78-79 Era
The 78-79 ERA – The “Original” Dolls: - Luv ya Blue
In 1978, The Houston Oilers decided to follow their rivalry team-The Dallas Cowboys by creating their very own cheerleading squad. On June 3rd, we were alerted via the airwaves, television and print media announcing that tryouts would be held at The Houston Baptist University gym. Over 230 girls showed up in the rain not knowing what to expect. As they entered, they met Darla Humes, 28, owner of the Gentleman’s Choice Club who was hired as the Director by Bud Adams to assemble a squad of beauties. Ms. Humes stated that she wanted hard core sex with a touch of class. She was looking for disco gyrations and an attractive derriere was a must. Among the 13 judges were football players, coaches, owners as well as radio, TV and newspaper reporters-10 men and 3 women.
Hopeful girls were presented in groups of 8 and were instructed dance to disco music. There was no choreographed routines back then. Ms. Humes told the girls, “Ladies Start Your Engine!” After several cuts throughout the day, 100 girls were chosen. We were invited to Darla’s Gentleman’s Choice Club with all the football players and owners. The wives were Not happy and the shortly after a new rule was created -"No Fraternization”. The 100 were invited back after their extensive background checks were done. 53 were chosen to dance again and the top 36 girls were finally chosen. The next step was to find a name for us. A contest was held by a local radio station to pick the best name and “Derrick Doll” was the winner. We were nearly called Adams' Eves! The Oil Derrick became our logo. Darla parted ways before the first football game and was replaced by Glenda Pewthers, Director of U of H Cougar Dolls who got us ready for our first appearance.
Mandatory practice was held two times a week on a field at a Pasadena/South Houston football field. We sprayed our panty hose with mosquito spray. The Dolls were taught how to apply makeup by Farah Fawcett’s makeup artist. We were taught how to wear the correct bra to create lots of cleavage. Our uniforms were created by Kay King the Fashion Designer who also created the AstroWorld uniforms and don’t forget those tall white vinyl disco boots.
Our first time entering the Astrodome was in front of 70,000 fans. Our dressing room was the “Public” restroom in the Astrodome. I was the very first Doll on the Field and will never forget the excitement. We felt Famous. This was the Best Years of the Oilers with Luv Ya Blue, sellout games and players like Earl Campbell, Billy "Whiteshoes” Johnson and Dan Pastorini. We nearly went to the SuperBowl but we were beat by Pittsburg. The fans were so supportive that we held the biggest pep rally ever at the Astrodome to welcome the team back when they returned home.
We only made $15.00 per game, but when hired for modeling or promotional appearances we received $20.00 out of the $50.00 an hour. The Sheriff of Sequin even gave me the Key To The City! We made the first calendar in 1979 with Century 21 which featured all the girls in action shots on the field with a group picture of the entire squad on the back cover. We went on to make yearly calendars with professional photographers Ron St. Angelo and Mark Reinhardt doing our photography. These calendars were sold to the public and we had autograph sessions to sign them. Each month they featured one of the dolls in a magazine/newspaper that they anded out to the public at the games. We had our own doll and had many appearances on Channel 13 since Vivian Cisneros worked for the station.
Best Years Ever!
-Vivian Cisneros Hemphill & Sandy Abrant
