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Indianettes 75th Anniversary
Indianettes--75th Anniversary
cheerleaders and original indianettes--1951
These are pages from the 1952 War Whoop, which include the Cheerleaders and the original Indianettes from 1951. Also included on the pages are Judge Brad Burnett's mother Jackie Hebert (a cheerleader), and Buck's mother Irene Ford and Buck's sister Jimmie Lou. The Indianettes pictured at the bottom of the page, L to R, are Paula Sory, Thomasine Ward, Patsy Cox, Doris Davis, Beverly Rogers, Shirley Jones, Latretta Young, and Jean Babb.
Hear this celebration of 75 years of Indianettes on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
(Note Irene Ford's written message to her daughter Jimmie Lou)
the original indianettes
A picture of the eight original Indianettes of 1951: (Front, L to R) Beverly Rogers Hawk, Doris Davis Bailey, Jean Babb Cowles. (Back, L to R) Paula Sory Lee, Thomasine Ward Jones, Patsy Cox Jones, Latretta Young Walker, Shirley Jones Havard. Hear about celebration activities for 75 years of Indianettes on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
Indianette Directors
There have been 15 Indianette directors during the Indianettes' 75 year history: Irene Ford, Peggy Dockery, Jan Martin Braswell, Phyllis Larrabee, Ann Monzingo, Judy Massey Childress, Rebecca Swafford Waker, Carol Jones, Sandra Clark, Lynne James, Rosie Einkauf, Yvette Turner, Raina Nichols, Laura Solis Shipman, and Cortnie Schexnaider. Hear accolades to the Indianette Directors on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
frank gioviale, band director 1951
Frank Gioviale was the band director in 1951. It was then he asked fellow teacher Irene Ford to form a dance team to perform with the band. Celebrate 75 years of Indianettes right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
the marching i
"You can't have the 'Marching I' without the Indianettes!" Hear about the plans for a historic 'Marching I' composed of Indianette and Band alumni during the 75th anniversary celebration, right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (Document submitted by Frank Gioviale for publication in the book Down Trails of Victory: The Story of Port Neches-Groves High School Football by Jon Buck Ford)
indian stadium--75th anniversary
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Indian Stadium is also celebrating its 75th anniversary. Hear about Indian Stadium's construction, and the groundbreaking events of 1951, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
the 75th edition!
The 75th edition of the Port Neches-Groves High School Indianettes--"Laiseez bons temps roulet!" Hear about plans for the 75th anniversary of the Port Neches-Groves Indianettes on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
breaking news
Hear BREAKING NEWS from Indianette director Cortnie Schexnaider regarding UIL-recognized dance team competition in 2026-2027--right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (photo above is the 2025-2026 Indianettes after they received a Division 1 rating from all three judges at the Texas Dance Educators Association/UIL pilot competition)
Marching Band--90th Anniversary
Indian marching band--1936
This is a picture of the 1936 Marching Band on a page from the 1937 War Whoop. We enhanced the page to colorize it. We pay tribute to the Marching Band's 90th Anniversary on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
Ernest Volpe
Ernest Volpe was the first director of the Indian Marching Band. They made their first appearance in 1936. Hear about Ernest Volpe and the Band of 1936 on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
Mid-county music Center, 1970
Mid-county music Center, 1970
Ernest Volpe and his wife served local schools and musicians through their Mid-County Music Center. It was located at the interection of Port Neches Avenue and Nall. This picture was posted on Facebook by George Braud an the album titled "Port Neches in 1970." Hear about the Volpes and Mid-County Music on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
2026-2027 indian marching band
The 90th edition of the Indian Marching Band will be participating in anniversary ceremonies scheduled for October 9, 2026 at Indian Stadium. Hear about the Indianette and Band anniversary reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
Indianette Traditions
throwback uniforms
This is junior Indianette, Kinley Schexnaider, modeling one of the field skirts recreated to closely duplicate those worn in the early 1950s. These special skirts will be worn during this year's Homecoming performance to celebrate 75 years of Indianette tradition. Kinley's great-great aunt is Eva LeBlanc Frederick, former Indianette class of 1956 (pictured above). Kinley is just one of 13 former Indianettes in the LeBlanc/Schexnaider family legacy. Hear about the Indianettes' 75th anniversary preparations on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
indianette scrapbooks
Indianette archives include uniquely designed scrapbooks, saved over the years, that houses memorabilia and photos of Indianette events and activities. Hear about Indianette traditions on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
scrapbook pages
These are pages of memories from Indianette Scrapbooks preserved throughout the years. Hear about Indianette traditions and 75 years of memories on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
indianette field entrance
"Here are the original notes and counts when we originally choreographed the Indianette intro onto the field that was started in 2002 and we still perform it today. It's to the song Lament."--Cortnie Schexnaider. Hear about Indianette traditions on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
boots from burketts
"New Indianettes Class of 2028 pose in front of Burkett's jewelry store the day they made the team to purchase their boot charm necklace."--Cortnie Schexnaider. Hear about this Indianette tradition, as well as others, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
My best to you
"My Best to You," which began in the 1960's, is one of the most treasured traditions held by the Indianettes. Hear about this Indianette tradition, and more, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
Indianettes--A Legacy
cortnie schexnaider
cortnie schexnaider
cortnie schexnaider
Hear guest Cortnie Schexnaider talk about Indianette family legacies, and their connections rooted over 75 years, on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (pictured Indianette Director Cortnie Schexnaider and her daughter Kinley)
celina flores ellis
cortnie schexnaider
cortnie schexnaider
Hear guest Celina Flores Ellis talk about how Indianette family legacy influenced her journey to becoming an Indianette, right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (pictured top cousins L to R Natasha Belle-Isle, Adina Belle-Isle, and Celina Flores Ellis. Lower left aunt Yolanda Juarez Belle-Isle)
tori richards
cortnie schexnaider
tori richards
Hear guest Tori Richards talk about family and their influence on her journey to becoming an Indianette, right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (pictured Tori Richard, older sister Isa Richards, mom Jennifer Munoz Richards, dad Colby Richards)
the fords
tori richards
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Irene Ford left a family legacy of love for the Indianettes. Her daughter Jimmie Lou was an Indianette officer, and her son Buck wrote about the origin of the Indianettes in his book Down Trails of Victory: The Story of of Port Neches-Groves High School Football. This picture was taken at a book signing at the Port Neches-Groves High School library in 1994. Hear about plans for the Indianettes' 75th anniversary on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
latretta young walker
1951 Indianette Latretta Young Walker's Indianette legacy spans five generations: (L to R) Alysia Young Jackson, D'Anna Young Seward, Kristi Young Huffstatler, Beth Guidry Terrell, Latretta Young Walker. Hear about plans for the Indianettes' 75th anniversary on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (Down Trails of Victory did a podcast with Latretta in Season Four)
3 generations of indianettes
Three Generations of Indianettes, submitted to the Indianette Alumni Facebook page by Gina Fondren Sexton with the caption, "Honor, Pride, Tradition! 3 generations of Indianettes and hoping to make it 4!!
Winnie Stelly Fondren c/o 1959; Gina Fondren Sexton c/o 1981; Lindsey Castille c/o 2007, Laura Campbell c/o 2011, Kaycee Castille c/o 2029." Hear about the Indianettes' first 22 years on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
professional legacy
professional legacy
professional legacy
At the Texas Dance Educators Association conference in January, there were ten former Indianettes in attendance who were currently leading their own dance teams across Texas. "It is very impressive to see somany girls leave this organization and continue their dance journey."--Cortnie Schexnaider. Hear about family and professional legacies left by Indianettes on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (pictured L to R--Cherise Briggs Fawcett, Jennifer Munoz Richards, Jessica Blanchard, Breana Segura, Trinity Ewing Hubert, Bailey Georgie, Kristen Crippen, Alicia Abshere. Not pictured--Kayla Veitch Rose, Jessica Moore Blanchard)
Indianette Reunions
50th anniversary reunion, 2001
In 2001, the Indianettes held a reunion to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Attending the reunion were seven of the eight original Indianettes, along with the group's first director, Irene Ford. Hear about the Indianettes' upcoming 75th anniversary reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
original Indianettes plus director, 50th anniversary
In 2001, the Indianettes celebrated their 50th anniversary with a reunion at PN-G High School. Above is a picture of seven of the original eight Indianettes along with their first sponsor, Irene Ford. Hear about plans for the 75th anniversary Indianette reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (L to R)--Shirley Jones Havard, Thomasine Ward Jones, Jean Babb Cowles, Irene Ford, Patsy Cox Jones, Latretta Young Walker, Doris Davis Bailey, Paula Sory Lee.
warm Welcome--2001
Principal Roy Esquivel warmly welcomed first Indianette sponsor Irene Ford during activities at the 50th anniversary reunion in 2001. Hear about plans for the Indianettes 75th anniversary reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
principal roy esquivel greets the originals--2001
principal roy esquivel greets the originals--2001
Principal Roy Esquivel greeted the original Indianettes during 50th anniversary activities in 2001. Hear about plans for the 75th Indianette celebration reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
indianette directors--2001
principal roy esquivel greets the originals--2001
indianette directors--2001
This picture of Indianette directors was taken in 2001 at the Indianettes' 50th anniversary reunion. Hear about plans for the 75th anniversary reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (L to R--Dana Larue, Cortnie Moerbe Schexnaider, Laura Solis, Rosie Einkauf, Irene Ford, Lynne James, Yvette Primeaux Turner)
introductions--2001
principal roy esquivel greets the originals--2001
indianette directors--2001
Indianette director Cortnie Schexnaider introduced Irene Ford at the 50th anniversary reunion as principal Roy Esquivel looked on. Hear about plans for the Indianettes' upcoming 75th anniversary reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
class of 1973 in the building--2001
These former Indianettes from the PNG Class of 1973 were talked into taking a picture at the 2001 reunion...and I'm glad they did! Hear about plans for the 75th Indianette reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (L to R, maiden names--Vicki DeCuir, Sue Benton, Gail Barrington, Betty Burleigh, Shally Laurents, Caira Thompsosn, Debbie Wimberley, Kim Scott) BTW--Shally's mom Sara Swearingen is pictured as a cheerleader on the iconic double-page 1952 War Whoop that features the original Indianettes!
game pic--2001
This picture from the 2001 reunion was published on the Indianette Facebook Alumni page, and was submitted by Kathy Hunt Addision. Hear about plans for the 75th anniversary reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (Top L to R) Carolyn Landry Butler, Janis Doyle Ryan, Indian Spirit Adam Brown, Ann McAdams Brown, Sheila Childree Connally, Alicia Brown Daniels, Clare Connally, Kathy Hunt Addison. (Bottom L to R) Paige Cliett LeBlanc, Evanna Simoneaux Cliett.
fifty years of indianettes
fifty years of indianettes
This picture from the 2001 reunion was published on the Indianette Facebook Alumni page, and was submitted by Ann McAdams Brown. Hear about the Indianettes' upcoming 75th anniversary reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
60th anniversary reunion, 2011
In 2011, the Indianettes held a 60th anniversary reunion with activities coinciding with the football team's Homecoming game. This newspaper article was written by podcast guest and former Indianette officer Victoria Beryl Allen. Hear about the upcoming 75th anniversary Indianette reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
indianettes--60 years of tradition
In 2011, the Indianettes celebrated their 60th reunion. On the bottom row of the stands, decked out in purple shirts, are some of the original Indianettes, along with 1951 mascot Jimmie Lou Ford. Hear about the upcoming 75th anniversary Indianettes reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
Original indianettes--60th anniversary
Five of the original Indianettes were honored at the group's 60th anniversary reunion held in 2011. Pictured here are (L to R) Thomasine Ward Jones, Jean Babb Cowles, Paula Sory Lee, Shirley Jones Havard, and Latretta Young Walker. Hear about the upcoming 75th anniversary Indianette reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
original indianettes plus mascot--2011 reunion
This picture was taken at the 60th anniversary reunion, and features five of the original Indianettes, along with the group's mascot, Jimmie Lou Ford. Pictured (L to R) Jean Babb Cowles, Shirley Jones Havard, Jimmie Lou Ford, Latretta Young Walker, Thomasine Ward Jones, and Paula Sory Lee. Hear about plans for the 75th anniversary Indianette reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
carol jones in the building 2011
Former Indianette director Carol Jones (1970-74) was a popular person for photo ops at the Indianette 60th anniversary reunion in 2011. This picture was submitted to the Indianette Alumni Facebook page by Jennifer Roy Guidry with the following caption: "Belinda Wright Foulk (1971 Miss Jr. Showmanship), Mrs. Carol Jones (our director) , and Jennifer Roy Guidry (1971 Miss Senior Showmanship)....thanks Mrs. Jones!" Hear about plans for the upcoming 75th anniversary Indianettes reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
indianettes Class of 1970--2011 reunion
This picture was taken of Indianette seniors of the Class of 1970 at the 60th anniversary reunion. The picture was submitted to the Indianette Alumni Facebook page by Gayle Apperson Ingram, with the following caption: "Senior '70 Indianettes (back row) Teresa, Shelia, Kathy, Becky, Carol, Kay and Colleen. (Middle row) Tam, Diane, Carol, Pat. (Front row) Judy and Gayle." Hear about plans for the Indianettes 75th anniversary reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
indianettes 1971--2011 reunion
indianettes 1971--2011 reunion
This picture was taken of Indianette seniors of the Class of 1972 at the 60th anniversary reunion. The picture was submitted to the Indianette Alumni Facebook page by Denise Bray Hensley, with the following caption: "From left, Jesslyn, Denise, Debbie, Lisa, Rachel, Janet, Cyndy, Becky, Barbara, Belinda and Charmaine. Not for sure who is behind Belinda. We also had Pam, Theresa, Candy, Myra and Dottie there from our class. Perhaps more." Hear about plans for the Indianettes' 60th anniversary reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
Indianettes 1973--2011 reunion
indianettes 1971--2011 reunion
The Indianettes of the Class of 1974 got together for a group shot with 1973 director Carol Jones during the 2011 60th anniversary reunion. Hear about the Indianettes' upcoming 75th anniversary reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
70 years of indianettes, 2021
In 2021, amidst the Pandemic, the Indianettes celebrated their 70th anniversary with ceremonies at Indian Stadium. Hear about plans for the Indianettes' 75th anniversary reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
indianettes 1970 and '71--70th anniversary
This picture was taken of four Indianettes from the Class of 1972, and one Indianette from the Class of 1971, at the 70th anniversary reunion in 2021. The picture was submitted to the Indianette Alumni Facebook page by Jamie Simon Schexnaider. (Pictured L to R) Martha Boles Gobert, Barbara Jobe Phillips, Julie Beaugh Abshire, Jamie Simon Schexnaider, Gale Roy Osborne, and 2021 Indianette Director Cornie Schexnaider. Hear about plans for the Indianettes 75th anniversary reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
indianette directors--2021
indianette directors--2021
Picture submitted to the Indianette Alumni Facebook page by Cortnie Moerbe Schexnaider taken at the 1921 reunion, with the caption, "What an honor to share the director title with these amazing ladies. Happy 70th birthday, Indianettes. (Left to right: Yvette Turner, Dana LaRue, Alicia Barnett, Cortnie Schexnaider, Lynne James, Rosie Einkauf and Laura Solis)" Hear about plans for the Indianettes' 75th anniversary reunion on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
Purchase Down Trails of Victory
Down Trails of Victory, published in 1994, is a classic whose prose will forever be fresh. Currently in its second printing, its first printing sold out in six weeks!
Included in Down Trails of Victory are:
- Extensive commentaries by coaches and players, many of whom have now passed on, but whose voice forever lives within the book
- Complete narrative history of every season, 1925 - '93
- Chapter covering the origins of several Indian traditions, including the Indian Spirit, Indianettes, the Fight Song, Cherokee, and the Marching I
- Over 500 pages (including Acknowledgements and Foreword)
- Over 325 photos
- Over 65 manuscripts and documents
- Comprehensive player, coaches, and cheerleader rosters
- Much, much more...
The games, the rivalries, the great victories, the heartbreaking defeats, the heroes, the opponents--they're all here. Discover how it was from the players and coaches themselves. Open the book, and take a fascinating journey with them--Down Trails of Victory!
***Free Shipping--if mailed within the US***
***"Contact Us" when you purchase and Buck will sign with a personal note***
- Softback $29.95
- Hardback $49.95
The Podcast Team
Dr. Jon Buck Ford--Host
Buck is a 1973 graduate of Port Neches-Groves High School. He has written two books pertaining to SE Texas history: On the Wings of Eagles: The Story of Stephen F. Austin Football 1979 - 1988, and Down Trails of Victory: The Story of Port Neches-Groves High School Football. Buck retired after 40 years in Texas Public Schools, as an English teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent. He enjoys spending time with his wife Wanda Carole (Wrinkle), playing the piano, traveling, and researching genealogy.
Judge Brad Burnett--Podcast Partner
Judge Brad Burnett is a 1973 graduate of Port Neches-Groves High School, His career includes previous positions as a real estate broker, and as a plant manager at US Intec. Judge Burnett has devoted his life to serving Southeast Texas. He served three terms on the PN-G ISD school board, before his election as Justice of the Peace of Jefferson County Pct. 7, a position he has held since 2002. Judge Burnett is active in many community organizations, and is in constant demand as a speaker for civic, school, and church groups. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Teresa (Lee), and has three "awesome" grandkids. From the book Down Trails of Victory, "(Brad) was a constant encourager throughout the years as I worked on the book. He believed in me and my dream, and his support gave me confidence in myself. He attended many of the panel interviews with former players, and we had a continual dialogue over the years about the status of the book. ...Thank you, Brad," page ix. --Dr. Jon Buck Ford
Wanda Carole Wrinkle Ford Producer
Wanda Carole Wrinkle Ford was born in Mamou, Louisiana, and lived in Southeast Texas for 40 years. She graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont as a Registered Nurse in 1990. She is multi-talented with a diverse background and range of experiences. In addition to being a song writer and award-winning photographer, she also served as publisher and editor of the best selling book Down Trails of Victory, without whose help the book never would have been written. Wanda Carole specializes in wildlife photography, enjoys traveling, gardening, helping her friends and family, genealogy, playing the piano, and undertaking new challenges.