By Matt Martin
“When I say Mustang, you say nation,” athletic director Matt Thede said to start the homecoming pep rally off. The event is filled with chants, competitions, and most importantly, the Mount Vernon fight song. Thede played a big part in the pep rally with his great enthusiasm, excitement, and school spirit, leading groups of students in fun competitions in front of the crowd.
“It’s fun to compete in the little games,” said Tyler Elliott, senior football player. Four players from the football team competed in the balloon challenge. Although they lost to the volleyball girls, they still had fun competing in front of the whole school district.
Another of the activities was the toilet paper roll. English teacher Mariah Reeves represented the high school in this competition to create a TP mummy. Four more students from the high school had to compete against the younger grades in the race. The high school students won after they completely covered Reeves in the toilet paper.
Junior Kode Banwart played in the basketball contest. Banwart carried his team to victory by making all three shots. After he drained the half courter, the crowd erupted in cheers. “I knew it was going in,” said Banwart. His shot gave the MVHS band team the victory over the fall play and cheer squad teams.
After all the competitions finished, it was back to the cheering and chanting. The band took over while playing the MVHS fight song while the color guard did their performance.
The Mustangs all came together on this one day to boost spirit and bring everyone closer through school pride. Thede got everyone involved whether it was getting them on the floor for the competitions, or just standing them up to cheer for the band as they played the MVHS fight song. Everyone from the middle school up to the high school gathered in the high school gym as Thede ran the pep rally and ultimately brought excitement to just an average school day.