BY CORA TASSET
VIDEO BY ALEX JUAREZ
Thursday evening the FHSU Tigers were unable to do the normal bonfire because of the wind and chilly weather. The Tigers worked fast and moved the bonfire inside the Gross Memorial Coliseum to host the 11th Annual Tiger Pep Rally. The Band, Cheerleaders, Tiger Debs, and Color Guard performed for the pep rally.
At the pep rally some of the sororities and fraternities, along with the Tiger’s Forever Club, were raising money to donate to the FHSU food pantry throughout the celebration. FHSU also had a tee-shirt exchange over the past few days. They took tee shirts of other universities and gave out Tiger tee shirts. Normally they threw the tee shirts of other schools into the bonfire, but this year they donated all of them.
The Homecoming candidates were announced as well, if you still have not voted, get your final votes in before noon on Friday, October 11. The Homecoming King and Queen will be announced at the football game on Saturday night.
The Tiger Debs put together a short performance for the students and staff attending the pep rally. Several alumni also attended the celebration and FHSU presented several Alumni Awards for the successes of many alumni.
Many of the fall student-athletes attended including the Track and Field and Cross Country team, Women’s Tennis team, Wrestling team, Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams, Baseball and Softball teams, Men’s and Women’s Golf teams, Volleyball team, and Women’s Soccer. The Men’s Soccer team was playing in Hays last night during the pep rally, so they were unable to attend.
The Creative Art Society created the wood cutout and painting of the Emporia State University mascot, the Hornet.
Head Football Coach, Chris Brown gave a speech to the university alumni, students, staff, and players.
“I believe we have had around 7,500 people in the stands at one point in time during a football game, I hope that you can help me make it to 10,000 for the Homecoming Game,” stated Coach Brown.
After Coach Brown’s speech he asked the Creative Art Society to hand the Hornet over to the football team, and Offensive Lineman, Senituli Teuhema, snapped the enemy mascot.
President Tisa Mason also gave a speech, “You collectively and individually create the Fort Hays experience, and we love you.”
The Pep Rally was a success, even at the last minute. Join in celebrating Hays and FHSU at the Homecoming Parade on Saturday as well on Main Street starting at 11 a.m.