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Saturday, December 1, 2007
The Rebel Yell
Western Arkansas, AR
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By: Madeline McKeever
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Photo(s) By: Breanne Goodrum
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A cannon shoots as a touchdown is scored. Feet stomp on the metal stands. Voices shout “Hey!” as the drill team kicks. These sounds reflect years of fans’ traditions at Southside High School.
Since the first football season in 1963, fans have supported the Rebels through seven state football titles. In early years, pep rallies were a major ritual.
"Pep rallies were a huge tradition. Every class had a different motto, and, during the pep rallies, each grade sat together and screamed their motto together to see who had the most spirit. Our motto was ‘We are pride and spirit mixed, We're the class of '76!’ Our class even had our own flag that that we waved," 1976 graduate Michelle Smith said.
Present day customs share the same enthusiasm as rituals from the past. From the band to the Voice of the Dixie Belles, the sound of the fans is thunderous and proud.
The Rebel band serves as a backbone for both the fans and the team. Songs labeled as “Olé” and “The
Jig” are sung throughout games with cheerleader moves emmulated by fans in the stands. “Fat Gold Chain” is the overwhelming fan favorite. During the band’s third quarter break, the drum-line continues pumping up the student section.
“I’ve been playing and cheering with these songs since sophomore year. I can’t imagine a game without them,” senior band member Chelsea Foreman said.
Contributing to the Southside’s legacy is a Game Day t-shirt design. Typically, the shirt features the words “Rowdy Rebel Rousers.” Introduced this year, the student shirt included a tie-dyed design with “Peace, Love, and Rebs” written across the front.
“Game day shirts unify the student section. It gives the student section a sense of identity,” senior Hayden Redd said.
A unique feature in the stands on Friday nights is the uniformed-clad Pep Club. Girls are required to participate if they wish to join a spirit squad the following year. Approximately 100 girls learn the cheers, sell programs, and wear the uniform to participate in the Rebel experience.
“My goal is to try out for Dixie Belles. I think it’s important for a school to have strong support from it’s student body and fans,” sophomore Pep Club member Amy Goodrum said.
As famous as the Rebs themselves, the drill team, the Dixie Belles, are known for their unfazed spirit and High Kick. Typically performed at half time, the High Kick is a dance featuring a series of kicks that mirror the Kilgore Rangerettes. Announced by the Voice of the Belles, junior Logan Dodd, the dance is celebrated as the students shout “Hey!” with every kick.
“As Dixie Belles, it’s our job to help inspire the team and the fans. Without their enthusiasm, the season would be as fun or great,” junior Sydney McClure said.
The support of the fans is apparent to the players and coaches on the field and the court. As Southside continues into its 45th year, traditions carry on and new rituals are being created.
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