The fourth annual Lion Fest kicked off the school year.

Lion Fest is an event that was started by Tim Harper when he became the head coach at Searcy.

“Lion Fest is a big pep rally where everyone comes together to get pumped for the upcoming sports season,” senior D’Angelo Holiday said.

Parents, students, and the community joined together at the stadium to meet this year’s athletes.

The band, cheerleaders, and dance team put on performances to fuel the excitement of the fans.

There were many activities to participate in at Lion Fest.

The Drama Department gave everyone an opportunity to throw a pie in the face of a teacher or student to help raise money.

There were also bounce houses and free food.

The event made all the fans very anxious for the season to begin.

“The fall gets here, it’s exciting, and I’m ready to see what all the teams can do,” said Angie Stevens, President of the Searcy Lionbackers.

To live up to the expectations of the fans, the Lion football players are putting in extra practice time.

“We are going to start training in the weight room two days a week,” head coach Jeromy Poole said.

Coach also said on the practice field, they are going to be doing what they do best.

“It’s up tempo, high intensity, and we will see just how fast we can go,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the competition, I love being out on the field watching our guys compete and execute our stuff.”

Many people are pleased with the new techniques prepared by the coaches.

“I’ve met Coach Poole and his staff, and I really like what they have going on. I think we are going to do fantastic,” said Stevens.

With the new coaching staff, the fans are ready for the start of the season.

“I am really looking forward to watching the lions play,” Searcy fan Eden Ballew said, “I am ready to be at the games and cheer them on.”