Spirit week is kicking off Nov. 12 with the annual Turkey Trot in anticipation of the fast-approaching 151st Lehigh-Lafayette rivalry football game.
Some events, which are planned by the Association of Student Alumni, include the Turkey Trot, bed races, an a cappella concert, a Lehigh-themed trivia night in Lamberton Hall and the Eco-flame — where members of the Marching 97 interrupt classes by playing their instruments.
“For this year, I think the whole premise of Le-Laf week is to just get students pride in Lehigh and where they go to school and the whole rivalry,” said President of ASA Erica Kier, ’17.
And with some events happening almost every day of the spirit week, there are plenty of activities in order to prepare for the Lehigh-Lafayette football game. One big tradition — the bed races — are open to all students, faculty and staff who form a team of five and race beds along the walkway in front of the UC Front Lawn flagpole.
“We will also have the Fud Truk that’s going to be there, we will have minute to win it games and raffles going on,” said Stephanie Behrens, ’17, the vice president of administration for ASA.
According to ASA spirit chair Emily Okrepkie, ’18, the organization wants spirit week to involve all members of the student body.
“We are really encouraging everyone in the student body to come out and sort of be part of something that has been a part of Lehigh’s tradition and history for so long,” Okrepkie said.
Another school spirit tradition is the Eco-flame by the Marching 97. On the Friday before the game, the marching band appears in different classrooms on campus to perform fight songs and excite students for the rivalry.
This year ASA is working to involve a variety of campus organizations. The group will be partnering with the Panhellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council to host a trivia night during the rivalry week.
“I am hoping that the Lehigh community can come together to celebrate Lehigh, its traditions and be proud of where we come from and where we are going, while also having a good time and showing our school spirit,” Okrepkie said.
Okrepkie also spoke about the Lehigh-Lafayette Challenge, which is another opportunity for students to show spirit by donating money.
Because Lafayette has a smaller school, every Lafayette student donation counts as two Lehigh donations.
Lehigh students can contribute to the challenge by purchasing a winter hat with the sesquicentennial logo in it, and some of the money is donated back to their organization, office or club of choice. The majority of the student donations for the challenge hat purchases, although regular monetary donations are accepted as well. Last year, ASA sold scarves with the 150th rivalry game logo.
“I’m excited to celebrate this tradition by participating in the awesome events being held on campus,” Jack Austin, ’18, said.
Hai Le, Vice President of Membership for ASA, said he expects there will be more spirit on campus this year because Lehigh is hosting the game.
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