Reunion in the fall? Why not?

Bud Thompson had a brilliant idea. Why try to enjoy a class reunion when the weather is so hot you can fry eggs on the pavement? July 4th versus sometime in early fall.

Think about it.

Bud was mainly responsible for putting together a reunion for the Class of ’59 in late September and it went over with a big bang. Here’s what Bud had to say in an email when I questioned him about it, and asked specifically whether Jim Wisdom, Cynthia’s brother, and his wife Sanny were able to attend. And, I was curious if 80-year-old coach Carl Twidwell was able to attend.

Twidwell lived across the street from me when I much younger.

Well John, it was absolutely the best one we've ever had ....

We had events Friday afternoon at Mazzio's, Friday night at the homecoming game, then after the game a bunch of us went to the downtown cafe and laughed ourselves silly....

Saturday morning we got together for brunch then some of the girls went to Poteau for "tea".... They've been doing this for 50 years and allowed my wife to go with them this time... She really loved that special time with Franny, Paulann, Bobbie Jo, Frankie and Kay... Saturday night we had a great program with Rocky's quartet singing 50's music, a video presentation of old pictures we gathered from classmates and a really emotional tribute to our deceased classmates..

Good food, laughter, stories and tears... It couldn't have been better.... Out of 70 with 11 deceased we had 38 show up... I just couldn't be more pleased...

Jim and Sanny were there Saturday night and he really enjoyed the video presentation since it had a lot of pictures of their old band.... He looks great, to me hasn't aged that much at all... Sanny looked good and I thought she enjoyed it as well. (Coach) Twid was unable to make it but sent an e-mail for us to read.... Sorry you guys were unable to make it but stay on the mend and before you know it we'll be back in Heavener for the July '10 reunion...
--------------------------

Why didn’t anybody think of this earlier? Think of the possibilities. Harvey Stadium could be rockin’. All former band members would be pleased. Former cheerleaders, former pep squad members, too. A banquet could still be held on a Saturday night. Registration could be held on Saturday morning. The parade could be held later on Saturday afternoon, prior to game kickoff, and that would be good for team morale.

The football schedule would have to be slightly changed, but nothing’s wrong with a game on Saturday, is there? It might even have the feel of a playoff atmosphere, complete with big crowd and all, kinda like Heavener games used to draw in the good ole’ days back in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s.


I mean, a Heavener Wolves football game could have one of its largest crowds in years, or at least every two years, if the time was changed to late September. Plus, it would alleviate conflict with family summer vacations. It might even be easier on the eyes to drive to Heavener with the fall foliage, although it may not be in full bloom in late September.

In White Oak, right here in east Texas , a school reunion is held ever three years and a large boisterous crowd at the football game is certainly nice to see. It means more to the players, band, coaches and everyone involved.

Come on, give it some thought. Somebody who knows somebody who knows someone on the alumni association who could make it happen.