---

In the fourth iteration of the Battle for Route 44, Pomfret made the long journey west to Millbrook School. But the lengthy drive and cool and breezy weather did not ruffle the feathers of the Griffins, who played their hearts out, cheered on their classmates, and celebrated Pomfret’s fourth straight victory over the Mustangs.

Shutouts from boys thirds soccer and the JV field hockey, JV volleyball, and JV girls soccer teams got Pomfret on the board early in the day. Boys JV soccer played an outstanding game and beat Millbrook with a final score of 5-2. 

During the varsity competitions in the afternoon, the boys cross country team added a tally in the win column after outracing Millbrook at the NEPSTA Championships. Football and varsity volleyball had some great moments, and the teams were cheered on by spirited Griffin crowds. Victories over the Mustangs in girls varsity soccer and field hockey helped seal the Pomfret win. 

The entire school gathered on the sidelines to cheer on boys varsity soccer in the final competition of the day. The team put up a valiant fight against Millbrook and ended the game celebrating the Battle for Route 44 win with the entire school. 

Head of School Tim Richards raised the Peck-Pulling Trophy, named after the founders of the two great schools, for the final time before he steps down in June. Under his leadership, the School remains undefeated in The Battle for Route 44, a rivalry he helped start four years ago. Richards and Millbrook’s former Headmaster Drew Casertano established the day of competition between the two evenly matched schools — located on opposite ends of Route 44. The day has quickly become a favorite tradition among Pomfret’s students. 

As the rivalry has evolved, so have the events leading up to the big event. The week before Pomfret v. Millbrook Day is celebrated with Spirit Week. Students and faculty dressed for Pajama Day, Jersey Day, Neon Day, and Red and Black Day this year. At School Meeting, the Athletic Department and the Athletic Council explained the rules of the day and announced the flag bearers, spirit captions, mascot escorts, drummers, and trophy bodyguards. The night before the big game, Pomfret fueled up for the day of competition at the all-school, sit-down dinner in the Dining Hall decorated with spirited banners created in the dorms. Teddy Stettinius ’25 performed the annual reading of The Griffin’s Call: A Millbrook Fable, written by English Teacher and Writer-in-Residence Dan Freije and illustrated using AI-generated artwork prompted by Science Department Head Josh Lake. Richards, dressed in the Griffy mascot costume, battled and defeated a little pony wearing a Millbrook sweatshirt, building the excitement that spilled out into the parade to the Pep Rally. At the Pep Rally, athletic teams performed group dances and the Pomfret Dance Club put on a show, further amping up the crowd for the next day’s competition. 

Special thanks to Millbrook School for being a gracious and generous host. We cannot wait to host next year on the Hilltop for the fifth Battle of Route of 44.
 

See More Photos from the Week

 

See More Stories