Rally kicks off football season

By AMY S. LANSDON

News Editor

Pike County is getting ready for the big game this weekend as Troy State travels to Lincoln, Neb. to face the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.

To celebrate TSU’s debut in Division 1-A football, Troy State University football fans are invited to Trojan Arena Thursday, Aug. 30 for a special TSU Fan Appreciation Rally beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce has been working with Troy State to involve the community in troy State athletics. There is no better time to get involved than with the first football game of the season.

At the TSU fan Appreciation rally Troy State and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce will be presenting a special "Community Spirit Award" to the business in Pike County with the most Troy State Spirit.

Businesses that are interested in vying for the title must sign up at the Chamber office by Wednesday, Aug. 29. On Thursday, Aug. 30, the TSU cheerleaders will visit participating businesses and judge the decorations that show the most community spirit.

The winner will be announced at the Pep Rally and will receive the TSU "Community Spirit Flag." The winning business will gladly display the flag until the next pep rally when the competition for the "Spirit Award" will begin again. The winning business will also be recognized at the next home game during half-time ceremonies.

"In the past the pep rally has usually just been attended by students," said Marsha Gaylard, president of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. "We want the entire community to be a part of it and show their support for TSU."

In addition to the "Community Spirit Award" and the fan appreciation rally and pep rally, local businesses are being given the opportunity to showcase their products and services.

"Participating businesses will be putting up booths to show TSU students the types of products and services offered here in Pike County," Gaylard said. "It will be good exposure for our local businesses."

No admission will be charged to the event, which will feature the Trojan players, Coach Larry Blakeney and his staff, the "Sound of the South" Marching Band and the TSU cheerleaders. Free refreshments will be provided, and T-shirts will be given away to children under 12.

A pep rally will be held from 6:30-7 p.m. with fan activities scheduled from 7-8 p.m.

The rally is sponsored by the TSU Department of Athletics, the Student Government Association, the Troy State University National Alumni Association and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.

TSU will take on the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers Saturday, Sept. 1 in Lincoln. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.