Sumo wrestlers will approach the ring competing for victory at the Homecoming Pep Rally.

The wrestlers, however, will not be typical professionals.

Instead, students from the Greek, recognized student organization and resident hall divisions will dress in sumo suits to compete for points.

This will keep people interested and involved during the pep rally, said Homecoming chair Jessica Henson.

There are four suits so two matches will be going on at once.

Brian Allen, homecoming elect, has seen sumo matches before and said it will be fun for everyone.

“The crowd’s going to get into it just as much as the participants,” he said.

Master of Ceremonies Dennis Haskins, also known as ‘Mr. Belding’ from “Saved by the Bell,” will keep attendees on their toes as he introduces the other performances at the pep rally at 9 p.m. tonight in Lantz arena immediately following the volleyball game.

“They (students) are just pumped up (to see Haskins),” Allen said. “Seeing him on Eastern’s campus is a huge deal.”

Featured performances by groups that include the EIU Pep Band, Cheer Team, Pink Panthers and the dance group Rhythm and X-tacy will get attendees Homecoming spirit pumped up as the weekend events begin.

“It’s a good way to show school spirit for Homecoming,” Allen said of the pep rally.

There will also be a special appearance by alums from the class of 1956.

It really gets all the groups on campus together and involved, Henson said.

The Homecoming football game between Eastern and Murray State in Kentucky is just one of the events that the pep rally will get attendees ready for.

“Basically (it is) to get people excited for the game on Saturday,” Henson said.

Other fall sports will also be introduced at the pep rally.

Henson said that because many of the organizations on campus will be together at the pep rally, students will have the opportunity to see the many facets of Eastern.

In light of Haskins coming, many portions of the pep rally will relate to the show “Saved By the Bell.”

There will be sing-a-long to the theme song, trivia contest about the show, a video presentation compiled by Haskins and a photo and autograph session after the pep rally with Haskins.

Students will also have a chance to get the hit teen show of the 80s on DVD.

Twelve copies of the “Saved by the Bell” seasons will be signed by Haskins and raffled off.

Six copies of season one and two, which are on one set, will be given away as well as six copies of seasons three and four, which are also on one set.

Attendees will also have the chance to win two flat screen televisions, an iPOD and dinning dollars.

Allen said that the prizes allow everyone a chance to win something and join in on Homecoming events.

We want everyone on campus involved, especially students who aren’t involved with anything, he said.

Allen will take over next year as Homecoming chair and he is thankful for Henson for guiding him.

“Jess has done an excellent job,” he said.