Mr. Wilson and Coach Trammell won’t let rain dampen homecoming plans.

            Friday, when the homecoming pep rally and the homecoming game are scheduled outdoors, forecasters predict a 20 percent chance of rain.

On Wednesday afternoon, Student Council sponsor Mr. Samuel Wilson said the move to the auditorium is likely, even if it is not raining Friday. The baseball field may be too muddy from recent rains and more expected Thursday.

            The idea of an outdoor pep rally is new for many students. In the past, the homecoming pep rally has been in the auditorium, with large productions, involving skits, multi-media presentations, and expansive sets. But the school’s summer construction has left the auditorium a mess, forcing the school to create plans for a pep rally outside.

            The outdoor option did have benefits -- every class could attend, rather than leaving freshmen to watch from the cafeteria through closed-circuit television. The baseball field prevented the idea of an actual show, but the prospect of the change excited some.

            “It could really be the start of a new tradition,” said Media Tech teacher Mr. Tim Hood, who produced the previous years’ expansive homecoming shows. He will also direct this year’s show, regardless of venue.

            “It’s not so much the rain but the condition of the field,” said Mr. Wilson, creating the image of a possible mudslide of a pep rally.

            But with the current state of the auditorium, the prospect of this alternative is uncomfortable. Early in the week, the air conditioning was not working, making the space hot, even steamy. Much of the auditorium lighting also was not working this week, which would give the feeling of a student assembly, not a homecoming pep rally. No sound system and the asbestos dust that coats the stage further add to the alternative’s disadvantages.

            Freshmen wouldn’t be able to attend the pep rally if it is held indoors, because of the lack of space. The auditorium seats 1,008 people, making room only for upperclassmen, visitors and the band. In fact, the auditorium would not allow freshman to see the pep rally at all, since a cafeteria viewing would be impossible due to the summer’s construction.

            As for the game, only lightning or tornadoes would keep the team from playing.

            “If it rains, the fans will go home, but the team will go ahead and slog through it, and be miserable,” said Coach Lanny Trammell.

            Although Mr. Trammell said he doubts that the game will be cancelled, it could be postponed until Saturday, just as the Everman game was several weeks ago. According to Mr. Trammell, the game wouldn’t even need to be made up, since it is non-district, but assures that it would be, since it is homecoming.

            The pep rally, regardless of location, is planned for 2:30 p.m. Friday, and the game against Northside is scheduled for 7:30 at Clark Stadium.