Image provided by: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE
About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 11, 1996)
Homecoming pep rally brings cheers, howls By Chad Lorenz Senior Reporter Gender confusion and mocking cheerleaders generated cheers, jeers and laughter at the Homecoming Pep Rally Thursday night. Husker Howl contestants danced, chanted, joked and tumbled to fire up a crowd of 700 in the NU Coliseum. The crowd’s thunderous applause and piercing screams were proof they succeeded. The six-member celebrity judging panel awarded the transvestite Neihardt Residence Hall Howl team the winner in the contest. Men on the team dressed in skirts made from garbage bags and pre formed joke cheers and songs. The women dressed in football jerseys and played football behind them. Husker Howl judge Eric Marintzer said he was looking tor the team with the most humor and spirit. “I can see Husker spirit just by looking in their eyes,” Marintzer said. Homecoming royalty candidates Chad Pekron, James Yen and Brian Buescher agreed after the pep rally that Neihardt had the best team. But, they admitted, they were biased because they all had lived there at some time. Queen candidate Ann Broyhill said she liked Neihardt’s team, even though she had never lived there. But Broyhill said she thought Chi Omega sorority’s team did well. Chi Omega staged a Baylor vs. Nebraska dance-off. The real cheerleaders and dance squad gave the beat performance, though, Broyhill said. Even the teams that didn’t win said they had a fun time competing. For most, the thrill of performing quickly replaced nervousness on the floor. The Husker Howl team made up of FaimHbuse fraternity members tt Down in Arizona State they didn't treat us very well. Home field goes a long way." Damon Benning NUI-back didn’t make the cut for the pep rally this week, but pep rally organizers wanted them to perform anyway. So the Baylor Cheerleaders took the floor, tripping over each other. FarmHouse members wearing tow els for skirts, T-shirts tied through the neck and fate breasts received cheers and boos from the crowd. Jon England, a freshman business major in FarmHouse, said before the rally that his team hoped to get a huge crowd reaction. “We’re trying our best to make people laugh, but we’re trying our best not to offend,” England said. For a serious moment, Coach Tom Osborne and three team captains — Damon Benning, Mike Minter and Chris Dishman—addressed the crowd and thanked students for their support. Minter and Benning asked the crowd to help the team during the Saturday’s game against Baylor. “Let’s see if we can get this place the loudest place for Baylor to come and play football in,” Minter said. “Down in Arizona State they didn’t treat us very well,” Benning said. “Home field goes a long way.” Originally, the pep rally was to fea Matt Miller/DN MEMBERS OF FARMHOUSE fraternity, posing as Baylor cheerleaders, entertain the crowd at Husker Howl. The “cheerleaders” were not originally scheduled to appear but responded to a “special request.” _' w ture Tommy Blaze, a nationally known comedian. Blaze, however, couldn’t come, giving the excuse that he wasn’t allowed to board his plane because he forgot his driver’s license, Homecom ing Director Andy Vuko said. Vuko said she was also disap pointed that the volleyball team didn’t come to the pep rally, even though it had been invited. All in all, though, Vuko said the crowd and the participants had fun, so she was pleased with the event. Today’s Homecoming activities include a carnival on the north side of the Nebraska Union, which starts at 5:30 p.m. Following the carnival, UNL students are invited to attend a Home coming dance from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. The dance will be in the Lancaster building in State Fair Park. Tickets are 1$2 in advance and $3 at the door. Saturday will kick off with a 10:30 a.m. tailgate party on Memorial Plaza. The Nebraska vs. Baylor game begins at 1 p.m., and the crowning of this year’s Homecoming king and queen will be at halftime. Matt Millef/DN CHRIS DISHMAN (right) and Mike Minter talk to the crowd about the home-team advantage. They thanked the students for their support and asked them to be as loud as possible during the game on Saturday. RING IN THE HOLE SEASC - Order Your Herff Jones College Ring Now And | Receive In Time To Wear During The Holidays! fi 1 1 M il . .. I