Yell Like Hell, the biggest pep rally on campus, was held last week on Nov. 7, 2024 at Blackham Coliseum. As an iconic homecoming tradition, Yell Like Hell got students pumped with excitement showing their support for the Ragin’ Cajuns as they prepared for the game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves on Nov. 9.
Every homecoming, Yell Like Hell is organized by the University Program Center (UPC) Traditions Board. Christen Parks, a junior with a major in psychology and minor in criminal justice, is a member of the UPC Traditions Board. She said, “Yell Like Hell has always been a tradition that we have to kick off the homecoming game, get everyone riled up and excited.”
Essentially, being a pep rally, Yell Like Hell inspires enthusiasm among students to show their support for not just the football team, but also for all other Ragin’ Cajun sports teams. At Yell Like Hell, greek and non-greek student organizations come together to show their collective school spirit as they scream and cheer with gusto.
Yell Like Hell 2024 was kicked off by the Pride of Acadiana, who played a few songs including the Ragin’ Cajuns Fight Song. After the band performed, an introduction was given by the emcees Annabelle Picou, Miss University of Louisiana at Lafayette 2024 and Christian Steward, UPC Traditions Board member. Jailyn Brown, chairperson of the UPC Traditions Board also gave a word of introduction.
The emcees then conducted the class shoutouts, where they called out classes, from Class of 2028 to 2024, “super seniors” and alumni. Attendees of the pep rally, even if they were not part of any student organization, were encouraged to cheer as loud as they could when they heard their class being called.
Chloe’ Elizabeth Batiste, a junior majoring in general studies with a concentration in arts, is another member of the UPC Traditions Board. In response to the class shoutouts, she placed emphasis on the fact that the pep rally is open to all students who wish to show their school spirit despite not being part of an organization.
Batiste said, “This is not just for Greeks, this is for the whole student body. Not just Greeks, not just orgs, this is for everybody.”
Following the class shoutouts, the Ragin’ Cajuns Cheerleaders performed a few of their cheers and routines, raising the energy level in Blackham with their liveliness and passion. Michael Desormeaux, head coach of the Ragin’ Cajun football team, then made an appearance, along with four players.
The players that accompanied Coach Des onto the stage and got the crowd cheering were Linebacker Terrence Williams, wide receiver Dalen Cambre, offensive line Mackey Maillho and running back Dre’Lyn Washington.
Ragin’ Jazz proceeded to perform a hip-hop routine with power, precision and synchronization. Their performance then led to the most awaited part of Yell Like Hell, when student organizations that were present stood a chance to win a spirit stick by going against organizations under the same category in a who-can-cheer-the-loudest competition.
The last performer of the night was Infinity Dance Group, who performed explosive hip-hop routines. Despite not being associated with the Athletics Department, Infinity Dance Group had been given the opportunity to become a regular performer at Yell Like Hell since 2022.
Members of the Homecoming Court 2024 were then introduced and had their biographies read. This was an opportunity for students to better understand who they are and the backgrounds that each of them come from.
After awaiting results from the judges, the winners of the spirit sticks were announced. The four categories were Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, National Panhellenic Council and Non-Greek Organizations. These were the respective winners: Phi Kappa Psi, Phi Mu, Iota Iota Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Infinity Dance Group.
To wrap up, the emcees, members of the Homecoming Court and members of the UPC Traditions Board gave a final word of encouragement for students to support the Ragin’ Cajuns and attend the homecoming football game. They also gave out promotional items which included shirts, bags, jibbitz and more.
Yell Like Hell boosts the support shown by the Ragin’ Cajun community for the athletes that represent not just the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, but also the greater city of Lafayette. Parks said, “When everyone comes out and supports the team it gets them excited and really riled up and appreciated cause they want us to come watch them play and cheer them on.”
Picou also agreed that Yell Like Hell is important as it strengthens the support of the game, she said, “We saw a decline in attendance of our games, so to get the Ragin’ Cajun community excited to come to the game and support our Ragin’ Cajuns to victory is what’s really important.”
Yell Like Hell has been a beloved homecoming tradition that many students, faculty and staff look forward to. Alexis Landry, a junior majoring in performing arts with a concentration in dance, attended Yell Like Hell for the second time with her sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi.
When asked about her favorite part of the pep rally, Landry said, “My favorite part of Yell Like Hell is getting excited with my sisters and having fun and getting to watch Infinity perform.”
Heidie Lindsey is the associate dean of students and director of student engagement and leadership. In response to the same question, she said, “I just love the band and the cheerleaders and Ragin’ Jazz and I love all that. It is just the quintessential school spirit.”
As Lindsey works with many students across various organizations, she has gotten to forge rapport with them. She added, “It’s just so fun to see them in their element, having a blast, because that’s what college is about, when you’re not in class you should be having a good time.”
Yell Like Hell was yet again a success this year owing to the efforts of the UPC Traditions Board as well as all other participants and performers who made it possible. The pep rally will continue to remain a long-standing homecoming tradition that boosts the Ragin’ Cajun spirit.
