03/20/1966
By Jeff Berry
Up town, downtown, all around town, bedlam reigned as cheering Miner fans celebrated Saturday night’s victory over Kentucky.
Thousands cheered the victory in a frenzy matched only by VE and VJ days, 21 years ago.
From the time of the Miner cage victory, around 10:10 p.m. and continuing for hours, the entire downtown area and Texas Western College campus was in a hectic uproar. Thousands of hornblowing cars and exuberant fans swept through the San Jacinto Plaza area. People screamed “We’re number one!”
At the Plaza, the din of auto horns was so loud, it was impossible to talk. One pickup truck was seen driving around with three drummers in the back playing snare drums.
Tourist and people who had not been watching the game were startled at the celebrating and horn honking.
One surprised tourist, who had just gotten off the bus said, “what’s going on?” This was the general question of other non-sports followers.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before, one amazed Ft. Bliss recruit said. “We never had anything like this happen back home in Rock Hill” (South Carolina)
Other comments tended to be more enthusiastic … “Bobby Joe Hill, Lattin and the team are better than Batman! They’re faster too … “They were great just tops!”
“They sure made fools out of Associated Press and last night’s refs.” … “Let’s give Coach Haskins and the team a real boost and meet them when they come in.”
One soldier said “that’s the best thing that has happened in Texas since I came here.” He is a basic training recruit at Ft. Bliss.
The whole downtown area was one of running people, packed paint smeared cars bearing the legend “TWC No.1!” and “Go Go Miners, We love you.”
Several people road atop their vehicles around the Plaza, blowing red plastic trumpets and cheering all the way.
Police made no effort to stop them. One officer explained “We’re letting them blow off steam. As long as they stay happy and don’t go to Excesses, we won’t interfere.”
Col. Frank F. Miter, TWC math instructor, drove by during the celebrating. “This sis the best thing that has ever happened to our school. I’m proud to be associated with TWC.” He said.
One jubilant celebrator Jerry Miller, was frustrated, however. His auto horn burned out. “I should have had it checked before this game,” He said.
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