GAINESVILLE - Homecoming week at Gainesville High School culminates with this evening's football game between the Red Elephants and the Gilmer Bobcats, with a number of special events leading up to kickoff.
During pre-game festivities at Friday's homecoming game, The Gainesville High class of 2007 will unveil a historical marker as a gift to the school and the community. Sam Henderson and Cliff Martin will represent the class in presenting the marker that details how the Red Elephants got their name.
The guest of honor at the marker unveiling will be Mrs. Jean Gruhn, wife of the late legendary coach, Bobby Gruhn.
That marker will be located at the east end of Bobby Gruhn Field, near the field house. Sammy Smith (GHS '70) researched and wrote the text, which is printed in the game program, and is listed below.
The Gainesville High student body also stages a 2:45 p.m. pep rally at the school. That will be followed by a tailgate party at Bobby Gruhn Field, featuring Johnny's Barbecue.
The GHS classes of 1987 and 1997 will also observe reunion activities at the stadium. The traditional "Elephant Walk" begins at 6 o'clock at the top of Park Hill.
The game kicks off at 7:30 at City Park Stadium and will be broadcast on WDUN Newstalk 550. The crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen highlights halftime activities.
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The Red Elephants
Legends abound in the world of competitive sports, often growing larger in stature and girth as years roll by. Heralded stories of individual or collective feats are regaled with spirited pride. Yet, minus recorded history or factual verification, legends are sustained. The story of how the Red Elephants got their name is one of lore.
Under the tutelage of the legendary Julian Howard Pittard, fondly called "Coach Pitt," the once-called Gainesville Gladiators amassed a record of 91 victories against 16 losses from 1923-33. Gridiron greats of the era included Tom Paris, Pat Patterson, Bennie Rothstein, Tiger Bennett and Cy Bell. During a three-year stint, 1923, 1924 & 1925, his teams scored 1200 points while the opponents posted 63. This incredible record was recorded and described by the 'iron men of sport'
Tuesday
March 25th, 2025
2:15PM
