SGA holds pep rally, helps kick off football

Members of SOTS perform during the pep rally. Austin Horne photo

Students gathered in Veterans Memorial Stadium on Sept. 3 for a pep rally ahead of Troy’s first home game of the season.

The Student Government Association (SGA) held the rally, which featured the Sound of the South (SOTS) Marching Band, members of the Troy football team and activities encouraging students to show their Trojan Spirit.

SGA Vice President Jamarion Willie, a junior electrical and electronics engineering major from Huntsville, Alabama, said SGA’s Spirit and Traditions Committee, led by Emily Kolb, worked with Troy Athletics to brainstorm ways to engage students at the pep rally.

Willie said the goal was to give students an opportunity to connect with Troy’s athletic teams and build excitement around upcoming games.

“I guess our goal is to pack the Vet for the pep rally as much as we do for game days,” Willie said.

Ansley Watkins, a sophomore nursing major from Troy, Alabama, said events like the pep rally give students an opportunity to come together.

“It’s just nice to have something you can all cheer for,” Watkins said. “Just all come together and get excited for something.”

Head Coach Gerad Parker and team captains addressed the crowd during the event, encouraging students to support the Trojans ahead of their matchup against Sam Houston.

Students also competed in a spirit competition to see who could make the most noise, while selected students tested their music knowledge by finishing song lyrics.

For Cody Riddle, a SOTS member and sophomore music education major from Prattville, Alabama, the rally marked his first opportunity to perform inside Veterans Memorial Stadium this season.

“It was very exciting to perform for the first time this year,” Riddle said. “Football season is my favorite time of year because it means that I get to do what I love.”

Riddle said he enjoyed helping generate school spirit but wished more students had attended.

“I honestly was disappointed in the turnout at the pep rally,” Riddle said. “I wish that we had more people show up.

“I think that more people should know that we hold these kinds of events.”

SGA plans to hold another pep rally during Homecoming Week in November, when Willie said students will also have an opportunity to connect with Troy’s basketball teams.