after every goal scored?