Pep rally sparks optimism for year, season

BRANDON NIEMEYER
DM Staff Writer

Optimism and high spirits rang loud into the warm air Thursday night at the "Welcome Back Rebels" pep rally on the Oxford Square.

About 250 students and Oxford residents attended the rally, which featured the Pride of the South marching band, the Ole Miss Rebel varsity cheerleaders, Colonel Reb and several speakers.

Oxford Mayor, Pat Lamar, praised the school and its athletes and offered a warm welcome to new students of the university and led the crowd with the Hotty Toddy cheer. Afterwards, Chancellor Robert Khayat said this year would be the greatest in Ole Miss' 152 year history. But, the highlight of the evening was Coach Cutcliffe's speech before the crowd.

"I expect many good years ahead," Cutcliffe said.

He then thanked both the band members and cheerleaders for their hard work and dedication during the afternoon.

Band member Ryan Asprion, a junior from New Orleans, said it would be a great season.

Senior cheerleader Emily Fabianke, from Red Bay, Ala, said she was also ready for the big kick-off of the season.

Cutcliffe ended by saying to the students that he expected and wanted "the rowdiest stadium in the Southeast."

Peter Martinez, a freshman from Columbia, Tenn., went to Thursday night's pep rally.

"I'm really fired up about seeing Deuce's run for the Heisman."

Sophmore Jordan Williams from Dallas, Texas was also at the pep rally.

"I'm looking foward to everything this season especially Deuce for Heisman, the Auburn game and the Alabama game. I think we have a really good chance at going all the way this year."

Lesley Cover, a senior from the Bahamas, said she was happy to see the good turnout and to see her friends out there. It was not just the students who were enthused about the year ahead.

"We're looking forward to the upcoming football and basketball seasons," said 40 year Oxford residents John and Betty Bowen.

The spotlight wasn't shed only upon the football team. The cross country track team, whose season begins tomorrow, was praised by its coach, Joe Walker. He said the team is a good group that does not receive the attention that the football team does, though they are just as hard-working and dedicated.