With new head coach Josh Roberts taking the helm of the Signal Mountain High School football team this year, Sports Boosters board member Stephanie Weigert said the team has doubled in number - from 23 to 60 - and is aiming to restore school spirit under their new motto, "Restore the soar."
Even if you can't attend the Eagles' homecoming game against Loudon County Sept. 15, you can cheer them on by attending the annual homecoming parade through the center of town Thursday, Sept. 14.
The parade will start at Signal Mountain Town Hall at 6 p.m., head down Taft Highway and end in the Pruett's parking lot. There, the football team, cheerleaders and band will host a traditional pep rally.
Weigert said the parade typically has around 70-75 entries, and she encouraged all community groups, such as Scout troops, sports teams, clubs, organizations and businesses, to participate.
The Signal Mountain High School football team runs onto the field for the first time in the 2017 season before the game against East Hamilton on Aug. 18. Cheer on the team at the annual homecoming parade Thursday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. before the Eagles take on Loudon County at their homecoming game Sept. 15. (Photo by Mark Gilliland)Game time
Watch the Eagles football team take on Loudon County at SMHS Friday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
"It's a great way for everyone who lives on Signal Mountain to show their community spirit," she said.
The registration fee is $20 per float, which Weigert said will cover the cost of insurance for the event.
Registration forms, available on SMMHS' website, must be submitted by Monday, Sept. 11.
Judges - typically local business owners - will bestow awards including "Most School Spirit" and "Most Original" float.
Weigert said the parade route on Taft Highway will be closed to motorists from 5 p.m. until around 6:45, when the parade ends. The pep rally is typically over around 7 p.m., she added.
Kids who are riding on floats in the parade must be dropped off at Thrasher Elementary and take the bus to town hall, where floats will be lining up. Parents will not be allowed into the parking lot at town hall to drop off their children, said Weigert.
To register for the homecoming parade, visit smmhs.hcde.org.