NORWICH – The Norwich community was invited to the VFW, located at 61 East Main Street, Norwich, on Thursday evening to rally the football team and cheerleaders with the “Beat Oneonta” Bonfire. The rally and bonfire has been a tradition each time Norwich hosts their long-time rivals Oneonta. Norwich is set to play the Yellowjackets at Ulrich Field this evening at 7 p.m. for the homecoming game.

The modified, JV, and Varsity football teams, along with the Varsity cheerleaders, were escorted by police from East Park to behind the VFW. The teams got together to hear motivational speeches from a fellow Norwich alum and their own football captains before the Norwich Fire Department assisted with setting up the fire, where a “dummy” representing Oneonta gets thrown in to conclude the rally. The “dummy” is made by the Norwich cheerleaders, using newspapers and old clothing.

The first motivational speaker of the evening was Norwich 2016 alum and former football player, Zack Race. Race reminded the crowd and the players that this rivalry has been going on for a long time and that being a part of a team and community is being a part of something bigger than yourself. He also stated that Norwich has not lost to Oneonta since 2008. Norwich came away with a 58-0 victory at Oneonta last year.