A crowd of about 600 university student and faculty gathered to support the university’s football team and to show their school spirit at the annual pep rally in the Multipurpose Activity Center (MAC) on Friday Oct. 10.
“The main goal of any pep rally is to visibly increase school spirit,” said Eddy Occhipinti, Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing at the University.
“Not just to increase it for the athletics teams, but for the whole school,” Occhipinti continued.
The entire football team attended to thank the student body for their support as they took on Columbia that Saturday.
“We’re excited to see you tonight, showing your support for the football team,” said head coach Kevin Callahan. “We want to say thank you for your support and hope you all to have a great time at the game, we will do our part on the field.”
Senior captain of the cheer team Ashley Suppa explained how the football team is positively affected by the pep rally. “It definitely pumps them up and really gets them excited for the game,” Suppa said.
The football team captains had a chance to thank the students for showing their support and encouraged students to come to the Homecoming football game. “Thank you for coming out today, make sure you are loud for us at the game tomorrow,” said Patrick O’Hara, a senior captain of the football team.
“The football team, as is the case with all of our athletics teams, most definitely benefits from an increase in spirit and moral,” said Occhipint. “Our players feed off the energy of the crowd, especially when its from their fellow students.”
The event began with the hosts, junior, Michael Qualiano and senior, Kristin Waring, welcoming students. Qualiano jokingly dressed as former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan at the start of the event.
There was an appearance made by the University mascot, Shadow, who chose the winning names for the raffle.
The cheerleaders and dance team performed together. Suppa expressed how the pep rally enhances school spirit. “It is really good to see everyone performing. The pep rally always brings everyone together and is an overall good time,” said Suppa.
All senior cheerleaders and band members were also recognized. They had an opportunity to say a few words of gratitude as they celebrated their Homecoming one last time as Monmouth students.
The Student Government Association (SGA) was involved in much of the planning for the pep rally. “SGA sets up the MAC, hands out t-shirts, and gets people excited,” said Tara Egenton, Alumni Chair for SGA.
SGA members and additional event staff gave out free sunglasses and necklaces at the beginning of the event. Free Homecoming t-shirts were distributed at the conclusion, expressing the “Red, White, MU” theme for this year.
“I really wanted to work with veteran services this year to raise money for all the amazing soldiers that have fought for our country,” said Meaghan Wheeler, 2014 Homecoming Chair, on the theme for this year.
Audience members were given the opportunity to get involved on multiple occasions. There was a dance off where audience members were able to volunteer and display their dancing abilities with the hope of winning the competition. Winners were awarded gift cards to local businesses.
Members of Monmouth, both student and faculty believe the pep ray brings together the campus community. “I think it brings a sort of community throughout the week and weekend,” said Wheeler. “We all really come together as a university.”
Egenton explained that the main goal of the pep rally was, “To get everyone excited and reveal our nominations for Homecoming court.”
Towards the conclusion of the event the winners of the Homecoming court were announced. The freshman class was represented with the Lord Tyler Hiznay and Lady Jessica Waring. The Duke was Matt Sheehan and the award for Duchess was a tie between Charlie Hess and Lexi Swatt. The Prince was awarded to Dylan Vargas while the Princess was Ashley McMahon.
The top three candidates for Homecoming king were Brandon Wasylyk , Larry Ratajczak, and Matt Buccino. The top three candidates for Homecoming queen were Maria Grace Iantosca, Colette Mitola, and Courtney Carr.
Winners, announced at the Homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 11 were Wasylyk and Iantosca.
“Everyone benefits from the pep rally, spectators, the cheer team, the football team, the alumni. Everyone gets involved and it is pretty great,” Suppa said.
IMAGE TAKEN from facebook.com
