The Friday Pep Rally inside the old gym at Italy High School was a fun time for students, cheerleaders, players, faculty and the community.

The Gladiator Fight Song ushered in the Italy Gladiator football team who walked through the “We Believe” tunnel, huddled at center court and then took their seats to start the event.

Principal Tanya Parker then welcomed “Coach Coleman” played by Clover Stiles who immitated Coach Coleman when she introduced the the IHS Cheerleaders.

The IHS Cheerleaders then did a couple of cheers to get the crowd rowdy before the “scariest scream” contest which was good for some laughs.

Marjorie Bridge gave a warm introduction for Italy alumnus and NFL great, Keith Davis, who was then invited out of the tunnel by Coach Kyle Holley.

Keith Davis gave a rousing speech to the players mentioning that where-ever he has gone to play football, whether it was at Sam Houston or NFL Europe and eventually the NFL, he has always been a Gladiator first and foremost.

Acknowledging he bleeds gold, Davis urged the players to stick together through the good and the bad and reminded them that the Gladiator Nation would always have their back.

Kaitlyn Rossa and Heath Clemons were called out in congratulations for qualifying for Regionals in the cross-country event.

Mr. Perez joined his snare, quad and base drum members in a friendly duel competition…they all won!

Then the Italy Junior High cheerleaders performed a physically demanding cheer in which the human pyramid they build collapses to the ground while chanting, “Knock ’em to the ground!”

The Seniors won the “We got spirit challenge” and then the gym went completely dark in anticipation of a mysterious surprise the IHS cheerleaders had prepared for the Pep Rally.

Using zombie like movements, the IHS cheerleaders slowly staggered through the banner and performed “Thriller” for everyone’s entertainment.

The Pep Rally ended with the players and cheerleaders gathering at center court for the school song as all of Gladiator Nation locked pinky fingers in unity.

It was a fun and exciting pep rally and our Halloween masks are off to Clover Stiles and the IHS cheerleaders for organizing a great rally.

Go Gladiators and Lady Gladiators!

And…