ShipRec rocked with spirited students for the 2017 Homecoming spirit rally Friday night which featured performances from the Red Raider’s marching band, cheerleaders, Heritage dancers and the In-Motion Dance Troupe.
The rally was kicked off with a message from Melissa Mankamyer, representative of The Harbor, Shippensburg’s sober social spot located at 55 West King St.
“People that come into the Harbor do not need to be ashamed of their problem or their disease because they have us standing beside them,” assured Mankamyer, who partnered with the APB to raise money for the Harbor at the rally. Pizza and scarves were sold, and donation boxes were set up in support of the Harbor.
“I thank you so much for choosing the Harbor,” said Mankamyer. Students cheered for the Harbor before kicking off a dance contest between raiders in an attempt to win a $50 gift card to Pizza Man.
The song “Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO pounded through the speakers as six students danced in the stage area flooded with flashing lights. The contestants raised the roof, dabbed and showed off their break-dancing moves before a winner was decided by having the audience cheer for their favorite dancer.
The crowd was riled up when the 2017–18 varsity teams were introduced, which included women’s soccer, women’s field hockey, men’s soccer and the Red Raider football team. Some of the sports players rode on each other’s shoulders and wore funky hats as they paraded in front of the crowd. The audience erupted with excitement when the band worked up their drums as the football team sauntered in front of them before President Laurie Carter was introduced on stage.
“Athletes, we’re looking forward to all of your contests,” said Carter, “alumni thank you for being here and welcome back.” Carter reminded students to have fun and stay safe during the weekend festivities.
“Enjoy yourselves. This is a time to celebrate you, a time to celebrate the university and a time to be good citizens to our neighbors. Have a great time,” Carter said.
Following Carter’s words to the crowd was Student Government President Madison Scarr. The audience hollered for Scarr as she entered the stage area.
“Enjoy the weekend. I hope everyone has a fun time with friends and family,” said Scarr. “Best of luck to all of the athletic teams this weekend. Go Raiders!”
A warm welcome was then given to the homecoming court as they walked in pairs on stage, inciting excitement among the crowd before SU cheerleaders bounced in front of the audience to present their routine. The cheerleaders performed backflips and formed pyramids to the rhythm of a mash-up of hip-hop and pop songs, enthusing students and alumni further.
Next, a T-shirt contest was played between two eager Raiders in an attempt to win a $50 gift card to the university bookstore. The contestants had to put on as many T-shirts as they could in thirty-seconds to win the prize, which they did so hastily. The winner sported a total of 10 T-shirts before winning the gift card.
Heritage dancers then flooded the stage, dressed in red crop tops and bralettes beneath unbuttoned jean jackets, black short shorts and sneakers. The women booty-popped, rolled their hips and twerked in rhythm to a mash up of songs such as Snappy Jilt’s “We go to work,” Kelis’ “Milkshake” and Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow.” The crowd went wild, and despite technical difficulties with the soundtrack the dancers kept their cool and kept rolling with their routine.
The last game of the night offered students the chance to win one hundred flex dollars, which caused students to flood the stage to participate. Six were chosen to compete in a hula-hooping contest. The students were so proficient in hula-hooping that a winner was chosen through cheers from the audience.
For the final performance, In Motion Dance Troupe strutted onto the stage before Missy Elliot’s “Work It” boomed through the speakers. The dancers wore black and white unbuttoned jerseys, red sports bras, black leggings and sneakers. They rocked their hips, rolled on the ground and shimmied to a collection of songs which included Ciara’s “Lose Control” and Ludacris’ “How Low.” The performance left the audience in a heap of excitement.
Students buzzed as they exited ShipRec, pumped up for the fun-filled weekend. Senior Burgandy McDermott was spirited by the performances.
“I liked it a lot,” said McDermott, adding that she especially enjoyed the performances by Heritage Dancers and In Motion Dance Troupe.
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