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Fans, teams gather at pep rally to celebrate UCF Fiesta Bowl victory

ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands of fans poured into CFE Arena Wednesday night for a pep rally celebrating the University of Central Florida football team's Fiesta Bowl victory.

Last week the Knights knocked off Baylor 52-42 in the game.

The excited fans clapped, cheered and chanted.

"I was just cheering and remembering back when the games were played and just how excited we were," said UCF student Maggie Tillie.

The noise level jumped dramatically when the team was introduced. Head coach George O'Leary took the microphone and praised the fans for their support and led them in a black and gold cheer.

"I was very happy to see the amount of people who showed up to honor the team," said O'Leary.

A video featuring highlights from the past season was played for the crowd and team.

"It was fun, we came to every game. My kids, they got excited every game, it was just a great season," said UCF fan Scott Loubier.

Dozens of people showed up hours early and waited in line in order to be a part of the first 1,000 people to get inside.

Those that made it got a chance to take a picture with the Fiesta Bowl trophy and get pick up commemorative Coke bottles.

"It was very, very exciting. I don't even have words for it, it kind of brought tears to my eyes," said Sherry Dulany.

"This is something I can tell my kids about," said Dawn Buchannan.

Some fans told Channel 9's Myrt Price that the season was so special they hate to see it come to an end.

"I just feel it now. I'm just ready. I wish that the football season could just keep going, because I'm just so pumped from the Fiesta game," said Tilley.

Last week UCF knocked off Baylor 52-42 in the Fiesta Bowl.