Gold medalist provides pep talk at rally

An estimated 500 people attended Red Oak High School’s second annual community pep rally Thursday at Fountain Square Park.

The rally is a way for the school to introduce this year’s players, coaches, along with raising money for the sport’s department.

“I thought it went very well,” Athletic Director Angie Spangenburg said. “I think the kids have a lot of fun with it, and so does the town of Red Oak. It’s good for people to come together like this.”

This year’s guest speaker for the rally was world champion hurdler Mike Godbout who delivered an inspirational speech to athletes.

“Champions are made in the off-season, it’s not easy, but you have to work harder outside of the season,” Godbout said. “I challenge you to look in the mirror before you go to bed and ask yourself ‘did I do everything I can today, to make myself better?”

Godbout also made another challenge to the current and future athletes.

“I want someone to break my record,” Godbout said of his 110m hurdling record as a high school track standout. “I want somebody to set a goal and break my record.”

The athletic department was also raising money for the general athletic fund, selling game-used jerseys, warm-ups, and other apparel.

“If we can sell the old ones, it helps to buy all new team uniforms for the players,” Spangenburg said.

Red Oak is also selling coffee thermoses and team cups to raise money for a “mini-tiger” mascot suit.

All but one Red Oak coach attended this year’s pep rally.

The rally was followed by the volleyball scrimmage and then the football scrimmage on Friday.

The Athletic Department will still be selling the jerseys at the first home volleyball game Sept. 10.