Rice University’s newest Owls got an early introduction to one of the university’s loudest O-Week traditions Aug. 18 as Rice Rally brought together students, coaches and athletes for an evening of cheers, chants and school spirit at Tudor Fieldhouse.
The annual event gives incoming students a chance to experience the energy of the Rice community while showcasing the university’s sports teams. Coaches helped rally the crowd as each team was introduced individually, with athletes emerging through the tunnel onto the court to the cheers of their fellow Owls.
Each residential college had its own section in the stands with students leading personalized cheers and chants throughout the event. For Chao College, Rice’s 12th and newest residential college, this year’s rally marked a first.
“It was very exciting. This is my first time, and I didn’t know what to expect, so we were just out there cheering,” said Winnie Liu, an incoming freshman from Richmond, Texas, who is a member of the swimming and diving team. “I really love our Chao College because they came out with posters to cheer us on, and it’s really fun. It’s super special to be the first class to be at Chao.”
Fellow Chao freshman and swimmer and diver Camryn Jones, who is from Philadelphia, said the atmosphere exceeded her expectations.
“It was so cool. The energy was crazy when we walked out. I did not expect it to get that loud, and it’s so great to see people show up for the sports teams,” Jones said.
That enthusiasm extended across the residential college system as students cheered for every team, reinforcing the connection between Rice’s student body and its student-athletes.
“They’re really creating a strong tie between athletics as soon as they step on campus, which is really fun to have — especially at an academic institute like Rice,” Jones said. “It’s nice to see that they focus on athletes.”
For junior transfer student and men’s basketball player Kaiden Myers, Rice Rally offered a new perspective on the college experience after transferring from Kilgore College. Myers, a member of Hanszen College, said the passion from the Rice community made an immediate impression.
“It was amazing. Having a lot of support like that from a college is crazy,” Myers said. “Seeing all those people cheering for us and having my college out there representing — it’s a great feeling.”