The Annual Community Pep Rally has become a tradition in Howe since 2011 and this year will be extra special. Not only will all teams be recognized from kindergarten through varsity of each fall sport, but a special tribute to Norman Dickey for his dedication to Howe athletics for over 50 years will take place that evening. All living Howe Bulldogs Head Football Coaches are invited to participate in an on-field recognition and those already confirmed to be in attendance are Buck Smith, Joey McQueen, Davey DuBose, and Zack Hudson. The pep rally is scheduled for Saturday evening, August 18 at 7 pm at Bulldog Stadium.
Several Texas high school football programs have had head coaches reunions and Denison stands out as one that continually recognizes their past leaders. However, never before have the Howe Bulldogs had such a head coaches reunion and the committee is in the process of locating and contacting each former head coach. Back in 2011 during the first community pep rally, a ceremony took place with players from each decade of the program from the 1930s to the 2010s passing of the torch (a football) from decade to decade.
Norman Dickey was Howe’s 13th head coach when he was hired before the 1964 season. He coached 12 seasons and still leads all Howe coaches with 51 victories. During his tenure, the Howe Bulldogs were District, Bi-District, and Regional Champions. Dickey also served as an interim athletic director on three separate occasions before retiring from the district in 1996.
After his coaching career in Howe, Dickey was often found maintaining Bulldog Stadium, working stats, running the clock, officiating junior high games, and everything between. He also keeps a ranking for all Howe athletic teams in each major sport and has done so for decades.
The community pep rally allows athletes of all ages to run through the Bulldog tunnel on the field and be introduced to the large home crowd. A typical community pep rally recognizes cheerleaders from pee wee to varsity, football players from kindergarten to varsity, cross country, band, volleyball, and of course Spike.
Over the years, Coach Steve Simmons has led the chants on the field for a big finale of all athletes together. The retirement of Simmons has not interfered with tradition as Simmons has confirmed the tradition train will keep rolling by Bulldog Stadium as he will be there with his megaphone.
Little Ernie’s Cafe Food Truck will be on-site with hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dog baskets, and Dippin’ Dots. All proceeds will be donated to the Howe Athletic Booster Club.
Howe’s newest Head Football Coach Bill Jehling will get a special welcome and greeting from all of the former Howe head coaches in attendance. All living Howe Bulldogs Head Coaches are invited to be in attendance and be recognized. The list:
Norman Dickey,1964-75 (confirmed)
Buck Smith, 1980-84 (confirmed)
Jim Fryar, 1985-89 (unable to attend)
Joey McQueen, 1990-92 (confirmed)
Terry Davis, 1993-95
Davey DuBose, 1996-2000 (confirmed)
Larry McFarlin, 2001-02
Woody Martin, 2003-05
Stony Coffman, 2006-09
Cory Crane, 2010
Joe Watson, 2011-12
Zack Hudson, 2013-17 (confirmed)
For more information, Monte Walker at 1-903-339-0100 or at mwalker@howeenterprise.com
