The Thunder football team kicked off its season on Saturday, Sept. 4, with a 56-0 victory over the University of Northwestern (Minnesota). It was the first time spectators had been allowed inside McCully Stadium to watch the Thunder compete since the fall of 2019. The 2020 season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The game also featured some special guests during halftime. President Ryken was there to induct Mike Swider into the Wheaton Athletics Hall of Honor. Swider coached the team for 24 seasons before retiring at the end of the 2019 season. Tor the Mastodon also made an appearance on the field, supplying fans with some of the joy they missed last year.
Tommy Gallagher '22 prepares to kick the extra point for the Thunder.
Team captains meet before the game.
Senior Sam Singleton catches the touchdown pass.
Students work the concessions stand during the game.
President Ryken honors former football coach Mike Swider (1996-2019).
President Ryken honors former football coach Mike Swider, who was inducted into the Wheaton Athletics Hall of Honor.
Tor the Mastodon is led by Ryan Norbeck '23 during halftime to visit with the fans.
The running back, Giovanni Weeks '23, prepares to receive the snap from the center.
University of Northwestern (Minn.) fans traveled 6 hours to watch the Wheaton game from the sidelines.
Members of the football team huddle around head coach Jesse Scott as he calls a play in the second quarter.
The Wheaton Thunder set up for play, with junior offensive lineman Elijah Nitz (front, #69) and senior defensive lineman Robert Briones (middle, #94) in clear view.
Spectators are excited to attend the first game of the season in person.
Senior quarterback Jeremiah Tucker (middle, #3) carries the ball.
In the postgame huddle, the team, staff, and fans celebrate Wheaton's win. The Thunder will play the North Central College Cardinals on September 18 at McCully Stadium.
