By Riker Napoleone’27
Nothing says Gunn like a friendly rivalry. Throughout the year, the school battles with local prep school rival Canterbury School for the Canterbury-Gunn Cup. Athletes obsess over the Cup, hoping the Athletic Director Mr. Marich will not have to present it to the opposition. During the last week of the fall athletic season, an important contribution towards winning the Cup makes students practice to play their very best. This special day is known as Canterbury Day.
Throughout Canterbury Day, both schools compete in fall sports such as soccer and field hockey, and the audiences resemble almost the entire student body. Last year, Canterbury hosted us on their turf, and we won nearly all of the games. Gunn set up multiple tents filled with cowbells, facepaint, necklaces, and even thunder sticks. The students who weren’t playing rushed over to the tents and then hurried back to the games to cheer on their friends. Jaylee, a Prefect during the 2023-24 school year, was a manager of the varsity soccer team. When Gunn blew out our rivals, the coach made the decision to sub in Jaylee with a few minutes left in the game. It was an incredible experience for any and all that watched it, and everyone laughed as the whole team ran to him and picked him up when the final whistle blew. This victory of the day set the tone for the rest of the season and resulted in Gunn defeating Canterbury for the Cup by one point at the end of the year.
The Gunn and Canterbury rivalry unites the community in a common goal, and helps solidify new relationships between students and peers. Many student-athletes around campus can recall the fun they have had during Canterbury Day, and how it contributes to our school community. Senior and Varsity Soccer player Karl Hammer described it as “A day that brings students of all ages together.” David Low, another Varsity Soccer player recalled how in his freshman year, “The JV team stormed the field” after their victory. Overall, Canterbury Day is a day of bonding, cheering on one’s friends, and building community. As we look forward to this year’s event, hosted by Gunn, let’s all anticipate the excitement and camaraderie that Canterbury Day brings.
