They clapped, they cheered and they even did the wave. Students from Wantagh Middle School gathered on the bleachers at the end of the school day on Oct. 1 for a pep rally to recognize the fall sports teams. 

Just having fall sports on a normal schedule again was a cause for celebration. Athletes from the cheerleading, cross-country, dance, football and boys and girls soccer teams were introduced as well as middle school students on Wantagh High School varsity and junior varsity squads.

There were performances by the cheerleaders and dance team along with regular musical interludes from the pep band. Principal Anthony Ciuffo recognized the first set of Caring Warriors for the year.

The pep rally closed out with a much-anticipated routine by the faculty kickline. Students were delighted to see their teachers perform a choreographed dance on the football field, and even demanded an encore.