Lets go, Mountaineers!

West Virginia University fans are invited to cheer on the nationally ranked Mountaineers during the annual FanFest pep rally Friday, Aug. 29, on the Mountainlair plaza.

Hosted by West Virginia radio personality Tony Caridi, the rally begins at 5 p.m. with special appearances by WVU coach Bill Stewart and the football team, as well as soccer coach Marlon LeBlanc.

The Pride of West VirginiaMountaineer Marching Band, WVU cheerleaders and Mountaineer mascot Mike Squires will lead the crowd in familiar songs and cheers, and fans will enjoy free soft drinks, hot dogs, popcorn and snow cones.

The Mountaineer Maniacs, WVU s largest student organization, will also join in the festivities, and T-shirts will be tossed into the crowd.

FanFest is a fun way to kick off what promises to be a great football season, said Gretchen Hoover with University Events, and this years pep rally will focus on the oneWVU initiative. (Note: To view a oneWVU video, go to http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=oneWVU& ;search=Search.)

She encouraged everyone to dress in gold and blue for the event, which falls on College Colors Day.

The pep rally is free and open to the public. In the event of rain, the event will be moved to the Mountainlair ballrooms.

Sponsors include Coca-Cola, University Events, Student Affairs, WVU Athletics and University Advancement and Marketing.

The WVU football team opens the season at home against Villanova Saturday, Aug. 30. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m.