Keene State begins fall season with Pep Rally

           KEENE, N.H. 9/4/12 – Keene State College kicked off its fall athletic season with a bang on Friday night with a first-ever pep rally at Owl Athletic Complex.

            The event, put on by Owl Nation, a second-year student group interested in promoting fan interest in Keene State College athletics and club programs, had a little bit of everything for Owl fans from the introduction of teams to spirited performances by the KSC cheerleading and dance teams to an Owl impersonation contest. 

            Serving as the public address announcer for the festivities, senior Brian Schnee was masterful at the mike, weaving his way in-and-out of segments and using his uncanny powers of persuasion and humor to keep fans on the tips of their seats all night.

            The event began with the announcement of the couch potato winner. Usually reserved for basketball games at Spaulding gym, the couch made its first appearance on the turf field.

            After arousing routine by the Keene State cheerleaders, who serenaded the crowd with a “We are Keene State” cheer, and the introductions of teams, it was contest time.  A bird-like walk with arms flaring and a demonstrative hoot easily earned Chloe Audesse, a freshman field hockey goalie from Goffstown, the Owl impersonation award. “Everyone on my team knows I do noises, so they told me to do it,’ she said.  “It was embarrassing, but funny.” 

            Prizes were also given out for best school spirit and for a couple of contestants who beat “Hootie” the Owl in a field hockey and soccer shootout.  “The Owl was a little intimidating,” said Alexa Stanley, who put a rebound past the Owl to win the soccer contest.  “It was a lot of fun.” 

            With a harvest moon serving as a backdrop, the KSC dance team was in mid-season form and Kourtney Poland, a Swanzey native who is a member of the world champion Red Star Twirlers, captivated the crowd with her multiple baton performance.

            The event was well-received by those in attendance who were given owl nation wrist bands and plastic cups and straws.  “I thought it was really fun, said Becca Brady, a freshman from Plymouth, Mass. “It was a good way to get school spirit going and should become a yearly tradition. “

            “It was great to see all the support,’ said Kyle Leavitt, a senior on the men’s soccer team.  “It looks like everyone is looking forward to a successful fall season.”

            Hannah Gawrys, the President of Owl Nation, was pleased with the event.  “I think it went pretty well,” she said.  “I wish we had a few more people, but I was happy with the turnout.  The people who were here really got into it and had a good time. There was a lot of cheering and school spirit.”