Spirit Week 2011 revives enduring traditions

For many students, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. This year, the activities and celebrations beginning Sunday, Nov. 13, and leading up to the 147th Lehigh-Lafayette football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, should only add to that impression.

This year’s game will be held at Lehigh. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. and a sell-out crowd is expected to fill Goodman Stadium.

Those who can’t attend can watch the game with fellow Lehigh alums and supporters at telecast parties that are taking place around the country.

Lehigh fans are encouraged to best Lafayette off the field in the second Lehigh-Lafayette Giving Challenge, which will measure the funds raised through a texted gift of $10 sent up until the third quarter of the game. Each text donates $10 to Lehigh – $5 to financial aid and $5 to the Athletics Partnership. Despite taking a drubbing on the football field last year, Lafayette won this challenge by only seven gifts, and Mountain Hawk supporters are being urged to help Lehigh avoid a similar fate this year.

A rundown of the week’s special events

The week leading up to the game will also include the following events:
• A house decorating contest to show school spirit. Decorating of houses and residence halls can begin on Sunday. Judging will take place Wednesday afternoon.
• A Lehigh-Laf Kickoff Carnival from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday on the UC Walkway will include a DJ, free food, the “Spirit of Lehigh” parade, potato sack races, a World’s Longest Toss event, and the “Are You Smarter Than a Mountain Hawk?” competition. Rain location is Lamberton Hall.
• A Lehigh-Laf CnC (Clothing and Culture) discussion at the Women’s Center.  Participants can discuss clothing and tailgating for the football game and Lehigh-Lafayette Week from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday.
• A Lehigh-Lafayette Legacy presentation by Joe Sterrett, the Murray Goodman Dean of Athletics, at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Packard Lab. Sterrett will review the history behind one of college athletics most enduring rivalries.
• The 55th Turkey Trot, which will begin in front of Packer Chapel at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. The 2.6-mile run takes several hundred participants up South Mountain and back. A less strenuous option was added last year: a roughly one mile run on the lower half of campus. Those interested can register at the Intramural Office in Lower Grace Hall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Lehigh-Lafapalooza event and pep rally featuring a variety of spirit teams and the group Reel Big Fish. The event begins at 9 p.m. Thursday in Grace Hall.
• Performances by the Marching 97 across campus the morning of Friday.
• A “Spirit My Ride” event from 11 to 1 p.m. Friday on the Alumni Memorial Driveway. Those wanting to show support for Lehigh can have their cars painted for free.
• The Beat Lafayette Luncheon at noon Friday in the Asa Packer Dining Room. Lehigh coaches, senior players, and parents of seniors attend. Alumni who have attended 50 or more Lehigh-Lafayette games are recognized. Go to MyLehigh to register.
• Bed races down the UC walkway by Linderman Library from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.
• A full roster of sporting events, which include several men’s and women’s varsity games, as well as club events.