WKU will host a student pep rally on Friday in anticipation of the Toppers’ first true home game against Navy at Smith Stadium this weekend.

The pep rally will start at 12:45 at Centennial Mall and last for about 15 minutes, said Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Ticket Sales Lindsay Thomas.

The cheerleaders, dance team and Big Red will be on hand along with Head Coach Willie Taggart, President Gary Ransdell, Athletics Director Ross Bjork and members of the football team.

Taggart, Ransdell, Bjork and a few players will speak to students, Thomas said.

Thomas said as soon as the pep rally is over, students will be urged to head to Diddle Arena to watch the volleyball team play Xavier.

Students and fans gathered around Guthrie Bell Tower for last year’s pep rally — the first of what’s planned to be an annual tradition. 

Stewart said the location was moved this year to Centennial Mall because of its more prominent placement on campus.

WKU and Navy are scheduled to kick off at 6:05 p.m. Saturday at Smith Stadium.