Jerry Levine (Mr. Mack) would eventually return to the series, albeit behind the camera, directing five episodes for the final two seasons.
At 10:08, Cory turns around to find three "Center" girls, and gives a variation of the Vulcan salute/"Live Long and Prosper" hand gesture from the "Star Trek" franchise. He does this again at 11:19 when he turns around to find Mr. Mack behind him.
Rider Strong (Shawn Hunter) can be seen with an earring in his upper left ear. It remains for only a handful of episodes as the earring can't be taken out for a few months until it heals. It is removed for filming by the start of season 5.