Bulldog Nation highlighted at annual Community Pep Rally

One of the staples for Howe over the last decade is the tradition of the community pep rally which takes place before the seasons start for each sport Every year the community comes together to support each fall program from kindergarten cheer to varsity football and all in between including cross country and band The other constant is the motivational chants and spirit from legendary coach Steve Simmons

The event began with an invocation from Kevin Bouse and the national anthem sung by Band Director Angie Liss as the Howe Pack 45 Cub Scouts raised the flag

A new crop of volunteer dads were trained on how to set the inflatable

Chris Wise held down the chores for several years

When the Bulldog tunnel was ready, the introductions began with Coach Simmons coming out of the tunnel to an adoring crowd of fans and parents Simmons led the bleachers in a "Sic 'em Dogs sic 'em" chant before organizing the teams

All cheer groups performed routines or cheers for the crowd and each team came out of the tunnel starting with the younger kids before finally having the varsity football team come out of the tunnel to a victory line formed by all of those previously introduced

More photos on page 8