More than 1,000 people gathered for Yell Like Hell on Thursday night at the Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway.

The night started off with the football players being introduced, which was followed by speeches from running back Michael Turner and wide receiver P.J. Fleck.

The cheerleading team started off the festivities with a routine that was met with applauding screams from the crowd.

Then emcees Steve Illingworth and Brian Bastiaans announced the 11 teams competing for the Yell Like Hell title.

The groups consisted of Alpha Omicron Pi and Sigma Alpha Mu, Alpha Sigma Alpha and Pi Kappa Alpha; Sigma Kappa and Phi Sigma Kappa; Sigma Lambda Sigma and Omega Delta, Alpha Phi and Phi Kappa Theta; Delta Gamma and Sigma Alpha Epsilon; Sigma Sigma Sigma and Tau Kappa Epsilon; Alpha Delta Pi and Alpha Kappa Lambda; Sigma Phi Epsilon and Delta Zeta, and Delta Sigma Pi.

NIU football center Brian VanAcker said he thought all the teams did very well.

“I didn’t have a favorite group, I watched everybody,” he said.

In comparison to last year’s event, he said, “I thought they did a good job this year. All the groups had my attention, and I enjoyed myself.”

The Homecoming Court also was given a chance to step on the floor, and King Isaak Lerner and Queen Gina Marie Jones were introduced.

“This was my first time ever going to Yell like Hell,” said senior psychology major Ashley Davis, who also is a member of the Homecoming Court. “It was really fun, there was a lot of cheering and the football team seemed to enjoy the groups. I would like to see more minority groups participate, though.”

Homecoming assistant coordinator Julie Hodge said she wanted to thank all the performers who gave their all to show appreciation for the football team.

“Everybody had really good performances,” she said. “They gave a lot of heart. This was the first year we have been in the Convocation Center, and this is a good arena for the event.”

The groups performed to music including swing, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson and “Get Low” by Lil’ John and the Eastside Boyz.

Winners for Yell Like Hell will be announced during the Homecoming game on Saturday.