Hundreds of Massillon Tigers fans gathered at Duncan Plaza on Aug. 20 for the annual community pep rally, an event marking the upcoming football season and energizing supporters ahead of the team’s season opener.
Fans, including players, coaches, cheerleaders, band members, boosters, and other community members filled downtown dressed in orange and black. The pep rally gave many their first look at the 2025 Tiger football team as anticipation builds for the start of the new campaign.
Longtime resident and 1982 Washington High School graduate Dale Rees described what makes Massillon unique. “I just love football, and it’s nice to come out and see everyone,” Rees said. “Massillon is just a different place (for football and enthusiasm for the sport).”
Theresa Bowen attended with her husband to watch their granddaughter Willow Bowen, a Tiger cheerleader. “We do Massillon stuff now,” she said.
The Tigers will open their season at 7 p.m. on Aug. 22 against Cleveland’s Glenville High School at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. Their only away game in the regular season will take place Oct. 25 against Canton-McKinley at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.
During his address to those gathered—an audience estimated in the hundreds or perhaps reaching one thousand—Head Coach Nate Moore encouraged continued strong support from fans for Friday’s game against Glenville. “We’re going to be cheering right back at you guys on Friday night, and do our best (for a victory),” Moore said.
Mayor Jamie Slutz also offered words of encouragement for both fans and players alike regarding expectations for another competitive year under Moore’s leadership: “I’m looking forward to another great football season,” Slutz said. “Our Tigers reload every year.”
The event featured performances from cheerleaders, mascot Obie, and music by the Tiger Swing Band as part of this yearly tradition hosted by the Downtown Massillon Association.
