Washburn University’s annual “Yell Like Hell” event brought energy, music and school pride to campus as students packed the crowd for one of Homecoming Week’s most anticipated traditions.

The event, held Thursday night, featured lively performances from student organizations, sororities, fraternities and athletic teams. Between acts, the Top 10 Ichabods of Honor, candidates chosen by their organizations and interviewed to represent Washburn’s excellence and involvement, were introduced.

“It’s one of the most attended Homecoming events we have,” said Taylor Redington, campus and community affairs director of WSGA. “Each group performs a dance that has to include a yell or cheer, which is part of what gives the event its name.”

For Redington, the atmosphere was unmatched. 

“People were so energetic, cheering for their team, dancing and just having fun. It’s low stress, really fun and a good time to be up there with friends,” Redington said.

The excitement didn’t stop at the stage. Students filled the stands cheering, dancing along and reaching for free t-shirts as music and chants echoed across campus.

“It felt like a huge party,” said Mao Nozoe, freshman forensic anthropology major. “We mostly went to watch people dance and just enjoy the energy.”

Behind the scenes, the event was organized through a collaboration between WSGA and Student Life, led by Lillian Clark, WSGA’s special events director. Redington helped host the event alongside Charles Dilliehunt, assistant director of Student Involvement and Development.

The night also featured the announcement of the Top Hat and Best Poster awards, recognizing organizations that went above and beyond with creativity and school pride throughout Homecoming Week.

Edited by Anson Appelhanz and Bidhya Sapkota