2004 Loudon Homecoming

Photos by Jammie Graves
Article by Jeff McQueen

On Friday, September 10th, the Loudon Redskins hosted the Sequoyah Chiefs at Dukes Field. But first, it was homecoming week on the campus of Loudon High School. This would be an early (in the season) homecoming, but all the alumni and fans in attendance enjoyed the mild, early September weather. Several special events were sponsored by new principal Mr. John Bartlett, they included:

• Tuesday - Pajama Day
• Wednesday - Hillbilly Day
• Thursday - Tacky Day
• Friday - Red & White Day & Olympics

On Friday, the Olympics included a water balloon toss, toilet bowel relay, 3-legged race, powder-puff football game, and the JV Cheerleading and the Dance Team also performed. The day ended with a pep rally. The classes also spent the week working on their respective floats. The Homecoming Parade started at the old Jr. High School and proceeded down highway 11, to its final destination of LHS. Included in the parade were: the Dance Team, JV Cheerleaders, Varsity Cheerleaders, ROTC, class floats, 2003 Queen Miss Tammy Collins, and the 2004 candidates who all traveled in convertible sports cars. Also the “Spirit Truck”, sporting a custom red and white paint job, was loaded down with about 15 seniors who had also painted their bodies red and white. The float competition winners were:

• 3rd place - Juniors
• 2nd place - Freshmen
• 1st place - Seniors

The LHS class of 1954 held their 50 year class reunion this weekend. The class members in attendance were introduced at half-time, just to name a few: Bill House, Blev Strickland (Class President), Kenneth Gardner, Phil Watkins, Faye Everett Stamey, Marilyn Zimmerman Cotton, and June Arp Matlock. The class had finger foods before the game, and enjoyed a sit down meal in the high school cafeteria on Saturday, catered by Louise Cannon.

Loudon High School would like to welcome all alumni to tonight’s game. We’re sure you remember the dress-up days, all the activities at school, building your class float and the pep rally during school. And don’t forget the football game. Loudon High School has been playing football since 1923. Down on the field tonight are former Loudon Redskins that represent the nine decades of Loudon High School football since its beginnings in 1923. Each one of these men represents the hundreds of other boys that played football at Loudon through each decade.

Representing the 2000’s decade is Franklin Henson. Franklin played in 1998, 1999, and was a captain of the 2000 team. In the 2000 season he rushed for 296 yards in a playoff game against South Greene that is still a Loudon High School record.

The representative for the 1990’s is tailback-linebacker Matthew Easter. Matthew played in 1994, 1995, and was a captain of the 1996 team. He not only played in the Tennessee East-West All Star Game, but also earned all county, all region, all East Tennessee, and all state honors during his career.

For the 1980’s we present Reggie Brown. Reggie played on the 1981, 1982, and the 1983 teams. The 1983 team went undefeated during the regular season and Reggie won all state honors. He holds the Loudon High School record as the only player to rush for more than 2000 yards in a single season.

Representing the 1970’s is quarterback Dennis Queen. Dennis was the quarterback and captain of the undefeated state championship team of 1974. His four touchdown passes against McMinn Central in 1974 still remains a Redskin record.

The representative for the 1960’s is guard Joe Alexander. Joe captained the undefeated Redskins in 1962 and went on to win all East Tennessee honors. Joe played on the 1960, 1961, and 1962 teams.

For the 1950’s we present guard Spencer Watkins. Spencer captained the 1951 Loudon varsity. In his junior and senior seasons, Loudon posted a record of 17 wins and only 3 loses. Spencer’s son Steve was the captain of the 1978 Loudon Redskins, and his granddaughters Afton and Breia Watkins are students at Loudon High School.

Representing players from the 1940’s is Cotton Thomas. Cotton played on the 1942 and 1944 Redskins teams. He was the star running back on the 1944 team that lost only one game. He did not get to participate in the 1943 season because America was at war. His two sons, Kenny and Jim, also played for the Redskins in the 1960’s.

The representative for the 1930’s is center Jack Lefler. Jack played for Loudon in 1936, 1937, and 1938. Jack was there when Loudon fielded the first band and played on the first team to play “under the lights.” Jack’s son Jackie and grandson Trey also played for the Redskins.

Last, but certainly not least, is guard Frank Robinson, representing the 1920’s. Mr. Robinson played on the 1929, 1930, and 1931 teams, coached by Earl “Shorty” McCall. When Frank played the team was known as the Tush Hogs. One of the oldest living Loudon Redskins at 92 years young, Mr. Frank Robinson.

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give a big Redskin welcome to these former players, and all the players they represent since Loudon first fielded a team in 1923.

And now let’s introduce the homecoming court:

• Miss Tara Baugher, daughter of Steve Baugher and Sandy Johnson. Tara is escorted by her grandfather, Mr. Bill Baugher. She is a member of FCCLA, a member of the ensemble, and a member of the dance team for two years.
• Miss Tara Bell, daughter of Stan Bell and Annette Williams. Tara is escorted by Mr. Stan Bell. She is a four year member of the softball team, was chosen by her class as Miss Junior, and is a member of the ensemble.
• Miss Samantha Conway, daughter of Ronnie and Teresa Conway. Samantha is escorted by Mr. Ronnie Conway. She is co-captain of the dance team, a member of the ensemble, a UDA All- Star.
• Miss Jessie Davis, daughter of John and Kim Davis. Jessie is escorted by Mr. John Davis. She is president of the Leo club, a four year member of the tennis team, and vice-president of the Key club.
• Miss Brittany Gardner, daughter of Teresa and Jeff McDonald and Jerry and Connie Gardner. Brittany is escorted by Mr. Jerry Gardner. She is co-captain of the cheerleading squad, a member of the ensemble, and a UCA All-Star team member.
• Miss Jamie Huecker, daughter of Julie and Wesley Stamey. Jamie is escorted by Mr. Wesley Stamey. She is a co-captain of the dance team, senior class treasurer, and a member of the Leo club.
• Miss Shalee Lyle, daughter of Sam and Tammy Lyle. Shalee is escorted by her father, Mr. Sam Lyle. She is a captain of the cheerleading squad, a member of FCA, and a UCA All-Star.
• Miss Courtney Rausin, daughter of David and Tammy Rausin. Courtney is escorted by Mr. David Rausin. She is a member of the basketball team, was chosen as Miss Freshman, and is Loudon’s Junior Miss.
• Crowning this year’s queen is the 2003 homecoming queen, Miss Tammy Collins.
• The crown bearer is Miss Charlotte Grubb, escorted by Mr. Austin Miles. Charlotte is the daughter of Buff and Anne Grubb. Austin is the son of Steve and DeRae Oody.
• And the winner is… your 2004 homecoming queen is Miss Shalee Lyle.

LHS Varsity Cheerleaders on the fire truck.

LHS Band led by Dan Pacitti, the pirate drum major.

The winning Senior Class Float, Miss Megan Hart in the cockpit.

The Spirit Truck.

Some more Spirit Truck.

LHS class of 1954.

LHS "Team of Decades" L to R: Franklin Henson, Matthew Easter, Reggie Brown, Dennis Queen, Mr. Joe Alexander, Mr. Spencer Watkins, Mr. Cotton Thomas, Mr. Jack Lefler, and Mr. Frank Robinson.

2003 Homecoming Queen, Miss Tammy Collins, pins the tiara on Miss Shalee Lyle, your 2004 Homecoming Queen, accompanied by proud father Sam Lyle.

Homecoming Court 2004: L/R Miss Tara Baugher, Miss Courtney Rausin, Miss Samantha Conway, Miss Shalee Lyle, Miss Brittany Gardner, Miss Jamie Huecker, Miss Jessie Davis, and Miss Tara Bell.