Pompoms, Drums and Flags – Bringing the Spirit

Could you imagine Friday night football without the cheerleaders, marching band or color guard?  They add a lot of the spirit and excitement to a game.  This week we look back over the decades at the students who entertained and amped up the stadium spirit as the crowds cheered on the Wildcats. 

Cheerleaders

An Antlers yearbook described the Wildcat cheerleaders as the “snappy school spirit sparkplugs.” That’s a great portrayal of the students who work hard leading cheers, performing routines and interacting with the fans to keep the atmosphere lively.  For nearly 90 years our cheerleaders have been on the sidelines exemplifying school spirit. 

1939 Cheer Squad

1963 Varsity Cheerleaders

Cheerleaders await game time, 1976

2015 Cheerleaders show Wildcat Pride

Marching Band

The band is an important part of the school culture.  The 1942 Antlers said, “The band, under the direction of Mr. Robert Bowersox, played a vital part in keeping the school spirit at a peak.  Besides furnishing snappy music and colorful formations at football and basketball games, it appeared at plays, parades and commencement.”  All these decades later, the band is still doing all of this with excellence.

One of DP’s first marching bands, 1942

Wildcat Band, 1955

Marching Band, 1975  

DPHS Marching Band, 1992

The DPHS Marching Wildcats, 2010

Majorettes, Wildcatettes and Color Guard

A 1960s Antlers said, “The game would not be quite so exciting nor the band quite so enjoyable without the appearance of our smiling, strutting, swinging majorettes.  Their performances take talent, time and precision, and we appreciate their effort.”  The same was true about the Wildcatettes and about today’s color guard; talent, time and precision are the keys to the impressive performances they deliver to the fans.

Baton twirlers, 1942

DPHS majorettes, 1959

Wildcatettes, 1974

Color Guard at OMEA State Finals, 2026

Thanks to all the Wildcat cheerleaders, marching band members, majorettes, Wildcatettes and color guard members who have added to the spirited atmosphere of Deer Park football games through the decades. 

“The past has taught its lesson, the present has its duty and the future its hope.”

Sources:

Various Antlers yearbooks

A sincere effort has been made to convey the history as accurately as possible from artifacts, documents, photographs and personal narratives in the district’s archives.

Learn More

Community members, alumni, and supporters are encouraged to stay connected as the celebration approaches by signing up for Bicentennial updates on the district website.

Sign Up Here

Don't Trash It, Donate It Instead!

Deer Park Schools is also asking alumni and community members to help preserve the district’s history. If you have Deer Park memorabilia — such as yearbooks, photographs, letterman jackets, uniforms, or other school items — please consider donating them back to the district so they can be featured during bicentennial celebrations.

Alumni & Community Story Submission

As Deer Park Schools prepares to celebrate its 200th Anniversary in 2026, we are collecting memories, photos, and memorabilia from alumni and community members to help tell the story of Deer Park Schools.

If you have a favorite memory, historic photo, or item connected to Deer Park Schools, we would love to hear from you.

Your submission may be featured in Bicentennial displays, district publications, social media features, or community events throughout the celebration.

Submit a Story