Bearcat Supporters Unite for a Trip to the Rock!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BE GAME READY! –

BY MELANIE BUCK –

This Saturday, the Bearcats, and their fan club, will invade War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock for only the second time in school history. The last time the Bearcats tore up the turf of Arkansas’ premier stadium was in 1976 when the trophy was brought home.

Right on the heals of the Ladycat Volleyball team bringing the gold home in their own State Championship, the boys have kept the momentum up each week, wowing the crowd, and the state. The stands have been packed every Friday, even during the cold rain, and those that can’t make it to Bearcat Stadium have been tuning-in to MyPulseNews.com to watch live broadcasts. Last week, the game had over 7,000 views during the broadcast.

This season has been one thrill-filled journey of ESPN-worthy entertainment that has brought a town together, to stand in unity, and say, “It’s a great time to be a Bearcat!”

Bearcat football players, coaches, students, parents, and fans in general, are more than proud no matter the result of Saturday’s Championship Game. One of the best ways to insure the trophy comes home to TEAM Mena is to travel with the team and show them the pride and unity they have brought to this small town.

Before you decide to head for the Rock, there are a few things you should know. There are rules and regulations at the stadium and through the Arkansas Activities Association that need to be followed. Also, many events in Mena have been cancelled to show support for this momentous occasion.

A basketball tournament, originally scheduled for Saturday, has been postponed. As of press time, the new date had not been determined.

The Crossing’s Polar Express production has been cancelled for Saturday as well. The Friday performance slated for 7 p.m. and two Sunday performances, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. will remain open and free to the public.

There are many seniors in conflict with a pre-paid ACT test. The test date is a nationally set date and cannot be rescheduled. This is the last opportunity high school seniors have to raise their scores before all college scholarship applications are due. If you have a student with this conflict, contact Tonya Thacker at Mena High School.

Ouachita Little Theatre is still in talks of whether to perform Little Women on that night. Friday’s performance will be at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday’s performance will be at 2 p.m.

The team is thankful for the overwhelming support they have received from the community. Head Coach Tim Harper expressed their gratitude during a parent meeting last Saturday.

As for the rules and regulations of the Championship game, here’s what we know.

Mena will be the ‘home’ team in the game, which starts at noon on Saturday. The gates to the stadium will open at 10:30 a.m. Tickets can be bought at the gate, however, if purchased early from Mena High School, 80 percent of the cost will benefit Mena schools. Tickets purchased at the gate will only garner 20 percent for the school. Also, the pre-purchased tickets will keep you from waiting in line so long at the stadium.

There are a couple of team staples that will make the trip as well. Permission was sought and granted for the team to bring the Bearcat Tunnel and Crane’s Bell will also travel with the team.

Being the home team, Mena fans are encouraged to park in the south parking lot and enter through Gate 7. Tailgating is allowed in the parking lot.

‘Noise makers’ and signs will not be allowed. However, cowbells can be brought, as well as ‘rally towels.’ The Bearcat Foundation ordered 250 rally towels and they were sold out in less than 24 hours. If you were unable to obtain a towel, the Foundation suggests bringing a black, white, or red hand towel.

The Mena High School Cheerleaders are selling T-Shirts in support of the team. The front will say “This is the Year of the Mena Bearcat” and the back is printed with an assortment of 2014 hashtags and sayings. Short-sleeve and long-sleeve t-shirts will be dark grey and cost $12 and $15, respectively. Light grey hoodies with the same design can be purchased for $25. Contact Cheer Sponsor Ladatha Hobson at Mena High School to place your order.

Superintendent Benny Weston is trying to determine whether a ‘fan bus’ can be taken so that more supporters could make the trip. At press time, it was still unclear whether the school will have the manpower to drive the bus. There are many activities ongoing at this time and bus drivers are spread thin. Watch the Polk County Pulse Facebook page and on MyPulseNews.com for more developments as the event gets closer.

Come on out, ride with a friend, or bring a friend, and show your Bearcat pride as the Mena High School Football Team completes their 2014 season with a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Arkansas State Class 4A Football Championship Game in War Memorial Stadium.

The Pulse is selling a complete DVD set of the Bearcat Season for $100, including all state playoff games. The Championship game will be recorded by the Pulse, however due to AAA rules it cannot be broadcast until at least 24 hours after the game is played. It will also be included in the DVD set. For each set sold, the Pulse will donate $50 back to Bearcat Foundation, Inc. You can contact the Pulse at 243-9600 for more information.

About Author

Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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