UND held a pep rally in the downtown square on the evening of October 4th to bring together the Grand Forks community during the University’s homecoming week. A few hundred Fighting Hawk fans showed up to show support for their teams. Four UND teams were present; the football, volleyball, and dance teams, along with the Pride of the North Marching Band. 

The pep rally featured prominent UND figures, from President Andrew Armacost to head football coach Bubba Schweigert. Following the grand entrance of the teams, President Armacost started off the pep rally by leading the audience in cheers.  

Coach Schweigert told the crowd that he hopes to see them all at UND’s Homecoming game Saturday, stating that “when the Alerus Center is packed, there’s no place like it.” UND captain linebacker Ted Mullin echoed Schweigert’s message, adding how much he appreciates the Grand Forks community. 

Following the football team appearances, UND volleyball assistant coach Joe Davidson addressed the crowd, once again thanking everyone for coming out. The UND dance team performed a brief routine, as well. 

One lucky attendee walked home with two free tickets to the UND homecoming game, as well as another attendee winning two tickets to any single UND volleyball game for the rest of the season. 

Yard games were available to attendees, from a giant cornhole game to a massive chess board. 

Visitors got the chance to enjoy food trucks ranging from the 701 BBQ to the Rhombus Guys truck. UND student Samantha Ledahl said of the event, “it was a great coming together of the UND community. The lines were long, but the food was worth the wait.” 

Garrett Webber is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].