The will of the few has once again run roughshod over the rights of the many. With the elimination of “Dixie”, the fight song for Hays High, the administration has blatantly spit in the face of nearly 50 years of students, teachers and fans.
When Hays was started in 1968, the band director and principal’s wife took it on themselves to declare “On Wisconsin” the fight song. The students, who had already voted Rebels as the mascot, petitioned to have “Dixie” installed as the fight song. By the third game of the first season (1968), this was in place.
The words and music of “Dixie” have nothing that could be construed to be racially offensive. In fact, this was a favorite song of the “Great Emancipator”, Abraham Lincoln.
Over the years, a number of coaches have told me that Hays was the most intimidating place they had ever played. One of the main reasons they always mentioned with the Rebel Band and their rendition of “Dixie”. This never failed to ignite both players and fans.
The loss of “Dixie” will definitely affect the spirit at Hays High. One has to wonder what the effect would be on UT if “Texas Fight” were no longer the fight song or to A&M if the Aggie War Hymn were put into mothballs.
This decision should not be allowed to stand.
Bob Shelton
Buda
