Student athletes recognized at rally Different sports programs represented in event held during Spirit Week

BY MADELEINE CHRISTIAN Reporter

The Pierce College

Associated Student Organization held a studentathlete appreciation event Thursday as part of Spirit Week.

The pep rally came two days before the Brahmas homecoming football game on Saturday versus Antelope Valley.

Student-athletes and athletic faculty gathered at Rocky Young Park to take pictures together and get some Brahmas swag.

Tables were setup along the edge of the park with free sandwiches and snacks while Athletic Director Susan Armenta welcomed those in attendance

“Today is about showing appreciation for our student athletes who not only work on the field, but in order to be there they have to be students first,” Armenta said. “We don’t always get a chance to go to the games as faculty so this is our chance while we’re here on campus leading up to the homecoming games on Saturday.”

Athletics at Pierce is having a growth spirt with the updating of many sports facilities and the reintroduction of football. Student athlete appreciation day is about celebrating athletes, but it represents much more. Dean of Student Services Claudia Velasco shares her excitement for the turnover in athletics with red and white pom poms in hand.

“We’re bringing all the communities together to celebrate that we have athletics,” Velasco said. “The culture in athletics is changing, we have more community, we’re present, we’re back.”

Briging students together on campus is the primary goal of this spirit week, but this special emphasis on atheltics means a lot to the student athletes who dedicate their time and effort to their craft.

Brahmas cheerleader Destinee Trahan appreciates the recognition as someone in a underappreciate sport.

“Cheer is a sport, and for it to finally get its recognition means a lot,” Trahan said. “My favorite part of today is just the music and the environment and everyone being here together.” mchristian.roundupnews@gmail.com