The UCA community gathered in the Farris Center for the annual homecoming pep rally on Oct. 18 to pump up the students for the upcoming homecoming game and announce the 2016 Homecoming Court.
The pep rally almost didn’t happen, due to a fire in the center’s equipment room. When students stormed into the building to cheer on the Bears, they were met with a place smelling of smoke. Several fire trucks were at the scene before the rally, but the extent of the fire nor the cause is not known at this time.
UCAPD Lt. Jamie Boothe declined to comment on the scene, saying he didn’t want to make a statement until all the facts were known.
Despite the smoky start, the basketball court of the Farris Center was flooded with disco lights and loud music.
The turnout included several sororities and fraternities. Bruce D. Bear, the mascot, spent a majority of the rally dancing about and unicycling to a cheering crowd.
A new UCA app was announced using the big screen in the center, which allows students to check into events for rewards.
Coach Campbell, head football coach, was cheered on as he encouraged the students to support the Bears this Saturday.
“If you pack the stands and make that much noise, you’ll intimidate the other team,” Campbell told the students after teaching them a few cheers.
One of the events hosted was a male twerking competition, which was won by Freshman Mason Willett. Willett attended the event with Kappa Sigma and said he was having a blast at the pep rally.
“Roll bears man, roll bears,” Willet said about his support for the upcoming game.
The 2016 Homecoming Court was also announced during the pep rally. Eight senior girls were voted on the court and the Homecoming Queen will be announced during halftime on Saturday. Seniors Jordy Beth Beard, Emma Howard, Abigail Strickland, Kelsey Broaddrick, Lauren Morris, Taylor Campbell, Katie Crenshaw and Rachel Zimmerman are the eight girls competing for the crown.
At the end of the rally the winner of the spirit banner competition was announced. Several groups, including residence halls and Greek organizations, competed. The winner was Carmichael Hall, followed by Donaghey Hall in second place and Alpha Sigma Alpha in third.
Image courtesy of Lauren Swaim.
