As this year's varsity football team ran through drills and rehearsed situations on Brown Field, dozens of Gilman football alumni gathered on Harris Terrace above Sotir Stadium to take in the scene. After practice, Head Coach Scott Van Zile joined the group and spoke for several minutes about his approach to team preparation. To Scott, taking care of the little things first ensures that the big things will fall into place. And, without hesitation — and without losing sight of the opponents between now and then — he pledged to have his troops ready for the big game with McDonogh on November 5.

Former head coach Alex Sotir then shared a few words with this year's team. He expressed his sincere appreciation for his time at Gilman and the relationships he developed with both student-athletes and colleagues. Additionally, he encouraged the boys to take great pride in and appreciate the honor of being able to take the field for the Greyhounds.

Arman Taghizadeh '95 talked to the team about what the Gilman football experience meant to him. He spoke about the importance of showing up day after day, picking yourself up and dusting yourself off when you get knocked down, and how he viewed the Gilman football community as a Gilman family.

When the program concluded, alumni and current students alike piled plates high with delicious barbecue and sat down to enjoy a meal and conversation together.