Fans engage with players, coaches at pep rally

Marshall Sunner, Reporter|October 30, 2018

Wichita State fan’s take pictures with Women’s Basketball players on Monday at the pep rally. (Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower)

Wichita State held a pep rally to celebrate the start of the men’s and women’s basketball seasons Monday night.

The event was held at Wichita State’s Braeburn Square, a new development on Innovation Campus, and was open to the public.

Kylie Cameron
Members of the Shocker spirit squad opened up the pep rally located in Braeburn Square. (Kylie Cameron/The Sunflower)

Both basketball teams were introduced, and a bonfire was held afterwards. This event allowed the students and public to meet the players and coaches one on one and also offered picture opportunities for fans.

“I had a good time interacting with everyone,” WSU student Darrell Demar said. “I just wish they had more shirts.”

Joseph Barringhaus
Wichita State’s Charlotte Edwards takes a selfie with Men’s Basketball players on Monday at the pep rally. (Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower)

The first 100 people in line received one-of-a-kind shirts commemorating the event.

Men’s basketball coach Gregg Marshall said he’s “glad the school has decided to do this to generate some excitement.”

Joseph Barringhaus
Wichita State’s Head Coach, Gregg Marshall, hugs a fan at the pep rally on Monday night. (Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower)

“Campus is buzzing like I’ve never seen it before,” Marshall said. “There’s kids walking all over the place, hopefully we can get them to fill up the student section on a regular basis.”

Keitha Adams, the women’s head coach, gave out information regarding her team’s season, stating that starting this year games would start at 6:30 pm.

Joseph Barringhaus
Wichita State’s Women’s Basketball team takes a photo with Dr. Marchae Fleming-Randle and Kevin Harrison. (Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower)

She went on to talk about her young team and said they were “fired up and ready for the season.”

Associate coach for the women’s team, Ewa Laskowska, said she appreciated getting the community involved with the teams.

“Anytime you put the kids in front of people to get to know them, they look at them as more than players,” Laskowska said. “It’s a great opportunity for community exposure.”