Spring Break
Rhody Rally gets students, alumni pumped for '08-'09
Greg Gentile
Issue date: 10/15/08 Section: News
10/15/08 - Anticipation is brewing for this year's Student Alumni Association and Student Senate-sponsored Rhody Rally, kicking off the beginning of the 2008-09 URI sports season.
There will be performances by the Ramettes, Flava Unit and the URI cheerleaders. Also, HOT106 will be helping out by playing some sweet tunes during the rally.
A new addition to the rally this year is the scheduled performance by former URI graduate and local comedian Ahmed Bharoocha.
"We feel that more students know his comedy and can relate to him," SAA President Jessica Potvin said.
Attendance has been a concern for SAA in years past, but Potvin said the organization is optimistic about this year's event.
"Attendance at Rhody Rally has been on the rise in the past few years, and we are hoping that this year will be one of the biggest rallies URI has seen in years," Potvin said.
Student Senate Vice President Dave Bedard said he also expects this year's rally to be better than ever.
"With the excitement from last year's basketball team, it will probably bring in more attendance," said Bedard.
Word of this year's Rhody Rally has been flying around campus among many in the freshmen class. "We are curious to what it's going to be like," said freshman Shawn Gudmundson.
"It's good that they are putting more effort into raising school spirit and get everybody pumped for the basketball season," freshman Nathaniel Shaw added.
SAA funds and secures donations from local business for the event each year. Albie's and International Zone are among the contributors.
The doors will open at 7 p.m., with the rally beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Keaney Gymnasium. Tickets are on sale this week at homecoming events. They are $4 individually in advance, $8 for the ticket/T-shirt combination and $5 at the door. The T-shirts have the University of Rhode Island on the front and have the homecoming logo on the back.
Fireworks and a bonfire will take place behind the Mackal Field House following the Rhody Rally. The winner of the Battle of the Bands will be announced.
There will be performances by the Ramettes, Flava Unit and the URI cheerleaders. Also, HOT106 will be helping out by playing some sweet tunes during the rally.
A new addition to the rally this year is the scheduled performance by former URI graduate and local comedian Ahmed Bharoocha.
"We feel that more students know his comedy and can relate to him," SAA President Jessica Potvin said.
Attendance has been a concern for SAA in years past, but Potvin said the organization is optimistic about this year's event.
"Attendance at Rhody Rally has been on the rise in the past few years, and we are hoping that this year will be one of the biggest rallies URI has seen in years," Potvin said.
Student Senate Vice President Dave Bedard said he also expects this year's rally to be better than ever.
"With the excitement from last year's basketball team, it will probably bring in more attendance," said Bedard.
Word of this year's Rhody Rally has been flying around campus among many in the freshmen class. "We are curious to what it's going to be like," said freshman Shawn Gudmundson.
"It's good that they are putting more effort into raising school spirit and get everybody pumped for the basketball season," freshman Nathaniel Shaw added.
SAA funds and secures donations from local business for the event each year. Albie's and International Zone are among the contributors.
The doors will open at 7 p.m., with the rally beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Keaney Gymnasium. Tickets are on sale this week at homecoming events. They are $4 individually in advance, $8 for the ticket/T-shirt combination and $5 at the door. The T-shirts have the University of Rhode Island on the front and have the homecoming logo on the back.
Fireworks and a bonfire will take place behind the Mackal Field House following the Rhody Rally. The winner of the Battle of the Bands will be announced.
