Karl Anderson began going to Highland Park football games when he was 10 years old during World War II. Now 93, Anderson still attends each home game at Highlander Stadium. Although football has remained a constant and critical tradition for Highland Park, according to Anderson, games do not look the same as they did 80 years ago.
“The halftime performance was a marching demonstration by the ROTC where they had a close-order grill and the band played,” Anderson said. “It was a military-style halftime, rather than what it is now and has been for years.”
Even though the football games now look a little different than they did in Anderson’s time at Highland Park, one thing remains constant: Friday nights at Highlander Stadium bring the community and student body together.
“I think it’s interesting to see all the different grades that come. It’s not just seniors. It’s not just juniors. And it’s awesome to see everyone coming out and supporting not just football, but, Belles, cheer, and the band,” senior Caroline Cannon said.
People from all over the Park Cities regularly attend games even when they do not have a student at the high school. If you go to a game you will see people of all ages in the stands cheering on the Scots.
“Friday night football games are just a fun community event,” 1993 Highland Park graduate Meredith Mabus said. “You have little bitty kids that will be Scots at some point.”
On game days the entire school gathers in the gym for a pep rally. These are a fun break from the routine of the day and an opportunity for students to celebrate the success of their classmates and also get excited for the upcoming football game. These gatherings have been a longstanding tradition at Highland Park.
“They did have pep rallies, and they were in the gym,” Anderson said. “Four girls and four guys were all elected to cheer and they would dance and perform. The girls would also dance during the game, but nothing at halftime.”
Additionally at pep rallies, many of the sports teams are recognized for their success that they have had. These often include all sports teams at HP and are an opportunity for students to support other teams along with football and learn about their upcoming games.
“[Pep rallies] promote going to football games, volleyball games, and sports teams. Drawing a bigger student section to those things.” Cannon said. “It’s a fun way to highlight all our sports teams and celebrate the success that we’ve had. I think it’s a great tradition that we kept up.”
Another constant at Highland Park is the talent and success that comes from the football team. This includes famous football players Bobby Lane and Doak Walker. Mr. Anderson was lucky enough to be able to watch both of these men play at Highlander Stadium.
Mr. Anderson said, “ they [the football teams] were highlighted by 2 very famous football players. The quarterback was named Bobby Lane who went on to… University of Texas where he was a star football player, was all-American, and went on to play professional football for the Detroit Lions,” Anderson said. “The one after that in 1944 was probably the most recognized player and his name was Doak Walker… He went on to play at SMU where he was 2 time all-American.”
Walker was also awarded the Heisman Trophy Award, which is awarded every year to the best and most successful player in college.
Since the school was established in 1922, many major traditions have been passed through generations. These traditions have developed over the years but one thing has remained constant throughout: the unity that they bring. With each new graduating class, these traditions will continue to evolve and will hopefully continue for generations to come.
“I think there’s a lot of traditions that have passed down,” Mabus said. “Even to this day, these traditions continue to foster a sense of community and help the students come together to celebrate.”
