St. John Arena rose in a fever pitch last night, as a crowd of over 6,000 people from the Ohio State community gathered to welcome new students and rally luck for this weekend’s football game against the Fighting Irish.The rally, sponsored by Residence Life, had each residence hall organize its students to support the rally, said Stacey Haak, chairwoman of Scarlet Fever Committee and hall director in the Department of Residence Life.’It gives all the students a common ground to start from,’ said Scott Leppla, a senior majoring in molecular genetics.The assembly started last year to welcome new students but became a combination pep rally because of the big game Saturday, she said.’It’s an opportunity for students to get involved with other activities outside the classroom,’ said Mike Dunn, director of Recreation and Intramural Sports. Dave Kaylor, news anchor from WBNS 10TV, was the emcee. OSU head football coach John Cooper and 1996 football co-captains Juan Porter and Greg Bellisari also participated. Prizes given away included two season tickets to OSU men’s basketball, a certificate to a football practice and dinner with the team. Scarlet Fever T-shirts were also thrown into the crowd.Jennifer Shanks, a freshman majoring in elementary education, said she enjoyed the rally because it was an experience different from high school. It was a good way to meet new people, Shanks said.