Sherman Bearcat Traditions


BEARCAT TABLE-Located for many years in the main hall outside the office, the Bearcat Table is now,  in the Ex-Student Association Museum in the Central Office. One of the most beautiful additions to our collection of trophies the table was made by some of the students taking manual training, the work being under the supervision of A.E. Smith. The vast majority of the work was done by John Massingale, who spent almost two months working on it. Dick Keith is credited with designing the table. The table is 31 inches high and 78 inches long and 32 inches wide. The materials probably cost less than  $50 but the table's sentimental value is priceless. Under the table is a handcrafted brace extending from leg to leg, and supporting a wooden football. The football is a replica, in the exact dimensions, of a football autographed by Knute Rocke and used by the Bearcats.  Many have seen and admired the table, but few have given thought to the time and effort required to accomplish this feat. John Massingale is certainly to be commended for his untiring efforts and beautiful workmanship. His senior class of 1927 will always remember, if future SHS graduates do not, that John was the one who devoted so much time for his school.  The table was made and given to SHS in 1927. Tradition has it that nothing should be laid or set on the table. DO NOT TOUCH. No one should lean upon it out of respect for what it represents.

Click here for close up pictures of the ax.
Click here for battle history.
 
BATTLE OF THE AX-The Sherman-Denison Football rivalry began in 1912.  A rivalry that has become a tradition for both communities and both schools. This is the longest continuous rivalry among all high schools in the state of Texas. Sherman won the first game. There were three games not played during World War I and one game not played during the 20's. Originally, and for many of years to follow, the game was played on the afternoon of Thanksgiving Day. It did not take long for the rivalry to take a negative turn, involving much vandalism and property destruction. Everyone was concerned, but only one individual took positive action- Jack Barker, a Denison businessman. Mr. Barker, owner of a small ice cream parlor and store on Main Street across from the old Denison High School, wanted to create a symbol that represented good sportsmanship and excellence in the athletic competitions between the two schools. The game has come to be called the Battle of the Ax, its symbol the ax. The ax is awarded yearly to the school that wins the football game between Sherman and Denison. The scores and years are engraved on the blade. When both sides of the blade are filled, the school with the most victories will keep the original ax. The first game for the AX was played in 1949. To date there have been  2 ties, 17 victories for Denison, and  30 victories for Sherman. 1997 marks the 81 game for the AX. The longest possession of the AX was by Sherman from 1969-1981. Mr. Barker wanted a symbol that represented a spirit of never quitting. Although only one team wins the ax, both teams win the spirit of the Ax.

SHS HALL OF FAME-Any student who wins at the state level in any competition is photographed and the picture is  placed in the main hall or office with an explanation of the achievement. 



BILLY BOB BEARCAT-our mascot stands in the library today. Billy Bob is constructed of  fiberglas and became a fixture at all home football games in the late 1960's. The booster club and students contributed the money to fund the making of Billy Bob.  Billy Bob's clothing was made by Mrs. Mary McCullough, a homemaking teacher at SHS. Billy Bob was first shown to the students on September 16, 1966 at the pep rally for the Sherman vs. Durant . Billy Bob Bearcat cost $550 to make. The students donated $500 and the Bearcat Athletic department paid the rest.  At one time Billy Bob's eyes flashed , a loud siren came from his body with smoke coming from his mouth. Billy Bob was under the care of a group of young men called the Billy Bob Boys. It was their responsibility to take Billy Bob to the pep rallies and the games. It was quite a sight seeing Billy Bob going down the highway in the back of a pickup truck. Billy Bob was retired from the sidelines in 1981 due to wear and tear on his body.



FOOTBALL PAINTING-This painting was given to SHS by Denison High School in 1977 to commemorate our winning season of 1976. The artist is Joe Taylor, a Denison attorney. The painting has traditionally been hung in the SHS Library.

 BILLY BOB BEARCAT PAINTING-This is an original painting of Billy Bob Bearcat from which many posters have been made. The artist is Dirk West, a well-known artist from the southwest. He has drawn all the mascots for all the southwest conference schools. The SHS Booster Club hired him to do a painting of our Billy Bob mascot. Student artists of the past, such as Tim Hale, contributed to the design of the cartoon figure. 



GENE LOOP MEMORIAL LIBRARY-Miss Loop retired in 1990 after a 35 year career at Sherman High School. She taught Social Studies, coached debate, and was involved in just about every other activity imaginable over those 35 years. After her retirement she continued to support SHS as a volunteer. Gene Loop was considered by many of us as the spirit of SHS and most ardent supporter and fan.

BEARCATS-The Sherman Bearcats had their nickname decided on September 25, 1923, by a committee representing  the student body. Each student turned in the name they preferred. O.C. Burgess turned in the name Bearcats. Immediately following the naming of the team, a pep rally was held in the high school auditorium.

MAROON AND WHITE-For many years the school colors were red and white.  Shortly after 1936 the high school began using the colors maroon and white, and it continues today.

BEARCAT BAND-The bearcat band was first organized during the 1923 football season. The first director of the band was Bill Collins (economics teacher and part-time band director). As the band entered the field, the crowds cheered widely and threw their hats into the air in crazed delight. In the fall of 1941, Bill Collins wrote the new school song. "Hail All Hail to Sherman High" became the school's Alma Mater and Fight Song. The Alma Mater was later replaced, but to this day the fight song is still Collins's work.

CHOIR-The Choral Club was first organized in February of 1927 by director Bess DuBois. The band sang programs in the chapel and at Rotary Club meetings.

HI-STEPPERS DRILL TEAM-The Drill team was organized in 1961 under the guidance of sponsor Alieree Clark, principal Walter Carpenter, and teacher Nina Ferrill.

ATHENIAN-The first Athenians were in the form of a quarterly magazine.  In 1916, the Athenian developed into a full fledged yearbook. Most of the covers of the Athenian have been maroon and white.

 BEARCAT STADIUM-The Bearcat stadium was completed in 1941 by the Works Project Administration. The facility was built to hold a crowd of 4,500.   The first game was played on September 19, 1941 with Dallas Tech.  Sherman lost 13-0. Prior to 1941 the games were played on a field not far from Austin College and at the Fair Park Stadium at Old Settlers Park.

VICTORY FLAG-The maroon and white victory flag is in the display case by the main office. Tradition has it that the Victory Flag flies on the pole along with the U.S. and Texas flags for a full week after each sports victory. The Victory Flag originally was sewn in 1939.