A look behind the scenes with the Gym'Backs

GYMBACK UPDATEby Rachel Barnett

Every year our meet versus Kentucky is always a special one. First, it is special because it was the first win for the inaugural team. So from then on every year we initiate every freshman or new staff member into the ‘HOGDOM’.

Sir King Marcus Cookus (the first!), with his hog hat and hog nose, is the ring leader who knights every newcomer with his sword saying “Woo Pig Sooie, Woo Pig Sooie, Wooooo Pig Sooie!” (Mark gets quite into his knighting make us laugh till our stomachs hurt.) After knighting the new comers, they then receive their hog nose. This is a very special moment to receive the hog nose.It represents the hard work, dedication, and determination one has put into the program.

After receiving the hog noses all participate in the traditional tribal dance, which consists of making a pig’s tail and razor fin and shaking three times to Woo Pig Sooie! I have to say it is quite a show especially seeing Dave do it! Now all are members of the ‘HOGDOM’, it is a special little family!

The GymBacks are a tight group who can’t wait to kick off this month. We’ve declared it March Madness (actually, that was my contribution J)!

Rachel