Pitt pride was in the air tonight after a long summer break. The perfect way to get everyone back into the swing of things was to unite everyone together to celebrate the first football game of the year. Not one fan was silent tonight as the festivities riled everyone up to cheer on the Panthers at the annual Pep Rally and Bonfire.
As students gathered early to the barbecue, a positive mood was apparent while friends conversed, football players mingled, and hot dogs were munched right before a mob of excited fans filed in to grab their free t-shirts and watch the start of the party.
Pitt Program Council went above and beyond in showing off what kind of show they can put on for an eager crowd. First the cheerleaders took the stage as the Pitt marching band made their way through the crowd in a successful attempt to bring back the memories of the previous football season. The freshmen got a taste of the energy spread throughout a regular game as everyone was pumped up to clap along with the victory song and sing to the Alma Mater.
Judy, an RA here on campus expressed her love for getting “hyped up” when doing the Sweet Caroline cheer and dance as she exclaimed, “it’s what I live for!” and another resident Kayla commented on how excited she is about seeing everyone with the same shirt to unite the crowd as the Panther Pitt.
Now what better way to get The Panther Pitt energized than bringing out the most spirited part of the football game: the players themselves! The three charismatic captains took the mic and all eyes and ears were on them. There was an offer of free on field sideline passes during the game in exchange for a kiss on the cheek of the most humorous, crowd rousing captain. Who could turn that down?! The team’s strong bond and support for each other was largely presented on stage and made us feel even more proud to be part of their cheering section, in the Panther Pitt.
Next, Dean of students Kathy Humphrey made her way into student’s hearts again with her smile and loveable personality as she encouraged us to be there for our first football game. Then suddenly fireworks exploded right in front of our eyes kicking off the start of an amazing season.
A show of colorful fireworks went off with the last firework shooting off toward the crowd giving us a startle at first, then seeing it igniting the huge bonfire. Next thing we knew, the bonfire was set and students roared in excitement. Â