Our catch phrase is on its way.
Dear Fellow Earthlings,
Fifty years ago today was a very exciting day for me. I share it with you now:
Friday, January 31, 1964,
Dear Diary,
In 8th period whenever I am talking with someone the stupid student leader tells me to
shut up. He never tells the person I am talking with to be quiet. The presence of the cheerleader Marcia Fletcher really brightens up our study hall. By the way, her father, Virgil Fletcher, is the coach of our wonderful basketball team.
In our pep assembly today five teachers, who acted like the Kahoks, played against five other teachers – who acted like they were players from Belleville Township High School, who we will play tonight. A group of women teachers (including Mrs. Clark, my Spanish teacher) were “cheerleaders” for the “Belleville team”.
An interesting thing was that, prior to the pep session, during our 8th period study hall, Marcia Fletcher had told me that the real cheerleaders would not be leading any cheers – to which I had replied, “Why don’t you just do: ‘Yea, purple!’ ?” I was surprised when the cheerleaders DID do that cheer:
Yea, purple, yea white!
Yea, team! Fight! Fight!
Yea purple, yeah white, yea team, FIGHT!! FIGHT!!!
When I got home from school, I only stayed home for 45 minutes. Dad drove me up to the corner of Hollywood Heights Road and Highway 159. I then hitchhiked to Collinsville High School. A guy in a red Volkswagen picked me up and drove me the five or so miles to the high school. Yes, we had a home game against the Belleville Maroons tonight. I waited outside in the cold for almost two hours before the game started.
The game was very exciting. Earlier this season Belleville gave Collinsville fits before Collinsville managed to win -- and tonight was no different. At halftime Belleville actually led 36-35. I am happy to say that the Kahoks came through with a 72-67 victory. We are now 17-0 and have clinched a tie for the Southwestern Illinois conference title. I sat with Eddie Rickert and Dana Kennerly as I watched the game. My throat is sore and my voice is hoarse
from cheering.
Mr. Kennerly drove his son Dana and me home after the game. While waiting for Mr. Kennerly to arrive, I saw Judy Adamitis and Marcia Fletcher (both of whom are Collinsville cheerleaders) walking home after the game. Judy looked so beautiful in a white coat she was wearing!
Yes, the events of January 31, 1964 will remain with me always!
Steve Walker,Earthsaver and Jingles Creator
© 2013 Steve Walker, The Jingles-The Japan Foundation for English Pronunciation, Summit Enterprises.