The Los Angeles Rams partnered with Pali’s administration to organize a momentous pep rally. The two-time National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl Champions visited Pali South on Friday, Sept. 5 to celebrate the beginning of Pali’s football season.
Pali dean Josh Wilson, one of the event organizers, explained that the Rams reached out to Pali’s administration.
“We’ve been emailing back and forth with the Rams,” Wilson said. “Their representative was on campus last week, and they wanted to do something to celebrate our first home football game of the year.”
For players, the support given by a professional team made the event especially meaningful. Senior Michael Tobin, a defensive lineman and captain for Pali’s Varsity football team, highlighted the impactful nature of the event.
“I was honestly pretty excited,” Tobin said. “I thought it was really cool that professional sports teams are reaching out to support our community, especially in this time of need.”
The pep rally kicked off with performances from Pali’s marching band, cheer team and dance team, followed by the Rams cheer team and a special appearance from former Rams tight end Roland Williams.
Senior Baran Nasiri, a member of Pali’s cheer team, witnessed how important this event was towards reviving Pali’s sense of community.
“Everyone has been trying so hard to bring [people] together and it has been very difficult,” Nasiri said. “Having events where people can see what Pali is really about is special.”
Third-year Los Angeles Rams Cheerleader Bryan Y emphasized how the event fit into the Rams’ message.
“The Rams are very big in community work,” Bryan said. “We usually have a list of different opportunities to go out and support the community, and Pali High was one of them.”
Bryan also shared how Pali’s pep rally connects to his past.
“I love high school, and I love[d] being in high school. The pep rally was so much fun and reminiscent for me,” Bryan said.
To close the event, the event emcee led a trivia with giveaways.
“What player did the Rams sign from the New York Jets this offseason?” the emcee asked.
Freshman Kyle Soleimany came up with the correct answer (Davante Adams) and won a Kyren Williams’ jersey.
“I felt great as a Rams fan. I’ve always wanted a signed jersey. I always loved Kyren Williams as one of my favorite running backs in the league,” Soleimany said.
Bryan concluded by saying he hoped the Rams’ presence would rekindle excitement and energy among the students.
“I hope this just brings out the light,” Bryan said. “That it gives [you all] some energy and helps [you all] go out there and have a great football season.”
The Pali varsity and junior varsity football teams followed by winning their first home game at Santa Monica College that night.
