Marshall University’s Marching Thunder made their entrance Wednesday at the 'Paint the Capital City Green' pep rally at Embassy Suites. The event helped kick off the school year and the unofficial start of football season.

Charleston residents Linda Aldridge-Ellison and Rose Marie Imbrogno got a hug from Marshall mascot Marco.

Gov. Joe Manchin and Marshall president Stephen Kopp helped pump up the crowd at the pep rally.

Head football coach Mark Snyder gave a warm greeting to Marshall fans, including Steve Ellis of Charleston.

John Hill, 56, and wife Carol, 55, both of Spencer, get a hug from Marco.

Gov. Joe Manchin was greeted at the door by Marshall president Stephen Kopp and cheerleaders, from left to right, Damien Williams, Megan Kelly, Ashley Anselene and Timorie Underwood.

Marshall cheerleaders Michael Wright, right, of Mechanicsville, Va., and Sara Holsinger, of South Point, Ohio, fired up the crowd at the Paint the Capital City Green pep rally.