MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama held the first football pep rally in school history Thursday evening, drawing a crowd that filled the campus amphitheater and spilled into the surrounding walkways two days before the Jaguars play their first-ever game.
The rally lasted about an hour and was followed by an autograph session with players.
A Crowded Courtyard
The event was held in the amphitheater in front of the campus bookstore, between the Student Center and Meisler Hall. Fans lined both the upper and lower levels of the Student Center, students filled the amphitheater seating beyond capacity, and spectators crowded the walkways, the flower beds and the area behind the university band, which was positioned on the steps leading to Meisler Hall. Others gathered behind the cheerleaders for a view of the program.
The crowd responded loudly when the band played “Jaguar Pride,” the South Alabama fight song.
Moulton, Jones and the Team
Several speakers addressed the crowd, including university president Gordon Moulton. The focus of the evening was head coach Joey Jones and his players, who drew the loudest response when they were introduced and entered the amphitheater courtyard.
Jones is building the program from the ground up. The Jaguars went through spring practice and a preseason camp that included public scrimmages before turning their attention to the opener.
Opener Saturday
South Alabama plays its first game Saturday, Sept. 5, against Hargrave Military Academy at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile. Freshman Myles Gibbon has been named the starting quarterback for the opener.
