While both parents and students crowded the arena looking forward to the big event, the fall sport teams filled the main hall. Athletes were on each others’ backs, and the men’s swim team went as far as holding a swimmer in the air while he swam backstroke. Everyone was excited and ready to start off one of the most fun events of the year: the Pep Rally.

After every team excitedly ran through the line of cheerleaders and dancers, one of their team captains or representers talked about the team’s accomplishments and what meant the most to them.

Women’s varsity volleyball was even recognized for its outstanding performance the day before the Pep Rally in defeating reigning state champs and big rivals Villa.

“Yesterday, the varsity team beat Villa,” said Todd Zell, athletic director, and after five words, the arena went wild.

One of the big highlights of the rally was the performances of both the cheerleaders and dance team. The varsity and JV cheerleaders performed separately, and both got the crowds cheering.

Everyone was excited, and now was the time to begin the games. The Pep Rally included soon-to-be students in the sharks and minnows game. Crowds of kids lined up for the game while students were the sharks.

Other events included tug of war, where parents of one team would face the parents of another, and the wildcats taking pictures with students. Also, four students from each grade raced in the arena with their legs tied to each other in order to win prize shirts.

One of the funniest events of the night was when team captains had to name the coach whose baby picture was being shown on the monitor. Athletes would race to the other side of the theater to tag one of the students and announce who they thought the picture resembled on the microphone.

The Pep Rally was filled with fun and excitement for both athletes and parents and succeeded in heightening everyones’ spirits. It exhibited school spirit and encouraged numerous teams as they headed towards the end of the fall season.