The University of Mary Washington now has a fight song to call its own, thanks to the lyrics of Corey Hewson, coach of the women’s soccer team. Hewson beat out 10 other submissions to a recent contest sponsored by the Department of Athletics and the Office of Student Activities. The winners were announced at Devil-Goat Day on Thursday, April 24.
Hewson, who received a master’s degree in education from UMW in 2005, and runner-up Ronald May, a sophomore business major, contributed the lyrics to “Soar, Eagles, Soar,” a composition by Paul Murtha, a world-class composer and arranger for the United States Army Band. Murtha has long been associated with UMW as a member of the UMW Faculty Brass Quintet and an arranger for the UMW Philharmonic Orchestra.
Philip Pierce, director of athletic development and promotions, Jim Ford, director of the UMW Pep Band, and Kevin Bartram, maestro of the UMW Philharmonic Orchestra, reviewed each anonymous submission and voted on their top choice. Freshman Hannah Morgan, an English and computer science double major, received third place and Garrett O’Brien, a sophomore economics and anthropology double major, received an honorable mention.
The fight song will be heard at university athletic and student events.
“We want the song to last and be a part of the UMW culture and tradition,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Doug Searcy.
