Published: November 18, 2009 10:16 pm      

Rally to rev up Vikings

Community invited to Temple Plaza

DANVILLE — The entire town is invited to rally around the Danville High School Vikings football team Friday night.

Organizers of the “Whole Town” pep rally hope the event gives the town a chance to support the undefeated Vikings, and give the team a chance to thank the community for all their support this season.

“This is exactly what the community has needed,” said Mayor Scott Eisenhauer, who will be the master of ceremonies at the event with Neuhoff Broadcasting General Manager Mike Hulvey.

The DHS Band of Vikings, football coaches, cheerleaders, students and other supporters will be on hand.

Anyone else who’d like to attend is welcome.

“This is an opportunity to show the pride that we have in our community, the pride that we feel for our student athletes and to rally around a common cause,” Eisenhauer said.

He said the community pride for the team has been overwhelming, he added.

The crowds at last weekend’s game were far beyond expectations, and that enthusiasm has continued with the display of support all over town, such as in the hand-painted signs on business windows around town.

The third-round victory has given locals a chance to really celebrate something great, he added.

The upcoming game Friday and the Night of Lights festivities tonight, as well as this week’s Festival of Trees create good vibes for everyone.

“Look how much we have to be excited about,” he said.

The energy has spread.

Alumni from all over the country — and the world — have touched base to share their support.

Eisenhauer said fans from all over called in to cheer on the Vikings.

“From a broadcasting perspective, we’re doing this game and getting text messages from military bases in Turkey and Germany. Someone texted in from Australia. A girl I went to school with (and her fiancé) announced their engagement on the air. All of those things have made it really special,” he said.

DHS coach BJ Luke said he’s also received many messages of support from former classmates and others wishing him and the team well.

“It’s been very rewarding,” he said. “I’ve been coaching for 33 years. I’ve had some really neat teams and I’ve been in the semi-finals at three different schools, but this is the most excited I’ve ever been in my coaching career. (Being in my hometown) really intensifies it. It’s really special.”

The amount of community spirit has been overwhelming, he added.

“It’s been really neat to see. It really means a lot to us.”

COMING UP

A “Whole Town Pep Rally” in support of the Danville High School Vikings football team will take place at 6 p.m. Friday at Temple Plaza. The public is invited.