Pep rally emcee Dennis Haskins left spectator Katelyn Burgett thinking about panic attacks.

After Burgett, sophomore elementary education major, got an autograph and photograph from Haskins, principal ‘Mr. Belding’ from “Saved by the Bell,” she could not stop jumping and shouting with joy.

“I’m going to have a panic attack,” she said.

The line to see Haskins wrapped around the half court line of the court, down the baseline, down the sideline and up the half-court line and it took Haskins about an hour to greet everyone.

“It’s always wonderful (to meet fans.) You can see by the smiles on their faces,” Haskins said.

For Burgett, being able to get a picture with the principal that she grew up loving was a highlight of the pep rally and worth the wait.

“This is Facebook quality,” she said of the picture.

When it came to describing her feelings about meeting Haskins, Burgett was lost for words.

“I’m speechless,” she said. “He’s really tall – tall, dark and handsome.”

Burgett, along with other attendees, was an avid viewer of “Saved by the Bell” watching it before and after school when she was younger.

“We grew up in the 90s. He’s our man,” said Rebecca Lipscomb, freshman elementary education major.

The principal from the childhood of pep rally attendees was the main feature of Friday nights’ pep rally that broke attendance records.

“This is probably the best idea they have had for a pep rally,” said University Board JC Miller about bringing a celebrity to a pep rally.

University Board and the Homecoming committee sponsored the event that had the Lantz Arena about full, a record for the pep rally.

Before Haskins appeared the large crowd chanted “Mr. Belding.” When he finally took center stage after showing a 5-minute video of his career and show, Haskins sang the theme song of “Saved by the Bell” while attendees sang along with him.

Student Body President Sean Anderson presented Haskins with a Blue Crew T-shirt that he wore throughout the show until it got too hot.

“I only took the shirt off because I was sweating a puddle over here,” he said.

Haskins, who was told that normally people leave halfway through pep rallies, was glad that the crowd stuck around for the entire two hours.

“You guys are a record setting crowd,” Haskins shouted to the audience. “They never had this many people at a pep rally.”

Megan Edwards, sophomore career and technology education major, liked that the arena was near packed and said it added to the energy of showing school spirit.

“It was really great that a ton of people showed up,” she said.

Although Haskins was a draw to the rally, the other activities got the crowd excited and increased their school spirit.

Students faced each other in sumo wrestling competitions, and there were performances by EIU pep band, cheer team, Pink Panthers and the Jolie and Rhythm and X-tacy dance teams.

There was also a special appearance by members of the class of 1956, and Haskins introduced the Fall 2006 sports.

“I was happy for all the teams here,” Haskins said. “They went away thinking everyone supports them.”

The sports teams were not the only ones with student support.

“The cheerleaders were very good,” said Missy Faller, freshman math major. “I was impressed. Very talented people.”

During the cheer team’s routine, the cheerleaders lifted Prowler and performed to a mix that included the songs “Jump on it,” “Life is a Highway” and “Sexy Back” by Justin Timberlake.

The crowd reacted positively to the songs by dancing and singing along.

“I like watching you guys get up and dance,” Haskins said, who before that encouraged everyone to sing along. “I believe this is audience participation. Cheer with them.”

Maggie Kloak, freshman political science major, also liked the cheer team as well as Rhythm and X-tacy.

“They’re unique,” she said. “They have a cool style of dancing.”

Throughout all the dancing and school organizations showing their spirit, Haskins threw in some messages for students to remember.

Haskins, who was actively involved on campus while he attended the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, stressed that it is important for students to get involved as well.

“Don’t just go to school get involved,” he said. “Please take advantage of going to a great university.”

Haskins dreamed of becoming an actor, but he did not attempt an acting career until he was 29. He told students Friday that following dreams is necessary because you never know what could have been.

“You guys are the future,” he said. “If you don’t try it, you’ll never know.”

His lessons of student participation and following dreams were followed by being proud of who you are.

Haskins asked the attendees to shout three times their name all at once.

“I want you to remember how good it felt to say your name that loud and proud and carry that feeling through your life,” he said.

Jay Grabiec/Daily Eastern News TV personality Dennis Haskins gives his signature Mr. Belding expression from Saved by the Bell during the homecoming pep rallly on Friday evening at Lantz arena.

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