A standing ovation followed roaring laughter at McFarlinAuditorium Friday night after Saturday Night Live performer DarrellHammond’s stand-up act kicked off First Weekendactivities.

Unlike performers from recent years, Hammond kept his act mostlyvulgarity-free, opting for a more high-brow type of humor.

Even before Hammond came on stage, the crowd was pumped up withMustang spirit. Rivaling Hammond’s support, Mustang headfootball coach Phil Bennett spoke to the crowd, encouraging itsmembers to make the road trip to Lubbock for the team’s firstgame of the season on Saturday.

Bennett’s speech came after the crowd had already beenpeppered with spirit by the class of 2007’s recently-electedMustang 11, who introduced their class cheer at the beginning ofthe show. Then came Hammond.

Famous for his impressions of former President Bill Clinton andVice President Al Gore on NBC’s popular weekend sketch comedyshow, Hammond had the crowd laughing throughout his act.

Originally from the South, and a University of Florida graduate,Hammond’s jokes about the sex-scandals of the formerpresident kept the assembly in stitches. When he poked fun atpresidents George Bush and George W. Bush, the crowd chuckled andcheered at the jokes.

Hammond was also right on the money with his Sean Connery andArnold Schwarzenegger impressions.

Showing that he was not just another comedian jeeringobscenities, Hammond displayed his equally impressive knowledge ofcurrent events throughout his act, which, in the end, the crowdshowed appreciation with their applause.