As is tradition after the Homecoming parade, students file in to Rec Hall for the annual Homecoming Pep Rally. Most of the time it’s your typical “see the band, throw some t-shirts, reveal the king and queen” pep rally. This year it had a bit of a twist: Penn State Head Football Coach Bill O’Brien was there and he spoke directly to the students, urging them to get to the game early.

The night started off with the Penn State Glee Club, leading the crowd in he Alma Mater. Soon after, O’Brien took the mic and told the students something very important: the game tomorrow starts at noon.

“When Northwestern is on offense, we need to be loud. We need to be as loud as Beaver Stadium has ever been,” he said.

When Coach O’Brien finished, the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

The Grand National Champion Lionettes dance team, The Penn State Blue Band, Cheerleaders, and Silks took the floor to pump up the crowd. The Urban Dance Troupe, winners of this year’s Homecoming Dance Competition, showed off some moves as well.

Another great highlight of the night, Grand Marshal Terry Pegula, spoke to the energetic crowd about his excitement for the future of hockey in Happy Valley and added in a little football optimism as well. “I can tell you that Bill O’Brien is a selfless man, he is a leader, and he exudes character,” said Pegula. He ended his remarks by yelling, “We still are!”

Finally, what we’ve been waiting for, is the reveal of the Homecoming King and Queen, elected by the Penn State students. The Penn State Homecoming 2013 King and Queen are…Graham Zimmerman and Tracey Edouard!

The entire Homecoming Student Court, University Court, and First-Year Court will be honored tomorrow during halftime of the football game.