Kilgore College - Ranger Yearbook (Kilgore, TX)

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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

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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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Obvious tension and excitement are apparent for potential Rangerette freshmen. An early Rangerette practice and high kick. ...that’s what it’s all about accuracy. Constant stretching helps to develop the muscles used in all performances. One wonders how Rangerettes can manage to smile after jumping and landing in the splits or kicking so high that they might break a nose. Most spectators find themselves in pain just watching them. In their strive for perfection, ‘Rettes practice on the average of 11 Zi hours per week. They only receive one credit. On Held practice days, section rehearsals take place in addition to the chance to perform with the Ranger Band. Sometimes, wet conditions yield muddy leotards, skin, and hair; but what’s a little dirt when you’re trying to be your best? Of the 65 Rangerettes, 53 march at halftime and 12 stay in the stands. They are not being punished, ignored, or left with the audience because they weren’t wearing enough bobby pins. If more than 53 march, the line “weaves.” The only time all 65 march is in parades. All the planning, hardwork, and dedication have helped make the Rangerettes what they are. Remember, practice makes perfect. The third and final key word in the Rangerette trilogy is fellowship. Each officer is responsible for at least 12 girls plus the girls not on the line. In addition to this, every sophomore has oncor two freshman “little sisters” and they usually become fast friends. Sometimes they even seem to begin to look alike. A big sister is a big help to new freshmen. They comfort their little sisters, help them when they are down and also they are someone to turn to and look up to. They arc more like a best friend. Sophomores have been described a big sis and mom all rolled up in one. Sophomores can also relate to what the freshmen are going through. Living in Davis Hall is an experience in itself. The Little Old Lady Who Lived In a Shoe must have been the house mother with all-girl kids. An observer gets the idea that Davis Hall is comparable to a mall. Rangerettes shop in their neighbors’ closets. No privacy is something you learn to get used to. Do the doors at Davis Hall ever close, or are they nailed open? The tradition, precision, and fellowship continue as the years roll on. A few changes here and there will inevitably occur. But meanwhile chapter 46 of the seemingly unending Rangerette saga continues. Stay tuned until tomorrow... -by Kelli Vance 27