It’s that time of year again. The Battle of the Piney Woods comes home when the Sam Houston State Bearkats play the Stephen F. Austin State Lumberjacks on Saturday, Nov. 1. The 83rd annual match-up is the second oldest NCAA subdivision series in Texas.
That also means it’s time for FireFest, the annual pep rally. It will be held on the Intramural Fields today from 7 to 9 p.m.. All SHSU students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in the festivities. There will be free food, giveaways, fireworks and the bonfire. There will also be plenty of free booths, including henna tattoos, airbrushed t-shirts and wax hands. The Bearkat One Card Office, Recreational Sports and the Alumni Association will also have booths with games and prizes at the event.
“Firefest is a great program, and quite a tradition at SHSU,” said Brandon Cooper of Student Activities. His office will be giving out free t-shirts throughout the night. There will also be two large blow-up obstacle courses for students to run through.
During the rally, performances will be made by SHSU Cheerleaders, Orange Pride Dance Team, and the marching band. Sammy the Bearkat, the Football team, and both Men’s a nd Women’s basketball teams will make appearances, and give speeches to fire up students. After the Kat Call rally at 8 p.m. the professional fireworks show will begin, culminating witht eh lighting of the bonfire, complete with a Lumberjack effigy on top.
“We know whoever coems will have a great time,” said Cooper. “it’s a great bonding experience for students.”