Massapequa Pep Rally Paves Way To Homecoming

The gymnasium of Massapequa High School was packed Friday afternoon with students whipped up into a frenzy of school spirit. Chants, cries, and tomahawk chops filled the air, and the feeling of the school unifying as a single, driving force was more than evident.

Homecoming is here, and Massapequa likes to kick it off with a bang with good, old fashioned Pep Rally, according to principal Barbara Williams.

"The Pep Rally is a Fall tradition," she said. "It's part of our whole Spirit Week, which is a culmination of dressing up for different theme days, the Pep Rally, and then the Homecoming parade and Homecoming game tomorrow."

This event was comprised of many fun-filled, school spirit-infused activities, such as complex gymnastic exhibitions by the school's cheerleaders, the Chiefettes; adrenaline-pumping selections played by the school's marching band; and, of course, the highlight of any pep Rally- the introduction of the school's various sports teams, including soccer, field hockey, volleyball, cross-country running, and, of course, the big one: Football.

If you've ever been to a Massapequa high school sporting event, you might be familiar with the Pep Rally's host- he's the guy that's always down in the front row, getting the crowd to scream louder and louder for the Chiefs, no matter where they might be playing. But today, senior Mike Cantalupo was excited to be able to give back to the sports teams that he loves in yet another way.

"This was a blast, being able to host the Pep Rally this year," he said. "It's great to see everybody come out and support the teams, and that everybody comes together at the Pep Rally."

Cantalupo said that the Chiefs’ dominance on and off the field is an inspiration the entire school.

"Last Fall, all but one team won a County championship, and one team won a State championship," he said. "We're dedicated to athletics, along with academics, and it just provides a great atmosphere for everyone."

Homecoming excitement continues this weekend, all the way up to the big game pitting the Massapequa Chiefs against the Baldwin Bruins. As per the High School's website, Homecoming events on Saturday, Sept. 24 are as follows:

9:30 a.m.  Varsity Girls and Varsity Boys Away Cross Country @ Six Flags Wild Safari Invitational

10:00 a.m. Varsity Girls Volleyball Away @ Harborfields Tournament

12:30 p.m. Homecoming parade starts at Massapequa Park Village Hall                         

2:00 p.m.  Varsity Boys Football Home vs. Baldwin

3:45 p.m.  Varsity Girls Soccer vs. MacArthur @ SUNY Farmingdale

7:00 p.m.  Varsity Boys Soccer Away @ St Anthony’s

After the event ended and the spent students wandered back to class, principal Barbara Williams summed up the excitement of Homecoming in no uncertain terms.

"This absolutely is an important tradition for the school," she said. "Do you see the energy in this room? It's great to be a Massapequa High School student, and it's great to be a Chief!"