Events List

Dirty Tricks Or Secret Weapon: Neither Pays Off At Tug-Of-War

By Larry Briscoe
Editor

The tension was formidable Saturday on school grounds as the Bad News Board and the Foundation Fighters tug-of-war teams squared off. The event was part of the Quinlan Independent School District homecoming celebration.
This reporter had heard rumors of the possibility of dirty tricks before the contest and telephoned School Board President Kenny Stone on the way to the contest and asked, "Can you confirm or deny reports that dirty tricks will be used by the Bad News Board team?"
"Uh, I'm out of town and can't be there. I sent my brother Randy to take my place. Can I just say, "No comment?" came the answer.
"Okay, but it's not going to look good." Stone obviously knew more than he was willing to reveal.
Arriving at W.H. Ford High School, the strain was hardly hidden behind the smiles and jokes by the contestants. Supt. Micheal French said the opposing team Foundation Fighters should be questioned about their tactics rather than his Bad News Board. The question was put to Foundation Fighters President Dr. Bill Claxton.
"No, we don't plan any dirty tricks," Claxton answered with a totally straight face. "We do have a secret weapon." Ominous clouds threatened from the skies as the Secret Weapon appeared on the grounds and threatened the Bad News Board.
The Foundation Fighters brought in a horse. The surprise on their faces was only exceeded by the protests of the Bad News Board team. But to no avail. The Foundation Fighters hooked up the horse, led by local horseman and chamber President Larry Pare.
The great horse snorted and pawed the ground. The immense intimidation factor sent a message the length of the rope to the other end where the Bad News Board, led by French, moved into position.
Looks reminiscent of the cat that swallowed a canary fell across the faces of Claxton and his teammates, bolstered by the horsepower, as they confidently took their places along their side of the rope but left the pulling to their Secret Weapon.
Deputy Supt. Dr. Debra Crosby held an umbrella for herself and Elementary Curriculum Director Sue Boone. "Dr. Crosby, why aren't you on the end of the Bad News Board rope?"
With square-set jaw and stern eyes on the melee about to unfold before her, umbrella firm in hand, she said with a toss of her head, "Mr. French asked me to stand aside." What was not said spoke loudly – French wanted to load his team only with big muscle.
The anticipation had built for months before the contest. The Quinlan Education Foundation board visited the school board before one of its meetings and threw down the challenge – their team against the school board team at a tug-of-war and fundraising contest. The board accepted the provocative proposal.
Much chest–beating and boasting ensued in the interim. A sign that was obviously planted by a member of the Foundation Fighters appeared on the wall of the board room during this months meeting. The message audaciously proclaimed‚ "You're going down¡"
A win always tastes better when served with humility, and defeat is never so sour as when served with overwrought pride. The moment of truth finally arrived. Both teams firmed their grips on the rope, dug in their heels (some were even wearing cleats it was heard from the sidelines) and faces of determination looked down the rope into eyes of resolve.
In the briefest moment, the rope drew taught, war yells rose from both sides. But wait! The horse spooked and pitched. Foundation Fighters were either pulled fiercely by the Bad News Board or they fled.
The Foundation Fighters went down in defeat. One of them, David Ivey, found this reporter, who moved too close to the action for a photo opportunity, in his way. The result was much less destructive than the last time he got in Ivey's way. The first occasion was on the football field a few years earlier when the reporter was on the sidelines for news photos and Ivey with ball in hand and a full head of steam went out of bounds at the same location.
Many, many yarns will be spun about this challenge. Consider one. Supt. French was on one end of the rope, while his wife Kym was on the other. As participants regained their footing and rain began to fall, best wishes were exchanged, however gratuitous they may have been. Hugs were given, hands were shaken.
The superintendent walked over to the opposing side. He and his wife exchanged glances and finally fixed their eyes. Their hands stretched out to each other at some distance and hard looks changed to smiles as their hands clasped and pulled one another together and met for a kiss. (It should be noted here for future historians that it appeared to be more of a peck on the lips than a kiss, but it can be said that it was a gesture in the right direction.)
One might think that would be the end of the story. It appears that it was probably only the beginning.
Asking for anonymity, Dr. Claxton told this reporter that he wanted to have a rematch next year. He also firmly pointed out that he wanted it known that his team may have lost the tug–of–war but it won the contest to raise the most funds for the Education Foundation. The Foundation Fighters raised $700 to the Bad News Board team's $400.
"Did you know the Foundation Fighters won the fundraising contest?" That question continued to be put to this reporter the remainder of the day by foundation members including Sharon Royal, and yes, even Kym French, the superintendent's wife.
It appears the gauntlet has been thrown down for Homecoming 2011. See more pictures on the photo gallery