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Simmons College Archives

Simmons College Traditions . . .
Then and Now

TRACK DAY / FIELD DAY / SPRING SPREE / SIMMONS CUP

The Spring tradition of Track Day (also referred to as Field Day) at Simmons College began in 1911. The first Track Day was organized by the newly formed Simmons Athletic Association. Originally, Track Day was held twice a year: indoor events in February, and outdoor events in May. The indoor meets were omitted in 1911 so that students' efforts could all be directed toward one day of competition that took place out on the lawn behind the Simmons Main College Building.

 

In 1916, a best original class song contest was added as part of Track Day, as well as a best class costume contest. The nature of each classes' costume was a carefully guarded secret until the morning of the competitions. Silver and Gold Cups were awarded for the most original and prettiest costume. The addition of these events allowed all of the students to participate in some part of Track Day.

 

The athletic events included shot-put, high jump, javelin throw, standing broad jump, discus throw, hop-step & jump, basketball throw, archery, tennis rounds and, for a time, horseback riding. Award cups were given to individuals and classes for each of these events. Cups were given to the classes receiving the most points overall and to the individual receiving the most points in each event. Averages were preset for each event and everyone reaching these averages contributed a certain number of points toward their class cups and personal cups.

In 1932, track events were eliminated from Track Day, but the traditional day remained a day of other competitions between the four classes. The best class song contest and best class costume contests continued to be a major part of the tradition.

By the 1940's, Track Day had become All College Field Day. There were fewer track events and more field competitions such as the all-class tug-of-war, sack races, three-legged race, and suitcase races. The day would lead up to the faculty-student baseball game, another popular tradition at Simmons, which took place before the sunset picnic on the lawn.

Over the years, Field Day varied its time from Spring to Fall. By the 1960's, Field Day had evolved into "Spring Spree," which had the addition of an all-day auction. The 1989 Microcosm identifies the evolved Spring Spree tradition as: "baseball game, bleacher creatures, pub night, Quad Side, sing along, boat cruise, beer, Simmons Sails, waves, rain, dancing, [and] brunch."

July 11, 2006ns in the form of the annual "Simmons Cup" held on the residence campus each Spring. During the Simmons Cup, local fraternities are paired up with each dorm for day-long relay races, volleyball and other competitions. The Cup is awarded to the fraternity/dorm with the most points at the end of the afternoon.

 

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Page updated: July 11, 2006