The Apache Roses perform for the first time
In September 1947, TJC President Dr. Harry E. Jenkins asked Mildred Stringer to form a women’s pep squad.
She assembled 40 young women, who first performed at a TJC football game on September 27, 1947, as the Apache Roses.
They became the Apache Belles that December.
The Belles and Band performed at the first of six Sugar Bowl appearances in 1951.
Sources
- Tyler Junior College: Apache Belles historytjc.edu
- Tyler Morning Telegraph, 2026-09-07: Tyler Junior College Celebrates 100 Yearstylerpaper.com
Checked September 29, 2026. How the cards are filed