Prompt #11: Write a story about the selection of the school mascot, or about one of the three football games that took place, shortly after, in the Fall of 1980.
Due Date: September 22, 2025
Details: Write about the flag football games played between NCSSM and the NC School of the Arts;
Or, alternatively, write about the Pep Rally, or the Powderpuff Game;
Or, alternatively, write about the selection of the Unicorn as the school's mascot.
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Background:
A lot of events took place in November of 1980. In addition to a Chess Club "Slave Auction" fundraiser and an Outing Club trip to Hanging Rock State Park; there were two flag football games against the NC School of the Arts "Pickles", a Powderpuff flag football game, and a Talent Show. The school also voted on its own mascot in the week before the Homecoming Game, fatefully selecting the fabled Unicorn.
Below are some of the events in chronological order, and articles written about these activities, in the student newsletter, "Public Display of Announcements":
Articles about NCSSM Football in Fall of 1980
First published in the "Public Display of Announcements" student newspaper.
P.D.A. Editor - Saralyn Hawkins
P.D.A Staff - Johnny Adams, Ginger Bailey, Keith Beasley, Teri Bufmeyer, Alex Daughtey, Grace Han, April Hardison, Susan Herbert, Henry Kuo, Eugene Murray, Jeff Parker, Percil Watkins, Polly Weister
11/1/1980 - "Away" Football Game - NC School of the Arts vs NCSSM
TWO EXTRAORDINARY SCHOOLS AND TWO SPECTACULAR TEAMS
An unusual game of flag football was played between two all-star teams: the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics all star-team & the School of the Arts all-star team. The game was played at the School of the Arts in Winston Salem, and support was evident for both teams.
The NCSSM all-stars played well against the N.C. School of the Arts and defeated them 7-6 in overtime.
The most valuable player (MVP) for NCSSM was Robert Emory for his brilliant defensive performance. Emory stunned the quarterback by grabbing 9 flags behind the line of scrimage [sic]. Two of these were grabbed during overtime, and virtually assured the NCSSM team of victory.
The members of the NCSSM all-star team were Willie Miles, Thomas Gilchrist, Curtis Adair, Rodney Robinson, Gary Steele, Robert Emory, Henry Kuo, Alex Reinberg [sic], Sean Cambell, Steve Gallop [sic], and Joe Blunt.
[PDA Volume 1, Number 3. November 7, 1980; Other Campus & Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Collection]
11/8/1980 - "Homecoming" football game - NCSSM vs NCSA
BE THERE, ALOHA
Do you, the class of '82', miss the excitement of football games, cheerleaders, and the home crowd spirit? Does the thought of seeing your school team in action make your hear race? Do you crave the round of cheers, whistles, and screams? If any or all of the above describe your feelings in any way, shape, or form, then you should attend the HOMECOMING GAME! Be there to see the first Homecoming, the beginning of a NCSSM tradition. Watch your team stomp The School of the Arts. See, with your own eyes, the tremendous spirit and skill of your fantastic team. To observe these truly wonderful sights, be at the Intramural Field at Duke's East Campus on 9th Street, Saturday, November 8 at 2:30 p.m. Bring your friends, your banners, your posters, and your NCSSM spirit. DON'T miss the most spectacular game you may ever have the chance to witness!
[PDA Volume 1, Number 3. November 7, 1980; Other Campus & Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Collection]
RAH! RAH! RAH!
Friday afternoon... less than 24 hours to the first NCSSM Homecoming Game. The students, as well as faculty, felt the excitement rising. Speculations about the game were endless. Then, it was time for the PEP RALLEY! [sic] Everyone was cheering, clapping, and stomping along with the fantastic cheerleaders at their debut performance. The cheerleaders had the special opportunity of officially announcing the mascot of our school. The winning mascot was of course, the Unicorn! Spirits were running high as the NCSSM cheerleaders introduced themselves and the football team. A roar of applause swept throught [sic] the air as the UNICORNS stepped forward. Defensive captain, Henry Kuo, and offensive captain, Rodney Robinson, were introduced, and then the team went into a huddle. After the cheering ceased, everyone was invited to attend the wiener and marshmallow roast.
[PDA Volume 1, Number 4. November 14, 1980; Other Campus & Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Collection]
SPORTS-SPECTULAR [sic]
On Saturday, November 8th, the NCSSM Unicorns played in a homecoming game against the North Carolina School of Arts Pickles at the Duke Intramural Field. The crowd for the Unicorns was outstanding. As Kathy Benzaquin stated, "It was a great turnout, almost 100% participation." The cheerleaders had the spirit flowing at the sidelines from the beginning to the end. One of the cheerleaders had a bit more attention than the rest of them. His name was Eugene "Barbara" Murray. He was heard saying that "If I can't play, or be a referee, I might as well practice my cheers for the Powderpuff Game." The crowd of students, advisors, teachers, and parents were as enthusiastic as the players themselves. The Pickles consisted of both high school and college students. The Unicorns were made up of 17 fantastic football players: Johnny Adams, Keith Beasley, Brad Bennett, Richard Everette, Tom Glesne, Bart Houck, Scott Johnson, Henry Kuo, Robert Lee, Rodney Robinson, Eric Roush, Gerry Sherman, Butch Sigmon, Gary Steele, Richard Troutmen [sic], Percil Watkins, and Tommy Yadon. Although the game ended with a score of 27-21 in favor of the Pickles, our team played a very good game. This was the first Homecoming, and definitely not the last. Branson Brown, one of the referees, said that he "had several students from the School of the Arts say that they want the Homecoming to be a yearly event." The game ended with the crowd giving one more cheer entitled "WE LOVE YOU UNICORNS!""
[PDA Volume 1, Number 4. November 14, 1980; Other Campus & Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Collection]
U-N-I-C-O-R-N-S
A few weeks ago when plans for this year’s Homecoming game were being discussed, a cheerleading squad was also being formed. After at least half of a dozen hard practices, the newly formed NCSSM cheerleaders were ready for their public debut. On the eve of November 7, they held our pep rally for the next day’s Homecoming football game. During the football game, they enthusiastically cheered and screamed. Congratulations and thanks are due to all of the cheerleaders, who are: Kristen Beitz, Barbara Birdwell, Nicole Brown, Stephanie Jackson, Michelle Little, Martha McNair, Yvonne Slavich, Shauna Tilly, and Eugene Murray, who was the mascot!
[PDA Volume 1, Number 6. December 5, 1980; Other Campus & Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Collection]
11/15/1980 - Powder Puff Football Game
POWDER PUFF
Do you feel that you've been seeing things? Do the roles of your friends seem to be switched? Don't worry! Your eyes are not deceiving you; The students and faculty haven't lost their minds. Coming your way is the First Annual Powder-puff Football Game to be played Saturday, November 15th at 2:30 p.m. at Walltown Park. The female students vs. the female staff and faculty for a fantastic afternoon of excitement and entertainment. You'll get to see your favorite guys cheering, clapping, and kicking to the "beat". Not only will you have a fun-filled afternoon of kicks, passes, and plays, but there will also be FREE refreshments. Be there, and come equipped with energy and lots of spirit to the best Powderpuff game you're ever likely to witness!
[PDA Volume 1, Number 4. November 14, 1980; Other Campus & Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Collection]
TOUCHDOWN!!
On Nov. 15, the Powderpuff teams played a fantastic football game. They weren’t daunted by rain, chill, or mud! Originally, the teams were to be female faculty vs. female students, but due to the weather, some faculty members could not join the fun. As it turned out, the “faculty team” consisted of Quarterback Christal Hunter, Nancy Bodenhorn, Nicole Brown, Kiki Hunter, and Shelley Lineberger who scored both touchdowns. The “student team” was represented by Quarterback Bebe Harmon, Beverly Adams, Elizabeth Granger, Naomi McCormick, and Jamie Pate. The score at the end of the four quarters was Faculty 12, Students 0. Although there were no official male “cheerleaders”, there was plenty of male “spirit” being generated from the sidelines.
For all of you who wish to see the teams rise again you'll have your chance! Chrystal Hunter informs us that "we are going to have an All-Star Female Team play against the winning guy's team, Branson's Brats, in the near future."
[PDA Volume 1, Number 6. December 5, 1980; Other Campus & Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Collection]
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