Local Life

Retro RFH Football Turkeys’ Cheer

Image
The boys of RFH cheering for the game in the 1970s
Photos/George Day

A reprise, just because we all need a little pandemic cheer for Thanksgiving …

Cheers to another good football season at RFH!

It’s over. But is it ever really over when it comes to RFH culture and ritual? For old timers, football season seems to slip by as the old tried and true tradition of the Thanksgiving homecoming game, along with other traditions, slips away.

It’s not just about the change of homecoming from Turkey Day to October and a celebrated king, queen and court to a carnival. Cheerleaders’ look has changed since the days of knee socks, saddle shoes, kilt skirts and pom-poms.

There’s a totally different “rah-rah” fashion nowadays — with bows on the head and sweat suit-looking uniforms, some face art and, well, pom-poms somewhere in the package.

But, what would a game be without the cheer? No matter what sort of football is being played, a cheer is always in order — sometimes for the cheerleaders themselves.

And sometimes cheerleaders choose their own king and carry him onto the field to be ceremoniously celebrated. That’s what was going on in these Retro Pics of the (George) Day.

The football was powder puff. The season was prime for a traditional role switch in the 1970s. The look was, well, successful, yet questionable. Certainly not comfortable. In fact, one cheerleader seems to be scrounging around for an under garment. Though, the cheering part of it all was quite enthusiastic. Never a wane in the cheer, for sure.

So, no, there is no more gobbling up tradition on Turkey Day. Yet, tradition took a turn back then, too, with the cheer and its squad.

Recognize these cheerleaders? How about that king? One of these leaders of cheer and craziness is the owner of a popular Sea Bright restaurant. Another is a retired Fair Haven cop. And what ever became of the photobombing teachers in the background. Who spies Gordo? Wait. Any such thing as powder puff football tradition at RFH now?

Cheers to giving thanks for RFH cheerleaders, the turkeys and the game!

Thanks to the fabulous George Day for these treasured looks back in RFH time!