New kids on the ‘block’

After college cheer practice in their respective residential colleges, Rice’s newest Owls put their game faces on and received a crash course in Rice athletics Tuesday evening at the Rice Rally in Tudor Fieldhouse. Head football coach David Bailiff and Director of Athletics Joe Karlgaard encouraged the Class of 2018 to show its support during all Rice sporting events. The Owls football team will face the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame University Aug. 30 in a nationally televised game on NBC. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. Season and individual game tickets can be purchased by calling 713-522-OWLS or visiting www.riceowls.com.

Following the rally, the new students enjoyed the first Rice Block Party. The South Colleges gathered in the grove near Will Rice and Baker colleges, and the North Colleges descended on the quad behind Duncan and McMurtry colleges to enjoy dancing, music and a picnic-style spread complete with lemonade, sandwiches, chips, pasta salad and brownies. Photo credit: Jeff Fitlow and Tommy Lavergne.