Frosh Board sponsors pep rally

by Scott Glassmanby Scott GlassmanDaily Pennsylvanian Staff Writer Friday night, Penn basketball fans will be armed like never before with red and blue. More than two thousand bandannas displaying the University's colors will be handed out at a pep rally on Friday afternoon in front of The Book Store. In addition to the usual face-painting and music, 2,000 more bandannas will be distributed at a second pep rally to be held in front of the Palestra an hour before the game. Promoting class spirit and unity throughout the school is an objective of the Freshman Class Board, which thinks the pep rallies will achieve these goals, said class president Josh Klenoff, who is one of the event's organizers. "There is still a need for students to get involved," said Klenoff. "Bandannas are a good way to do that, to get a lot of students to participate and be more active in the games." The Freshman Class Board and The Book Store are working together to pay for the 5000 bandannas which were designed by professional artist James Page. The bandannas are both red and blue with the University crest on them, Page said. "University of Pennsylvania" is also spelled out on the borders. "It's the coolest design I've ever seen," said Klenoff, an aficionado of bandannas himself. "People will be wearing them not only during the games and various athletic events, but also across campus and at their leisure," predicted Klenoff. The Book Store was happy to help pay for the bandannas, said Book Store Manager Michael Knezic. "[The rally] will both help bring activity to the the store and support the student group," he said, emphasizing the importance of encouraging enthusiasm for athletic events. Student response to the idea has been very positive this week. "It's a fantastic idea," said College sophomore Wilton Levine, "It should have been done a lot sooner." "It sounds good," said Wharton freshman Todd Sternberg, who is a cheerleader for the basketball team. "Anything that people can do to get the fans involved is great." Other students like the pep rally idea, but plan to use the bandannas in alternative ways. "I don't know about wearing [the bandannas]," said College freshman Lauren Mann. "But it would be cool to hang them in your room." The rally in front of The Book Store is scheduled for Friday afternoon at noon and will last until the first 2,000 bandannas are gone. The rally in front of the Palestra will start at 6 p.m. The basketball game against Columbia is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The Freshman Class Board encourages all students to come out and cheer on the team.