MEDIA RELEASE – Sept. 18, 2026 — R0083

Laila Jodway knew there was only one way she wanted to celebrate the end of her second week as a Brock University student.

The first-year Critical Criminology student joined hundreds of other Brock students in Jubilee Court to slip and slide her way through her first Homecoming Grape Stomp on Friday, Sept. 18.

“It seemed like a great way to build community, and I think it’s fun,” Jodway said, adding she wanted to be part of the long-standing tradition.

Nico San Pedro first participated in the beloved Brock event as an undergraduate student, returning now in his first year of the Master of Business Administration program. This time, he knew what to expect — especially when it came to the sensation of squishing grapes with his bare feet.

“Now I know what it feels like, so I’m prepared for it,” he said.

Rookie stompers Tatsuya Mandai and Mito Ishiguro came dressed for the occasion. The English as a Subsequent Language students were both dressed in white. While Mandai opted for a full body suit — including a hood — Ishiguro stood out in his tank top, shorts and latex horse head to add an extra bit of whimsy to the occasion.

President Lesley Rigg kicked off the event with welcoming remarks for the estimated 300 Badgers who were eager to start stomping the metric tonne of Concord grapes from Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery that had been harvested earlier in the day.

Manager of Student Leadership and Engagement Carolyn Hough said she was happy with both the turnout and the beautiful weather.

“Students love to show up; it’s a Brock bucket list item. It’s chaos and everyone loves it,” she said. “It’s the perfect welcome to fall and welcome to campus.”

Grape Stomp signalled the start of Brock’s Homecoming celebrations, with a full lineup of events taking place over the weekend including the Steel Blade Classic hockey game at the Meridian Centre on Friday evening.

For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

*Melinda Cheevers, Communications Specialist, Brock University, [email protected] or 289-241-5855

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