Football | 8/15/2016 8:15:00 PM

STATESBORO, Ga. - Georgia Southern held its annual welcome back pep rally Monday night by teaching traditions to the newest members of Eagle Nation during the sixth annual DAY ONE celebration at Paulson Stadium. DAY ONE is designed as a pep rally to kick off the new academic year.

Students were greeted by "Voice of the Eagles" Danny Reed and heard from speakers including University President Jaimie L. Hebert, Ph.D., athletic director Tom Kleinlein, football student-athletes Ironhead Gallon, Kevin Ellison and head football coach Tyson Summers.

President Hebert shared his excitement for the upcoming season and the new era in the history of Georgia Southern University.

Gallon along with a number of fellow student-athletes, the Southern Pride Marching Band and the cheerleaders helped teach students the cheers and traditions of Georgia Southern, while Summers shared his excitement for his first season at the helm of the storied program. Kleinlein helped cap off the event by sharing the many definitions of GATA. Even Freedom made an appearance, majestically soaring down from the top of the press box to the field, much to the delight of the Class of 2020.

Student Government President Dylan John gave an impassioned speech imploring GS students to not only support the football team, but every team.

The Eagles are less than two weeks away from their season opener on Sept. 3 against Savannah State. Season tickets are on sale, and single-game tickets went on sale Monday, as well. Fans can purchase tickets to Georgia Southern Athletics events by calling 1-800-GSU-WINS or by visiting GSEagles.com.

Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to-date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics, twitter.com/GSAthletics, iOS app Georgia Southern Eagles and Android app Eagles GATA.