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Yonsei News

[COVER STORY] 51st Annual ‘Yon-Ko Sports Festival’ held

연세대학교 홍보팀 / news@yonsei.ac.kr
2016-10-24

 
51st Annual ‘Yon-Ko Sports Festival’ held
 
 
On September 23 and 24, the fifty-first annual Yon-Ko Sports Festival between Yonsei and Korea University were held. Over the course of two days, teams from each school competed in baseball, basketball, ice hockey, rugby, and soccer. As in years past, the event provided an opportunity for students and alumni from both schools to gather and embrace a sense of school pride.
 
The opening ceremony took place at 10 a.m. on September 23 in Jamsil Baseball Stadium, with Yonsei President Yong-hak Kim delivering a congratulatory speech to the athletes and fans. In his remarks, President Kim said: “Yonsei University and Korea University have always been good friends, and I hope students from both schools continue to build strong bonds and grow closer through sporting events like the Yon-Ko Sports Festival.”
 
Yonsei won the rugby match, drew in basketball and ice hockey, and lost the contests in baseball and soccer. Even though Korea was victorious in this year’s games, Yonsei students, alumni, and faculty greatly enjoyed the entire experience.
 
 
Exciting Matches in Baseball, Basketball, and Hockey
 
 
 
The first match of the Yon-Ko Sports Festival was baseball. Early in the game, Yonsei’s fielders shined, and in the third inning Yonsei scored three runs thanks to a sacrifice bunt and hit. Korea quickly fought back, scoring two runs the next inning. The score remained 3-2 until the seventh inning, when Korea knocked in two runs. Down 4-3 in the ninth inning, Yonsei had runners in scoring position but was unable to bring anyone home.
 
The basketball game, held in the afternoon, started off well for Yonsei but ended in a disappointing tie. Cheered on by star rhythmic gymnast Yeon-jae Son, Yonsei built a 10-point lead by the end of the first quarter. Thanks to the shooting of Hoon Heo and Young-jun Ahn, the lead grew to 14 midway through the third quarter. However, Yonsei soon found itself in foul trouble, allowing Korea to steadily close the gap. The final score was 71-71.
 
 
Despite Yonsei’s dominance in ice hockey the past several Yon-Ko Sports Festival, this year’s contest ended in a 3-3 draw. Yonsei pulled out to a 2-1 lead in the first period, even as two players were booked for major penalties. After a scoreless second period, Yonsei scored an early goal in the third; however, Korea was able to put two in the net by the end of the period, resulting in the tie.
 
 
 
Yonsei Wins Rugby, Falls in Soccer
 
 
 
On the second day, Yonsei notched its only win of the competition in rugby. The match was a back-and-forth affair in the first half, with vocal fans cheering each side on. After an early Korea score in the second half, Yonsei retook the lead with tries from Sung-yoon Bang and Won-kae Kang. In the tense final minutes, Yonsei managed to hold on to a one-point lead, and the match ended 27-26.
 
That afternoon, the soccer match was held to decide the winner of the 2016 Yon-Ko Sports Festival. The first goal was scored by Yonsei’s Joon-ki Choi, delighting the Yonsei supporters. However, Korea notched goals in 34 minutes and 43 minutes, taking a 2-1 lead into the break. Yonsei played aggressively throughout the second half, but was unable to find an equalizer. Korea scored an insurance goal in 41 minutes, sealing a 3-1 victory.
 
 
 
A Friendly Rivalry and Partnership
 
 
After the matches, the players from both schools congratulated each other, encouraging fans to applaud both sides for their efforts. Among the enthusiastic supporters was Yonsei President Kim, who cheered the players and sang the fight song along with students. Although Yonsei did not win this year’s Yon-Ko Sports Festival, students, alumni, and faculty enjoyed the matches and appreciated the opportunity to build stronger bonds with each other.