We Are... Penn State Altoona!

Altoona Curve mascot "Steamer" has fun with the students


Local philanthropist Anthony Misciagna throws out the first pitch.


Advisory Board member Don Devorris swings for the fences.

Urban dance troupe entertains the crowd.

Penn State Altoona held its first ever All-Sports Pep Rally on October 19, honoring all fifteen Lions varsity athletic teams and recognizing the generosity of the college's intercollegiate athletic donors. The rally featured something for everyone: tailgate-style food, prize drawings, balloon animals, and a celebrity softball game.

The pep rally began at Spring Run Stadium, home of the Lions men's and women's soccer teams and included performances by the pep band, urban dance troupe, and cheerleaders. All fifteen Lions varsity teams were represented by their coaches and 2006-2007 returnees, who were individually acknowledged. Included in the recognition were the men's golf team, which recently won the AMCC Championship and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, and the men's tennis team which, in the spring, will try to defend their AMCC Championship from a year ago.

The rally then shifted to the baseball field, where a celebrity softball game pitted a combination of Penn State Altoona baseball and softball players against a team of local celebrities, including members of the college's Advisory Board, community supporters, and Chancellor Lori J. Bechtel. The Lion baseball and softball players batted opposite-handed against the twelve-member celebrity team.

The game resulted in a 5-4 victory for the celebrities. Between innings, fans competed in a dance contest, sumo wrestling, and base-running contests. Prizes also were given away, many of which were donated by the Altoona Curve. The grand prize was an autographed football by Pittsburgh Steelers'quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

"I'm thrilled we were able to hold this pep rally," states Penn State Altoona Athletic Director Fredina Ingold. "Varsity athletics is an integral part of any university, and at the Division III level, our student-athletes and coaches expend an enormous amount of energy and display unwavering dedication, all for the love of the sport. I couldn't be more proud of our teams and coaches."