Sept. 1, 2010
WASHINGTON - The Annual New Student Orientation Pep Rally was held Tuesday evening at McDonough Arena signaling the beginning of the 2010-11 academic and athletic years. Wednesday marks the start of the classes, but Tuesday night was an opportunity for incoming freshmen and transfers to catch the excitement of Georgetown athletics on campus.
More than 900 students filed into McDonough Arena receiving foam fingers, shakers and other giveaways. The pep band got things started and Alumni Association Executive Director Bill Reynolds presented the Class of 2014 banner. Director of Ticket Operations Steve Alleva explained the process for student season tickets and announced sales going on after the event.
A t-shirt toss and special appearance by Jack the Bulldog went right into the introductions of the coaches and teams.
The Hoya cheerleading squad performed along with the GU Step Team, Jawani Dance and Groove Theory. A number of coaches and student-athletes took the mic encouraging the new students to get out to games both on and off campus. Representatives from crew, football, men's soccer and rowing all urged the students to get involved.
Men's Heavyweight Coach Mike Guerrieri called for cheers, while Head Football Coach Kevin Kelly introduced two captains who pumped up Homecoming festivities. Head Men's Soccer Coach Brian Wiese introduced his freshmen and had Keegan Carter (Teaneck, N.J./Paramus Catholic) demonstrate his goal celebration.
After a quick number from the pep band, women's basketball players Monica McNutt (Suitland, Md./Academy of the Holy Cross), Adria Crawford (Alexandria, Va./Thomas Edison) and Rubylee Wright (Latta, S.C./Latta) previewed the nonconference schedule including a matchup against local-rival Maryland.
That led into Head Men's Basketball Coach John Thompson III who thanked all students for their support on behalf of the entire athletic department. He then brought senior guard Chris Wright (Bowie, Md./St. John's Catholic) out of the stands to introduce the freshmen on the squad and lead the crowd in the "We Are Georgetown" chant.
The event concluded with the playing of the Georgetown fight song from the pep band signaling the end of the rally, but the beginning of an exciting school year.
