BY MERAL KATHWARI

Despite rough weather conditions, the annual pep rally and homecoming were held under the lights on the new memorial field on Oct. 13 and 14, respectively. At both events, cheering from the fans echoed throughout the packed bleachers. Students, parents, teachers and community members watched as sport teams and dance groups generated excitement at pep rally, and as the Tigers emerged victorious at homecoming, defeating Port Chester with an impressive final score of 50-8.

Last fall, the installment of the new artificial field delayed the homecoming game and the school was unable to host it at home in the fall. Last year’s homecoming was held at White Plains high school instead. Many students felt that this decision undermined the purpose of homecoming. Some were unable to attend because of the distance and were disappointed that homecoming would not uphold old traditions. Similarly, pep rally last year was held in the Hommocks gym, which also detracted from student attendance. The new field brought many fans and much excitement.

This year’s pep rally was filled with enthusiastic fans, including celebrity Kevin Dillon, who was seated among many seniors. Bari Suman, MHS’ Athletic Director, said, “Homecoming this year was a very successful event,” she continued, “ I’m so happy about the huge turnout, and I felt that the lights were a huge contributor to the surreal excitement!”

At the rally, teams performed well-rehearsed dances and captains introduced their players according to longstanding tradition. The football players then entered on the top of town fire trucks, a custom that they were glad to see reinstated this year. They were not, however, able to fulfill the tradition of burning their rival’s jersey due to the weather.

The cheerleaders, who performed four choreographed routines, were also unable to put up stunts because of the rain, but amazed viewers nonetheless. The Force gave an upbeat performance per usual, furthering excitement in the crowd. Boys’ and Girls’ varsity soccer performed a rehearsed routine, as did girls’ varsity field hockey, cross country, varsity swimming, girls’ varsity tennis and MHS’ dance hip-hop troupe, Krazii Krew. The Pep Band played for fans as well. All the while, fans cheered and many students exchanged guesses of who the person inside the costume of MHS mascot, the tiger, might be. All of these forms of entertainment did nothing but generate excitement among fans for the next night’s big game.

Coming off a 2-3 record, MHS’ Varsity Football hosted the 85th renewal of the long- standing varsity football rivalry against Port Chester at the homecoming game. The rivalry that began in the 1920’s was named in honor of former Port Chester Athletic Director, Anthony Zimbalatti, and former Mamaroneck AD, Leor O’Neill.

At Pep Rally, Varsity Football captain Parker Thelander ‘12 proudly said that “the trophy is coming back to daddy.” The team persevered and made MHS proud in an astonishing victory for the Athletic Director’s Trophy. Port Chester leads the all-time series 46-33-5, but Mamaroneck has won 17 of the last 27 meetings.

John Schudy ‘13, who scored a touchdown, said, “I’ve been looking forward to playing in this league for the longest time. I’m glad we came through in a big way.”

The throngs of fans were also ecstatic to see the Tigers win. In fact, so many students attended that local police officers limited the number of students allowed on the bleachers for safety reasons. Though some were upset by this rule, the excitement did not at all dwindle.

Even after Homecoming, spirits remained high for the rest of the weekend’s sporting games.

J.V. Football won their game 16-0 with touchdowns from Andrew Sternklar ‘15 and Will Giddon‘15. It was a successful weekend for Mamaroneck Football.

The following day, the boys’ varsity soccer team also put up a good fight but lost against Rye in a close game of 2-1. Captain Fabi Chaparro ’12 said, “In the end we did play our hearts out.”

This year’s Homecoming and Pep Rally were both very successful and memorable. Students were filled with plenty of school spirit and cheered on their peers throughout the entire weekend.