By Tori Templet | Staff Writer
New Student Programs held its annual spirit rally for incoming freshmen and transfer students Friday night at McLane Stadium with guest speakers, the Baylor University Golden Wave Band, Baylor Spirit Squads and plenty of Sic ‘ems.
John Morris, the voice of the Bears, kicked off the night as he welcomed the students into the stadium. He introduced Christal Peterson, the character formation coordinator of the Student Athlete Center for Excellence, up to the stage.
Peterson brought up Felecia Mulkey, head coach of acrobatics and tumbling, and spoke with her about how her team overcame trials last year and what they are looking forward to this year.
“Every day we decided to be grateful,” Mulkey said. “We went in and put everything out there that we could, and we came out and won it all.”
Morris came back to the stage to say Baylor is a “campus of champions.” He welcomed Alvin Brooks, assistant coach of the men’s basketball team, along with Langston Love and Jeremy Sochan, two freshman members of the team. Morris spoke on the reigning national championship title and what is to come for the future of the team.
“What makes this place special is the people,” Brooks said.
Nicki Collen, the head coach of women’s basketball, was welcomed up to the stage along with Queen Egbo, a senior on the team, and Caitlin Bickle, a recent Baylor graduate and team member. Collen will be making her debut as the new head coach this season.
“I am as new to this as you are,” Collen said. “I am incredibly grateful to be here at Baylor.”
President Linda Livingstone and first gent made Brad Livingstone an appearance along with speakers from the Bear Pit, Baylor Chamber of Commerce and more.
College Station freshman Cate Killingbeck said it was a surreal feeling to finally be on campus at the stadium.
“I’ve been looking forward to this for a really long time,” Killingbeck said. “The atmosphere is amazing, and I truly feel welcomed.”
To prepare the new students for future game days, the night was closed out with cheers and chants courtesy of the Golden Wave Band and Baylor Spirit Squads.
Highland Village freshman Aubrey King said that it was great to see the community come together for the first time.
“I am so excited to be a part of the Baylor Line,” King said. “I am so overwhelmed, it’s a feeling I can’t really comprehend, but I’m so excited for this year.”
