Kilgore College - Ranger Yearbook (Kilgore, TX)

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Top. left- The KC Rangcrcttcs perform their derrick routine for the crowds during pregame at the Cotton Bowl. Top. right- The action was intense and glorious for the Texas A M who soundly defeated the Alabama Auburn team. Above, right- Texas celebrated its birthday with the largest float in the Cotton Bowl Parade. Below- Kilgore College’s Ranger Band and Rangcrcttcs formed the shape of Texas during the finale at halftime.

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Band, ‘Rettes, celebrate birthdays Cotton Bowl turns 50, Texas 150 New Year’s Day always brings many exciting events. The Cotton Bowl, Cotton Bowl Parade, Texas A M vs. Auburn, were the highlights of the newly arrived year for the KC Band and Rangcrcttes. 1986 marked the 50th Cotton Bowl Classic, the Texas Sesquicentennial, and the 37th journey of the ensemble and drill team to Dallas to perform. It all began with a short stay at the Dallas Hilton for the Ranger Band and Rangerettes prior to the New Year. Some brought in the New Year by attending a New Year’s Eve bash given courtesy of the A M Band, also guests at the hotel. The next day was the Cotton Bowl Parade. More than 60 floats and bands were traditionally led off by the Band and Rangerettes. After the warmer-than-usual parade, their ever-faithful carriages (Greyhound busses) awaited to immediately transport them to the Cotton Bowl. Upon arrival, they were soon performing well-rehearsed drills as a sold out stadium and CBS television cameras looked on. Pre-game included skydivers and a performance by the Vocal Majority of Dallas. At halftime, after the Texas A M and Auburn bands performed, in a pleasant temperature of 60 degrees, the KC Band and formed the state of Texas as the Rangerettes lined the top and the A M and Auburn bands brought up the sides to play a fanfare and King Cotton. The roaring of the mainly maroon and white clad aficionados only added to the excitement and enthusiasm of the occasion. The best thing it? Ask any Rangerette or Band member. “It wasn’t cold!” Top- Workmen put the final touches on the Cotton Bowl’s ‘'50th logo in the middle of Commerce Street in downtown Dallas before the Ranger Band and Rangerettes performed before the large crow ds. Above, left- A skydiver with complete with a Texas flag was just one of the colorful ways Texas celebrated the sesquicentennial. This parachutcrcr landed on the 50 yard line during halftime. Above, right- Members of the KC Ranger Band lead the historical 50th procession of the Cotton Bowl.

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Freshman and sophomore Rangerctles practice for the first football game. Relief and happiness find an outlet for new 'Rettes. The 1985-86 Swingstcrs: Kimberly Lee, Stephanie Cox, Mary Moseley, Kimberly Raines. Erin Venable, Roxanne Saenz, Melissa Nail, and Dawn Smith. Tradition, precision, fellowship Tradition, precision, and fellowship. These arc the three key words that epitomize the Kilgore College Rangerettes. The internationally famous drill team is known for its outstanding showmanship and yes, the high kick, the group’s hallmark. But behind all the glamour and glory is a dedicated and hardworking troupe of young ladies Tradition is a big part of the Rangerettes. Everything they do has a meaning. “Tradition helps make a group stronger,” states Deana Bolton, director of the Rangerettes. Some of these well-established traditions include ruby red lipstick and stage makeup. Rangerettes wear this so even spectators sitting in the top of the stands can see their facial features and not just a mouthful of teeth. Have you also noticed how a freshman’s hair shines more than a sophomore’s? This isn’t accredited to a new shampoo either. A bridgework of bobby pins is entwined in their hair. Every ‘Rette’s hat is held on by numerous bobby pins during a performance and freshmen wear the pins in order to become accustomed to them Maybe you’ve noticed a freshman •Rette scrambling to open a door for a superior. What probably got your attention was the way she said, “Hello Miss So and So, goodbye Miss So and So!” as if it were all one word. This is called running doors and every freshman must do this for a sophomore. Remember, everything they do has a meaning. All this discipline teaches new Rangerettes respect for authority. A few traditions have been relaxed. For example, you won’t hear the fight song after 8 p.m. in Davis Hall anymore, now there is some peace for those who do homework. Since only sophomore ‘Rettes have the power to make a freshman Rangerette do the fight song on spot, more freshmen than ever arc getting to class on time. Last year, anyone could give the roll off and have them sing and clap. You would see a ‘Rette all decked out in bobby pins and identifying sign singing on the way to class, an hour later the same freshman would still be there singing and clapping. Some tradition breaks arc worth it. The second key word is precision. Practice makes perfect. Like jewelers buffing and smoothing rough edges off raw diamonds, Mrs. Bolton and Laura Davis, Rangerette choreographer and assistant director, strive to make their “gemstones” sparkle with timed 26