In the weeks leading up to Homecoming, the collective voices of ISU students echo across campus in preparation for the annual Yell Like Hell contest.

Yell Like Hell is an ISU Homecoming tradition to encourage students to use their vocal chords and acting skills to portray their school spirit.

JoAnn Ford, Homecoming general co-chair, said Yell Like Hell plays a key part in Homecoming events.

“I think Yell Like Hell gives [Iowa State] a lot of spirit, especially to the people involved in it,” said Ford, junior in psychology. “They get to stand up and yell about ISU. Plus, it teaches everyone the fight song, which is a good thing, because I am usually the only one yelling it at games.”

Many of the participants in the Yell Like Hell events are freshmen, said Jill Baumgartner, Yell Like Hell chairwoman.

“We like to focus a lot of [the competition] on freshmen, because it is a wonderful way for them to get involved, meet new people and show school spirit,” said Baumgartner, junior in psychology.

Sixteen groups entered the competition, which includes a five-minute skit and a performance of the ISU fight song.

“[Judges] are looking for the creativity of the skit [and] how it relates to this year’s Homecoming theme,” Ford said.

A new improvisation category has been added to the competition this year.

Teams are given a word and are judged on how well they integrate that word into their skit, she said.

“It’s pretty funny to see such random words like moose . and Big Bird be used in skits,” Ford said.

Most groups consist of members of the greek community, but there is one team that represents off-campus students.

“The Cyclone All Stars, which are all off-campus students, are participating in [Yell like Hell] this year,” said Dave Critchlow, Homecoming Central adviser. “They give a different, fresh perspective to the event. They don’t do the same types of things that were done in the past.”

The winning team will be given a plaque and the opportunity to perform at the alumni tailgate before the Iowa State-Oklahoma State football game.

Teams have cut back on practice times this year due to advice from professors and advisers who feel students’ grades had been affected by the many hours put into these performances in the past.

“This year [teams] put in only 30 hours, and I think the skits are just as good as in the past,” Ford said.

“I don’t think as many people get burnt out on [Yell like Hell], and they have a better chance of doing well, academically.”