Gridiron Glory: A History of Tyler Junior College Football
Tyler Junior College (TJC), a public community college located in Tyler, Texas, boasts a rich history and a thriving athletic program. Established in 1926, TJC has grown into one of the largest community colleges in Texas, educating everyone on the path to a better world, with a student body of over 12,000 credit students and an additional 20,000 continuing education enrollments annually. Among its many successful athletic programs, the TJC football team holds a prominent place, contributing significantly to the college's legacy of excellence. The college competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association's Region XIV. Tyler Junior College athletes have won 69 national junior college championships. In October 2022, TJC debuted its new mascot, Harry the Hawk.
Early Years and Growth
From its inception in 1926, Tyler Junior College operated as part of the Tyler public school system. During the 1930s, as the country struggled through the Great Depression, TJC enrolled only 200 students. The prosperity of the 1940s signaled major changes. In 1945, Tyler voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to create a junior college district and issued $500,000 in bonds for TJC to have a campus of its own. Since its rebirth in the 1940s, TJC has continued to expand. Today, after 90 years, TJC offers more courses in any single major division than were offered in the entire curriculum in 1926. Just as the courses have diversified, so has the TJC student body.
The Apache Football Program
The Tyler Junior College football team, known as the Apaches, has a long and storied tradition. The program has produced numerous talented athletes who have gone on to successful careers in football and other fields. The Apaches compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), Region XIV, showcasing their talent against other top junior college programs.
Notable Alumni
Several TJC football alumni have achieved notable success in their careers, including Derick Armstrong.
National Recognition
The Tyler Junior College football team has earned national recognition for its achievements on the field. The Apaches have consistently been ranked among the top junior college programs in the country, and have captured numerous conference and regional championships.
Read also: Entertainment Career Launchpad
Campus Life and Traditions
Beyond the football field, Tyler Junior College offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student activities, clubs, and traditions. Early on, the school established student activities, clubs and traditions that have become hallmarks of TJC spirit and pride. These traditions foster a strong sense of community and pride among students, faculty, and alumni. Co-ed residence halls include Louise H. & Joseph Z. Ornelas Residential Complex, Crossroads, and Bateman Hall. Vaughn Hall houses women and Holley Hall is for men. Claridge Hall is co-ed for athletes.
The Apache Belles
One of the most iconic traditions at Tyler Junior College is the Apache Belles, a renowned dance and performance group. In September of 1947, Tyler Junior College President, Dr. Harry E. Jenkins asked Mildred Stringer, the wife of Tyler banker J. Harold Stringer and founder of the Tyler High School Blue Brigade, to form some kind of girls pep squad. Dr. Mrs. Stringer compiled a team of 40 young women and designed what the girls would wear. The first outfit was made of heavy brown twill and fringe and included an Indian head band, moccasins and a gold elastic band around their right ankle that had a copper miniature cowbell attached to it. Some of the members of the first line of the Apache Belles say that is where the name Apache Belles came from which changed in December of 1947 from the original name of Apache Roses. At this point Mrs. Stringer officially joined the group as Director. The members were expected to be polite, well behaved young women- complete with proper posture and manners. During their afternoon practices, the Belles always said “Yes Ma’am” and “No Ma’am.” To assist with choreography, Mrs. Stringer hired the former Tyler High School head cheerleader Alfred Gilliam - after his completion of military service and graduation from the University of Miami- as a full-time dance instructor for the Belles. Mr. Gilliam and Mrs. Stringer recruited young ladies with beauty and talent, either in music or dance. To help the Belles achieve more polish and poise, Mrs. Stringer took a John Roberts Power course and passed along what she learned to the Belles, instructing them in proper posture, walking, sitting, etc. She also offered tips on dress, make-up and hair styling. Mrs. Dr. Edwin E. Fowler was hired as the director of the Apache Band and the relationship of the “Belles and Band” was born. The Belles and Band perform at their first Cotton Bowl Game January 1, 1950 in Dallas, Texas. The Belles and Band performed at halftime of the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana. A photograph of this performance was published in major newspapers in New Orleans and Louisville, Kentucky. The Apache Belles perform in Pasadena, California at the Junior Rose Bowl, and perform at the N.I.R.A. Rodeo in Fort Worth, Texas. The Belles rubbed shoulders with their first major political figure as they perform for a week at the Colorado State Fair. Apache Belles perform for the Dallas Cowboys vs. Apache Belles perform at the Dallas Cowboys vs. Apache Belles perform for the Washington Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins game in Washington D.C. Apache Belles, while in Washington D.C. Apache Belles perform at the Baltimore Colts vs. Apache Belles perform at the Dallas Cowboys vs. The Apache Belles travel to Mexico City and Cholula, Mexico to perform at the University de los Americas for a Basketball Tournament. The famed group performed two to three times each evening at the national games plus three parades and performances, at the Central School “Ninos Heroes de Chapultepec” as well as the National Football Soccer game held by the Soccer Association. Apache Belles perform at the Green Bay Packers vs. Apache Belles perform at the Baltimore Colts vs. Apache Belles perform at the New York Giants vs. Apache Belles perform at the Dallas Cowboys vs. Apache Belles perform at the Cleveland Browns vs. Apache Belles perform at the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Apache Belles perform at the New York Giants vs. Apache Belles perform at the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins in RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. Apache Belles perform at the Dallas Cowboys vs. Apache Belles travel to Chicago, Illinois to perform at Soldier Field for the Chicago Bears vs. Apache Belles perform in Dallas, Texas for the Dallas Cowboys vs. St. Apache Belles perform for Super Bowl VI in Dallas, Texas as the Cowboys played the Miami Dolphins in Tulane Stadium located in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 16, 1972. The Apache Belles perform for the Dallas Cowboys vs. The Apache Belles perform at the Dallas Cowboys vs. The Apache Belles perform at Mile-High Stadium in Denver, Colorado for the Dallas Cowboys vs. The Apache Belles perform in Dallas, Texas for the Los Angeles Rams vs. Apache Belles perform for the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Apache Belles perform for the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins game at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. Apache Belles perform at the Oakland Raiders vs. Apache Belles perform at the Dallas Cowboys vs. Apache Belles perform at the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Apache Belles perform at the Super Dome in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 25, 1976 for the Boston College vs. The Apache Belles perform at Baltimore Colts vs. The Apache Belles have been invited to open several rides at Six Flags over Texas in Arlington. The Apache Belles have also made appearances in Austin, Texas at “Tyler Day.” They have performed on the floor of the Senate, prior to their session and also in the rotunda of the capitol. In addition, the Apache Belles have had the opportunity to meet and present roses to several dignitaries and their wives including former Governor and Mrs. The Apache Belles have participated in two Sister City exchanges. In May of 1983 delegates from Tyler visited Metz, France. Among these delegates were two Apache Belles on request of the Chamber of Commerce. While in Washington, D.C. The Apache Belles performed on October 29, 1988 at the Dallas Mavericks vs. In March of 2000, the Apache Belles traveled to Dublin Ireland to perform at the World’s Largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade and also for the Lord Mayor’s Ball that evening. Mrs. January 1, 2012- Apache Belles perform halftime with the Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders for the New York Jets vs.
The Future of TJC Football
As Tyler Junior College looks to the future, the football program remains a vital part of the college's identity. With a continued commitment to excellence both on and off the field, the Apaches are poised to continue their winning tradition and provide opportunities for student-athletes to achieve their dreams. Tyler Junior College is dedicated to providing quality education and workforce training programs. Its West campus includes continuing education and workforce training programs and TJC North in Lindale, Texas offers general education classes, nursing programs, and the veterinary technician associate of applied science. The college also operates locations in Jacksonville and Rusk.
Read also: Empowering Communities Through Education
Read also: A Guide to Tyler Junior College
tags: #tyler #junior #college #football #history
