OSU 43 Year Cheerleder Reunion

I had contemplated the idea for a number of years but never acted on the impression.  Luckily, someone from the group put forth the effort of tracking everyone down and then began a conversation.  That someone was Rick Coutin. 

I received a Facebook message a number of months ago from Rick.  He was reconnecting after 43 years.  Rick suggested our OSU cheerleading squad, from 1973-74, get together for a reunion.  The idea was planted.  Eventually, everyone on the squad was found and the reunion became reality last weekend in Corvallis.

Our weekend festivities began on Friday night at the Big River Restaurant.  Brian and I brought old photos and we all had a good laugh.  Were we ever that young?  

Pictured above are Kathi Hart from Georgia, Chris Commons from Tennessee, J’nene Beeman from Corvallis, Brian Butler from Seattle, Rick Coutin from California, Carl Paasche from Portland, and yours truly.  Janice Byer and Janice Hironaka were unable to make the reunion.  Thanks to Lisa for being the designated photographer for the weekend. 

The OSU Pep Band made an appearance at the restaurant while we were there.

On Saturday, before the big homecoming football game with Washington State, we met with the current OSU cheerleading squad (they are now called cheer athletes).  They were on a tight schedule and could only devote 5 minutes of their time to us.   

When we were cheerleaders in 1973-74 there were four guys and 4/5 girls.  Look how many there are now!  In addition, the cheer athletes today have stunt technicians and choreographers.  How times have changed.

They were shown pictures of us from long ago.  Pointing a finger back at us we said, “This is what y’all are going to like like in 43 years.  Get used to it!”  It was funny.  They had no idea how to react to that comment.  When you are young you can’t imagine ever being old.

We were invited to attend the “Walk of Honor” onto the football field with former student athletes.  While we waited on the field a lady came up to us and began to shake our hands.  We had no idea who she was.  Lisa finally asked, “Who are you?”  She replied, “I’m Kate Brown, Governor of the State of Oregon.”  Kate is up for re-election this year and she was out and about doing public relations work with potential voters.

The night included a tribute to the OSU football team, honoring the 75th anniversary of the iconic “Men of Roses.”  In 1942, led by head coach Lon Stiner, No. 12 Oregon State defeated No. 2 Duke 20-16 in Durham, N.C., in what was considered a major upset.  The 1942 team had one remaining member still alive (wearing the orange cowboy hat above).  Our cheerleading squad were able to walk alongside him onto the football field.

We sat together during the football game, cheering on OSU to what would become a losing effort.  So disappointing.  They had been playing well and had the lead at halftime, only to come up short at the end.  Just like the 1973 football team.

It was sad to say good-bye to the “old” squad.  We committed to get together before another 42 years had passed (ha, ha, ha).

Below are some additional pictures from game day.