Most people remember their high school pep rallies as loud, enthusiastic celebrations in which their football team was cheered and encouraged by fellow students. Natchez High School does a little better than that.

Hundreds of students, athletes, parents, friends and shoppers crowded into the Natchez Mall Saturday to meet the Bulldogs in a community-wide pep rally.

Although the Natchez football squad was one of the main attractions, the pep rally included all Natchez fall sports and athletic activities, said director of student activities Dr. Wayne Barnett.

&uot;We started this in ’91, at the (Natchez High) baseball field, and it only included football,&uot; he said. &uot;Since then it’s grown.&uot;

With a 160-piece band thundering fight songs throughout a crowded, echoing mall, Barnett’s statement seemed something of an understatement.

Recognized at the rally were the high school football team, softball team, cross country team, Lady Blues dance team, flag team and band, and the Natchez Middle School football team, majorettes and flag team.

Though pep rallies are generally associated with football and football alone, Barnett said there is no reason why student-athletes in other sports should get less attention.

&uot;We have excellent softball and track programs,&uot; he said. &uot;We wanted to recognize those kids.&uot;

The rally also serves the same purpose as traditional high school rallies, said to junior softball player Chrystal Sylvester.

&uot;It gives us confidence,&uot; she said. &uot;It gets the team ready to play.&uot;

Junior Bulldog offensive lineman Kejuane Bates said the rally is important to have before Natchez’s home opener Aug. 25 against Jefferson County.

&uot;It lets us know we have fan support,&uot; he said. &uot;All we have to do is show them that we’re ready to play.&uot;