Rally planned to pep up students

Coaches, captains to speak at tomorrow's spirit rally

If you're saving your cheering voice for Saturday, you might want to think about taking it out a little early.

The 18th annual football pep rally will begin at 4 p.m. tomorrow at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house, in preparation for Saturday's home football game against Syracuse University.

The house is located at 556 State St., near the Michigan Union. A portion of the street in front of the house will be closed down for the celebration.

Event coordinator Branton Cole said the event is for "anyone and everyone," not just members of the Greek system.

"This isn't about, 'my organization is better than your organization,'" said Cole, an Engineering senior. "This is about our organization (the school). Everyone has ownership."

The rally will feature a speech by Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr.

There will also be appearances by Athletic Director Tom Goss and captains Jon Jansen, Marcus Ray and Juaquin Feazell.

The Michigan Marching Band will also be present to play the fight song and traditional University cheers.

Radio station WDFN 1130 AM will be broadcasting live from the pep rally.

Athletic Department sponsor Nike will host games and give away prizes starting at 5:30 p.m.

LSA junior Juan-Carlos Campos, a marching band member, said he is very excited about performing at tomorrow's event because of the enthusiasm surrounding this weekend's game.

"There are a lot of students and they are more hyped than the older fans," Campos said.

Cole said the pep rally is a good way for the students to get to see a more personal side of the Wolverines' head coach.

"There are not many opportunities for students to sit through a Lloyd Carr speech that is directed toward the general student and not the team," Cole said.

Although LSA sophomore Chris May didn't attend last year's pep rally, he said he definitely plans on going to tomorrow's event.

"Last weekend wasn't so great for the team," May said. "Hopefully this can raise everyone's spirits for the game Saturday."

Cole said that he hopes the rally will show the football team that students support them, especially after Saturday's loss to Notre Dame.

"Now is the time the football team needs to hear support and know they have people behind them that are interested," Cole said.

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