After the first three weeks of classes, the Labor Day weekend could not come any sooner for students, especially football fans counting down to game day. However, the buzz was already in the warm September air by Thursday night at the Rotunda.

It was hard to miss the giant, inflatable version of Gus sitting proudly on top of the Rotunda holding a sheet sign advertising the first Eagle Rally of the year.

Within a few hours, the area was completely transformed. Complete with a stage, the Rotunda was overflowing with students, staff, coaches, players, cheerleaders, the marching band, locals and children. 

Alton Standifer, president of the Student Government Association, emceed the pep rally before passing the microphone over to head coach Jeff Monken, who was very appreciative of the crowd’s support in his speech, beginning with a special thank you to the marching band.

This year, the group is staffing a check-in table where students can sign their names next to the student organization of their choice, and the organization with the most names after three Eagle Rallies will win $300.

Michelle Blubaugh, the public relations coordinator of the Traditions Council, said, “The competition is going to be a great incentive for these groups to pack out the rallies, and it definitely helped make the one last night bigger. The more people who make it out to the events, the more support we get to show the team.”

The success of the incentive program was clearly seen and heard by the crowd around the Rotunda, spreading across the lawn of the Foy Building.

Sophomore Katie Beatrice came to cheer on the team and sign her name with her Kappa Kappa Gamma sisters.

“The best part of the rallies are the free T-shirts,” said Beatrice, while trying to catch one of the many freebies being thrown to the loudest fans.

The members of the Traditions Council doled out spirit with plastic megaphones, “True Blue” posters, beads and pompoms.

Sophomore and president of Student Alliance for a Green Earth Christina Belge also encouraged her club’s members to come.

“We hope to use the prize money to help fund a trip to Washington D.C. in January to meet with members of Congress on energy issues,” said Belge.

Blubaugh said, “It is going to be a tough race, so the student organizations really need to step up their game and show up in big numbers to get that $300 prize.”

The next Eagle Rally will be held Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Rotunda.

Blubaugh said, “We are going to keep bringing the giveaways, and we will try to bring new and exciting special guests to each rally.”