August 28, 2024

Chickasha High School football runs deep in our town’s blood. For over a century, the Fightin’ Chicks have taken to the field, carrying the hopes and dreams of our community with every snap. From the dust bowl days to the digital age, Friday nights in Chickasha mean one thing: it’s time for some hard-hitting, high-flying Chicks football. Many of your grandparents cheered from these stands, your parents met at these games, and now we’re raising the next generation of diehards. It’s more than a game – it’s Chickasha’s heartbeat, pounding out a rhythm of grit, glory, and hometown pride. The Birth of a Tradition: Chickasha’s Early Years Chickasha’s educational journey began in the 1890s, with the first classes held in a store on Main Street. As the town grew, so did its commitment to education. In 1901, Chickasha was classified as a First Class City, leading to the construction of four brick school buildings. The high school building, completed in 1909, marked the beginning of a new era for education and athletics in Chickasha. The first graduating class in 1903 consisted of just two students: Louise Murphy and W. P. Latting. From these modest beginnings, Chickasha High School grew into a powerhouse of academics and athletics, setting the stage for decades of excellence on and off the field. The Fightin’ Chicks: A Mascot with Character The evolution of Chickasha High School’s mascot is a testament to the creativity and spirit of its students. In the 1930s, class rings featured a “newly hatched baby chick.” Over time, this evolved into a “Rooster,” but it wasn’t until 1946 that the iconic “Fightin’ Chick” was born. Milton “Rudolph” Powell, a talented student from the Class of 1946, created the enduring image of a rooster wearing boxing gloves. This design quickly became the emblem for all things CHS, embodying the fightin’ spirit of Chickasha’s athletes and students. Powell’s legacy extends beyond his artwork. After graduating, he served in Japan and Korea, pursued a career in public relations, worked as a cartoonist for the Oklahoma City Times, and even started a surf-board business in California. His journey from Chickasha High School band member to successful entrepreneur exemplifies the diverse paths our alumni have taken. In 2006, Powell was rightfully inducted into the Chickasha High School Hall of Fame. Gridiron Glory: A History of Excellence Chickasha High School’s football program has been a cornerstone of the school’s athletic success. While comprehensive records of early football achievements are challenging to find, the Fightin’ Chicks have consistently fielded competitive teams that have brought pride to the community. The program has produced several standout players who have gone on to success at higher levels. Most notably: Stephen Alexander, Class of 1994: Alexander’s football journey took him from Chickasha’s fields to the NFL. Drafted in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, he enjoyed a successful professional career as a tight end, playing for various teams including the Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, and San Diego Chargers. Sam Rayburn, Class of 1999: Rayburn’s talent on the Chickasha gridiron led him to a career in the NFL as well. He played college football for the University of Tulsa before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Rayburn went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2003 to 2007, making his mark as a defensive tackle. These NFL success stories serve as inspiration for current Chickasha High School players, showing that with hard work and dedication, the path from our local field to professional stadiums is possible. Beyond Football: A Tradition of Athletic Excellence While football holds a special place in Chickasha’s heart, it’s part of a broader tradition of athletic excellence. Chickasha High School has amassed an impressive 25 state titles across various sports: This diverse array of championships showcases the well-rounded athletic program at Chickasha High School and the dedication of its student-athletes across multiple sports. Homegrown Leadership: Coach Joe Molder and His Staff The Fightin’ Chicks’ legacy isn’t just about the players who’ve gone on to glory – it’s also about those who’ve come back to build our future. Enter Joe Molder, Chickasha High School’s head football coach since January 2023. Molder isn’t just any coach; he’s one of our own, a Chickasha graduate who bleeds Fightin’ Chicks purple. Taking the reins from interim head coach Ross Carter, Molder hit the ground running. By August 2024, reflecting on his first full season, Molder’s excitement was palpable. “Seeing these kids come together, watching them forge their identity in the spring – it’s something special,” Molder shared. His philosophy? Simple but powerful: “Playing as a team isn’t just a goal, it’s our roadmap to success.” But Molder isn’t alone in this mission. He’s assembled a dream team of assistant coaches that reads like a who’s who of Chickasha football royalty. There’s Sam Rayburn – yes, that Sam Rayburn – bringing his NFL experience back to where it all began. Alongside him are Chris Peschl and Chase Rodgers, each bringing their own flavor of football expertise to the mix. This coaching staff isn’t just about X’s and O’s. They’re mentors, motivators, and living proof of what Chickasha grit can achieve. With Molder at the helm and this star-studded staff behind him, the Fightin’ Chicks aren’t just playing football – they’re carrying forward a legacy, one down at a time. The talent on the field? It’s electric. These aren’t just high school players; they’re the next chapter of Chickasha’s storied football history in the making. Every practice, every game, you can feel the energy – the kind that says, “Watch out, Oklahoma. The Fightin’ Chicks are coming.” 2024-2025 Football Season: Carrying the Torch As we look forward to the 2024-2025 season, the Fightin’ Chicks are poised to add another exciting chapter to their storied history. Here’s the full schedule, with home games and special events highlighted: Mark your calendars for these exciting matchups, especially our home games where the Chickasha community comes