The Saint Mary's Pride Week celebration began last night with a pep rally in the Noble Family Dining Hall.

On behalf of the athletic department and student government association, all fall athletes received blue carnations in recognition of their dedication.

Lynn Kachmarik, Saint Mary's new athletic director, opened the evening with a few words to the student body, including this year's motto: "Saint Mary's pride is on the rise."

"The pep rally is a great and fantastic idea. This is how we need to gain and spread support. It goes along with the changing Saint Mary's," she continued.

Each member of the volleyball, swimming, soccer, golf and cross country teams was introduced and team pictures were taken while students cheered.

For senior Michelle Samreta, captain of the swim team, Saint Mary's pride is definitely on the rise.

"Spirit has changed dramatically, especially in the past two years. Freshman year, we were lucky if a few spectators showed," she said. "Now, camaraderie among the athletes is strong and is filtering into the student body. Plus, besides student government, other clubs and halls are supporting the teams."

Senior Rachel Egger, co-captain of the soccer team, agrees that spirit is increasing.

"We've always been supportive, but now we're more outspoken, especially with our new athletic director," Egger said. "Our first home game this year had the greatest turnout ever."

The rally concluded with students filling the dining hall with loud echoing cheers.

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