The Whitehall High School athletic department and Fellowship Community teamed up for a pep rally Aug. 26 at the senior living facility, 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall.

Residents assembled in a large meeting room inside Fellowship to enjoy the pep rally with WHS football players and cheerleaders.

Wearing their numbered football jerseys, the players, as well as the cheerleaders, were introduced and then shared their postsecondary plans. Several students said they wanted to be nurses, a teacher, a doctor, but most of the boys said they hoped to play football at the next level.

Several residents joined the football players and cheerleaders for photos and chit-chat after the event.

There was palpable excitement in the air as residents enjoyed meeting and talking to the high schoolers. Fellowship resident Mary Matika, of Northampton, and her daughter Debra Gerancher, of Hokendauqua, enjoyed watching the cheerleaders do their cheers and a tower lift that had a cheerleader held up by three other cheerleaders.

Fellowship resident and former football player Evan Burian also chatted with and posed with the high schoolers. Burian, a well-known Emmaus High School Green Hornet supporter and former writer, gave some advice to the Zephyr team.

“Score more points,” he said.

An unnamed resident and former high school football player also offered the football team advice: “Beat Northampton.” He added, “Be good sportsmen.”

Another resident and former football player advised the football players to “charge hard on every play.”

Tanner Dogmanits, WHS quarterback, noted he was fired up for the football season that began Aug. 28 against Wilkes-Barre High School. Many players on the team looked in excellent condition and anticipate a successful football season.

It was a meaningful, fun encounter for both the high school kids and the senior community residents, as both age groups seemed to enjoy each others’ company.

Coach Andy Marino was present to support his senior players. Also on hand was Alison Dogmanits, president of Whitehall Football Booster Club. Her son Tanner follows in the footsteps of his two brothers, Trey and Talon, who enjoyed football success at Whitehall.

The pep rally was a fun time and a success by any measure. The event may have stimulated the Zephyr football team’s effort in their game-opening season game against Wilkes-Barre. The Zephyrs won their season opener 21-19.