Pep rally ready to boost spirit

By Adam Vossen

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

With performances from the KU marching band, Big Jay, Baby Jay, the KU Spirit Squad, DJ Scott Simpson and Jayhawk Jingle finalists, the homecoming pep rally provides plenty to see and do. The rally is tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Student Recreation Fitness Center parking lot.

At press time, special events co-chairman Trey Anderson, Wichita junior, was unsure whether coach Mark Mangino or cornerback Aqib Talib would be speaking, but he confirmed that at least one, if not both, would be at the rally. Women’s basketball coach Bonnie Henrickson also will speak.

The Alumni Association, Athletics Department and Student Travel Association also will be at the event with promotional booths and free giveaways. Free Coca-Cola products, popcorn and cotton candy will also be available.

“We will have a lot of fun give-aways: tattoos, pompoms and mini-footballs,” said Jennifer Alderdice, student programs director for the Alumni Association.

Associate athletics director Jim Marchiony said the Athletics Department was using its booth as a way to publicize its new attendance incentive program, Rock Chalk Rewards, as well as free promotional items such as team posters, schedule cards and magnets. Rock Chalk Rewards is a free program that allows students to earn awards points for attending sporting events. The points go toward prizes for the student; the more games attended, the better the gifts will be.

Marchiony expressed his appreciation for the pep rally.

“The pep rally is an excellent event and helps build excitement for the upcoming game on Saturday. However, we don’t consider the rally an event for just the athletes and sports programs. We believe the purpose of the event is to promote the University and Lawrence communities. The homecoming steering committee has done an excellent job achieving that goal,” he said.

No time will be left for the spirit to die down during the rally. Every moment has something planned, including the breaks between performing groups.

“There will be KU trivia between Jayhawk Jingle performances. The students that answer correctly will all win prizes,” said Jay Benedict, Rosland junior and homecoming special events coordinator.

The pep rally provides an opportunity for groups to earn points; helping with setup and tear-down of the rally will warrant five points per person, for as much as 25 points per group.

— Edited by Tara Smith

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