Last week was UNI Homecoming.
You may have seen in my article last week a brief mention of something called "Pride Cry."
Pride Cry happens during the kickoff for homecoming, which is held on Monday. The UNI Soccer team, as well as the Student Body President and Vice President, and university President kicked off the event with words of encouragement and excitement.
The UNI Dance Team, as well as the Spirit Squad, also performed for students.
This year was the first Pride Cry I could participate in. And as a senior, I made sure to make the most of this Pride Cry, participating in not one, but two routines.
(And I didn't mess up!)
So Pride Cry is a chance for student organizations to show their Panther Spirit and incorporate the homecoming theme in a festive cheer or chant.
Each routine is limited to 3:00 minutes and must include the homecoming theme as well as the fight song (sung twice).
Student organizations such as Camp Adventure, Panther Pep Crew, CATS/SAA, the Black Student Union, International Student Association, Residence Halls, and Greek Life had groups perform for students gathered in Lawther Field.
As each group took the stage, recent songs were shouted with amended lyrics, sick stomp routines, and different formations. (Alright Panthers, now let's get in formation.)
At the finals, one winner is chosen. CATS/SAA, the reigning champions from 2015 homecoming, passed their title to the Black Student Union.
Here is a video from UNI's Homecoming Kickoff that sets into motion what Pride Cry is like.
If you ever get the chance to do UNI Pride Cry (or if your university does something like Pride Cry) I strongly recommend doing it. Or at least going to it. You can see all sorts of creativity and pride through the routines and the people that do them.
All photos courtesy of University of Northern Iowa photographer, Roland Ferrie.
