US Military Academy at West Point vs. Rice

Rice Stadium – Houston, Texas

November 8, 2008

A Rice Carol

Introduction

Homecoming 2008

Announcer:

We bring you the story of a typical Rice student, Sammy D. Owl:

"I toiled over my Orgo book late one night, drinking stale Mountain Dew and eating crusty Cheetos. I had skipped the festivities of NOD and Baker Thirteen to study for this week's test, and I would skip College Night, tomorrow.

"'It was a good choice,' I thought, drifting to sleep, when in front of me a ghostly figure appeared...

Music:

drum intro

MOB:

"Go Rice!"

Field Action:

The MOB enters the field from the sidelines.

Past

Announcer:

The spirit said, "I am Will Rice, the Ghost of Rice Past! Yes, chemistry is useful to know, but NOD will show you that Orgo isn't the most interesting kind. Watch, and I will demonstrate.

"Take equal parts of high spirits and highly alcoholic spirits;
mix with good, old-fashioned partial nudity;
and stew over poor decisions.

"This exothermic reaction produces traditions like Baker Thirteen, NOD, and whatever it is Will Rice does in the Wiener Hole.

Formation:

OH NO

Text Display:

Oh no! It's Baker 13!

Music:

Hey, Look Me Over

Present

Announcer:

As he faded away, the next spirit loomed near. The Ghost of Rice Present was none other than David Leebron. He took me through dorm rooms and classrooms, and on the way I learned a subtle equation:

Take the student body, increase by thirty percent;
add several buildings, and raise one billion dollars!!

What do you have? The Vision for the Second Century.

Formation:

V2C

Text Display:

Divide by green fences?

Music:

Mony Mony

Future

Announcer:

The last spirit, the Ghost of Rice Future, spoke not a word, but took me to a strange and terrifying place.

Around me rose concrete towers. Not a blade of grass nor single squirrel did I see, and few students showed their faces. No parties. No sports. No fun! Only study time – day and night.

I begged the spirit, "Who caused this? Who would create all this for students, but neglect everything that makes a student more than a bundle of facts? Who?!"

The spirit simply pointed to the name on the dedication: it was — my own.

Formation:

d o o m

Music:

Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2

Awakening

Announcer:

I awoke in a start, realizing what I had lost — and what I needed to gain. I asked a passing boy, "What day is it?"

When he replied, "College Night," I jumped with glee. "The spirits have worked their magic in just one night! Quick, go to Spec's and buy the Prize Keg! Orgo can wait! I will keep the spirit of Valhalla with me all year 'round!

"Rice bless us, every one."

Music:

Louie, Louie