2025 302 Tour Blog
6/12/2025
Thursday, June 12
Day one was a big success for the Blue Hens as they explored New Castle County. After a quick breakfast, the team hit to road to Everett Theatre for a tour sponsored by Saul Ewing. The crew learned about the 103-year-old facility in Middletown that still hosts live shows, movies, and outside events.
From there, it was a quick drive to MOT Charter School to spend some time with the Mustangs on their second to last day of school. YoUDee and Baby Blue made a surprise appearance, signing autographs and interacting with the students. The Delaware student-athletes learned about the charter school system and how it works in the First State.
A pitstop for lunch at Surfbagel’s new Middletown location refueled the Blue & Gold before splitting into two groups for a visit to Dick’s House of Sport in Wilmington and Hagley Museum and Library.
At Dick’s, a group of student-athletes taught local children how to play basketball, football, lacrosse, and baseball/softball.
At Hagley, the UD group learned about how patents were handled in the 1700s and 1800s as the inventors had to provide a 3D model of their product in addition to a description and drawing like they do today. They also toured the grounds, seeing where gunpowder was made and operated machinery using water instead of electricity.
The day concluded with the second-annual Field Day presented by Bank of America. A free-public event allowed the community to enjoy Grotto’s Pizza and Raising Cane’s for dinner before being able to jump in the pool or participate in field day games. Free giveaways were available for fans to get some Blue Hen swag.
Gallery: 2025 302 Tour Day 1
An event like the 302 Tour is so special to me because it’s rare that athletes from all different teams and support staff that work behind the scenes in athletics can get to know each other as more than just athletes. This reigns true even with just one day done so far. I’m so thankful for the friendships I’ve made from this year and last year on the 302 Tour so far, along with learning new things at the different stops on the trip that I wouldn’t of learned on my own otherwise. 302 Tour was the best part of my school year last year and I counted down the days to it all this year too!Izzy Martinez, Rowing
Friday, June 13
The Hens loaded the bus and departed campus by 8:15 a.m. to head down to Bayhealth in Dover for a tour and ‘Friday Night in the ER’ simulation game. Student-athletes and staff were able to experience a real-life game showing the day-to-day management of multiple hospital departments while navigating different trials and tribulations.
After lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings, the crew went over to Dover Motor Speedway to experience the Monster Mile. An information tour, walking up the nine and 24 degree embankments of the track, laps in the pace car tapping out at 75 mph, and photos inside the Miles the Monster statue filled the afternoon. Race weekend comes to Dover and the Monstor Mile from July 18-20. The trip was made possible by the partnership with Visit Delaware.
A little break and catered dinner refueled the group before heading to the boardwalk for some rides and games at Funland.
Gallery: 2025 302 Tour Day 2
I have had the best time on the 302 Tour so far!!! Today was incredible as we started with a tour of the Bayhealth Hospital Simulation floor and played a fun game to show us how the emergency room works during a busy Friday night. My team worked very well together and we ended up having the best statistics out of all the teams at the end of the game! Afterwards we headed to Buffalo Wild Wings for a yummy lunch then went straight to Dover Motor Speedway for the most awesome afternoon. We learned tons of facts about the track and then had the chance to get in a car with one of the staff and drive around the track! It was such a surreal experience! After this we made our way down south to Rehoboth Beach, grabbed some dinner, and got ready to spend the rest of our night at Funland! We spent our night competing against one another in arcade games, going on super fun carnival rides, listening to music and dancing around, and of course we got ice cream! I’m so grateful for this experience and this awesome day we had today, I can’t wait for tomorrow!Ava Boriello, Dance
Saturday, June 14
The third and final day of the tour kicked off with an early wake up call for the annual Chicken Chase 5k. Student-athletes cheered on runners with signs, handed out water, and gave out medals to participants. After the race, the crew joined the runners for breakfast at The Starboard and chowed down on wings, donuts, and bagels.
After the race, the Hens took a walking tour around Lewes. They learned how Lewes was the first town settled in the First State. Along the tour, a stop at a house that was attacked during the War of 1812. A cannonball from the attack is still on site for visitors to see and touch.
Lunch at the hotel and a quick nap recharged the group prior to a a trip to the beach for some fun in the sun! A competitive game of bocce ball, a five on five football game, fan giveaways, and music filled the afternoon on the beautiful Delaware beaches. Right after some time in the sand, the team walked up to the Big Chill Surf Club for the annual 302 Tour Reception. Food, a silent disco, mingling with fans and alumni captured everyone's attention at the reception.
For the second straight year, the tour ended with an exclusive bonfire on the beach for the student-athletes. The student-athletes enjoyed s'mores, music, and conversation to wind down after a long and impactful tour.
Gallery: 2025 302 Tour Day 3
Truly a great experience to be able to represent University of Delaware, athletic department, and swimming and diving in the best way possible. I got to meet athletes from other teams that I wouldn't have the opportunity to meet otherwise. I also got to learn more about what Delaware is about, its history, and its fantastic and supportive community. I wish I have gone on this trip in previous years, and I'm glad I did this year. This school has helped me so much and it's great that I could give back to the community that helps me achieve my goals.Matvei Namakonov, Men's Swimming & Diving
