It isn’t enough for longtime rivals to meet on the football field and fight for a win. Not when bragging rights are involved. And for these reasons and more, Northwestern traditionally displays its Tiger spirit just before meeting Northern Lehigh’s Bulldogs on the field.

Spirit Week, celebrated this year Oct. 16-20, is more than a single game. Classes are suspended Friday afternoon so the entire school can participate in a pep rally that celebrates athletes of every stripe, as freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors bring their own “game.”

The pep rally caps off Spirit Week which consisted of specially designated days starting with Monday when students were encouraged to dress in all gray.

Tuesday was college logo day, Wednesday was pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month followed by throwback Thursday and culminating in black and gold Friday.

An obstacle course, scavenger hunt and tug of war were part of the pep rally festivities along with games and dodge ball.

The football players had a chance to swat at a piñata fashioned in the shape of a bBulldog.

“Northwestern and Northern Lehigh used to be connected and that’s where the rivalry must have started,” said Student Council member Katelyn Smith. “Whoever wins the game gets to keep a trophy for a year.”