Pomp and ponchos at Babylon homecoming

There is nothing quite like reigning as homecoming king and queen in the rain.

Babylon High School seniors Brendan McGaley and Corinne Figoski, both 17, earned their respective titles during the Babylon High School homecoming football game Saturday.

Figoski said that despite the downpour, she was happy to wear her tiara.

“This is a school tradition and being homecoming queen is an honor for me,” Figoski said.

As the clouds darkened and gave way to constant rain, spectators at the game cheered while holding tightly to their umbrellas. Wearing ponchos over their cheerleading uniforms, the Babylon cheerleaders raised their voices for the home team to achieve victory.

Babylon High School principal Al Cirone said the weather provides a valuable lesson.

“It teaches them that the show must go on,” Cirone said. “The weather isn’t great today but the students are ready to play. This is our homecoming game and it means a lot to the students.”

SEE PHOTOSPhotos: High school homecomings across LI

There was no lack of support for the team. Parent Laurie Kresek, 44, couldn’t imagine missing the game even with the gusty winds blowing.

“The homecoming parade was canceled because of the weather and they aren’t getting the festivities like most homecomings,” she said, “We have to show our support. The players are doing all the hard work. All we have to do is just stand out here in the rain.”

Another parent, Eddie Vargas, added, “This is real football. It’s not always going to be sunny and great weather when you are playing the game.”