The rivalry between GA and Penn Charter (PC) dates back to 1887 and reflects generations of competitive spirit and school pride. Each year, excitement builds throughout the GA community as students and faculty unite in anticipation of this event.
“I’m really excited for GA/PC Day because the whole community can come together to celebrate GA’s superior athletics,” Willie Brooke ‘26 said. “I can’t wait to watch my best friends start on GA/PC day and score goals.”
Indeed, many enthusiastic students at GA are excited to watch their friends compete in intense, competitive moments, especially under the immense pressure that these athletes face. Many of them have great amounts of faith in their friends to perform under the pressure of GA/PC day, and their support will surely leave an impact on their events.
“Of everyone at Germantown Academy, up by one, one second left on the clock to make the game-winning save, I want Rowen Harbert,” Andrew Schwartz ‘26 said. “Harbert’s got ice water in his veins, he’s that type of player, and with the universe on the line, Rowen Harbert is making that clutch play.”
On the other hand, student-athletes have been training hard in preparation to represent GA in hopes of a win over Penn Charter. The Boys’ soccer team is particularly excited for a competitive match.
“I’m ready to play in front of a huge crowd and get a dub over PC,” goalie Rowen Harbert ‘26 said. “I’m gonna have a shutout and play a great game for GA.”
Although golf has its match on a different date than most of the other athletic events, the team is still looking towards a dynamic contest.
“I’m excited for a competitive environment against PC out on the golf course,” Lucas Albert ‘26 said. “Even though it’s not happening with GA/PC day, I’m still gonna fight for GA spirit and pride.”
Additionally, the leadership of the GA Superfans and continued excitement towards the GA/PC kick-off show the extension of school spirit beyond athlete involvement.
“Our main goal is keeping school spirit as high as possible,” superfan Jake McVeigh ‘26 said. “Sean, Anna and Zoey have been amazing to work with by coming up with great themes and rallying people to games, and we hope to go over to School House Lane on GA/PC day with some swagger to kick some Quaker butt.”
Alongside the Superfan’s leadership, the week before GA/PC day ramps up the festivities and gets students into the competitive spirit with themed days and hallway decorating. In particular, the current seniors, who won the hallway decorating contest during the 2024-2025 school year, are hoping to win again this year.
“I’m looking forward to winning hallway decorating for the second year in a row,” class president Andreas Szautner ‘26 said. “It’s gonna be great to get a lot of kids out to help make the hallway the best it can be.”
Like hallway decorating, some students believe that greater attendance at GA/PC day games and events would strengthen school spirit.
“Even if you don’t play a sport, I think it’s important to be there for your peers, show out, and most importantly, have fun,” Gabe Meinstein ‘26 said.
Although every GA/PC day is a significant milestone for students, this one will stand out substantially more to the graduating class of 2026. The current seniors reflect on the many battles they’ve experienced on both GA’s and PC’s campuses and look forward to this year’s matchup as their final one.
“I can’t wait to play one more time with my best buds out on the soccer fields,” Nola Williams ‘26 said. “One final hurrah.”
For other seniors, GA/PC day will have many sentimental emotions, especially since it is the last athletic event many seniors will participate in during the fall season here at the academy.
“Wearing the number three across my chest has been a privilege and an honor, and I can’t wait to play my legacy game,” Maggie Salerno ‘26 said. “Number three clocking out, but you’ll be seeing a hat-trick for girls’ soccer on GA/PC day.”
In total, many students at GA believe that the best part is not simply in the competitive athletics but the bonding and school spirit involved in GA/PC day.
“The school spirit and everyone coming together in the weeks before and on GA/PC day is so amazing to see,” Szaunter said. “It’s going to be really fun and exciting.”