PERMIAN HISTORY
In September 1959 the booming oil town of Odessa, Texas gave birth to a new school, Permian High School. Named for the large basin of oil on which the city sits, this newly established academic institution set out to achieve the highest goals. Academically, artistically, and athletically, Permian students strove for success, and more often than not they succeeded.
The 60s
In its first decade, Permian students and supporters broke new ground, establishing traditions and beginning a standard of excellence that has continued to prevail through the generations.
In only its second year of existence the Panther football team set a standard for winning with a record of 8-3-0 and a district championship. Former graduates will remember the sense of spirit which flowed throughout the school. The first bonfire, commemorating the 1961 homecoming game, began a tradition which has continued through the years. A key event occured in 1965 with the hiring of Gene Mayfield as head football coach. In Mayfield's first year at the helm the Permian football team reached the ultimate goal and was crowned state champions. Mayfield proudly carried the victory flag in 1965, fondly remembered as "The Year of the Champions." At some point in this era, supportive and loyal fans coined the term "MOJO" during an emotional game. Since its birth this four letter word has been echoed by fans and chanted at games, becoming known throughout the country and causing outsiders to envy the "magic" of Permian.
Other Permian student organizations began to accumulate an impressive list of titles and awards. The 1962-63 band brought Permian the school's first ever state championship by being named Class 4A Honor Band. In 1969 the symphonic band performed for the Texas Music Educators Association and for the American Choral Directors Association in St. Louis. They also earned the honor of marching on national television at a Los Angeles football game. The boys track team took second place at the state meet in 1966.
Permian became another home to the various students who flooded the halls each school day. From flower children to hippies, the students enjoyed showing their spirit through activities including "Western Week", Kids Day, and the ever-popular "Neckin' Week". Of course, the times were changing. The issues of the era left an obvious impression on the minds of these "sixties" teens. In response, a number of awareness organizations were formed including Youth for Freedom and the Junior American Red Cross. These, along with traditional campus clubs, gained widespread support and allowed for a diverse culture and varied involvement at Permian.
The 70s
During the seventies, the nation took on the problems of the world and worked to solve government issues at home. Students of the seventies were forced to become more aware of the world around them as the idea of the American dream transformed into a not-so-ideal reality. The "white picket fence" image faded when political issues and worldly conflicts invaded the home front. Vietnam claimed the lives and hearts of students, families, and friends, while critics of the war gained support for the peace movement. Schools around the nation felt the effects of the Civil Rights Movement and West Texans watched as neighboring states experienced the effects of integration. Political scandals tested our faith in government.
In spite of the unrest and turmoil, Permian students continued to move forward. At each pep rally as the lights dimmed, students locked arms and joined in singing the alma mater, reminding all that Permian pride would continue to thrive. The enviable image of Mojo had gained respect in the West Texas region, and now this well-regarded name gained notoriety throughout the state of Texas. In 1972 PHS's Gil Bartosh was named Football Coach of the Year. He helped guide the "boys in black" to an undefeated district season and another state championship. The tradition continued with John Wilkins in '73, '75, '77, and '78. In 1974 the famous championship sign became an important addition to the football field, serving to commemorate each of the football team's accomplishments. But football was not the only sport in which Permian excelled. The Permian golf team successfully completed the season as state champions in 1976. The boys' track team ran away with the third place title in the state finals meet of 1970. The 1976 volleyball team put girls sports on the map at Permian, adding to the list of achievements.
While athletes took numerous awards, other organizations continued to thrive. The activity-packed halls boasted the success of over 35 various clubs and organizations, as students became even more involved in the spirit of the school. Activities ranged from the German Club to the Aerospace Club. The choir introduced an elite singing group in 1978 which later became known as Black Magic. Students took on leadership roles in a number of professional-oriented programs like electronics, engineering, and drafting. These high school students not only took on the pressure of their academically active lives but they began building the bridge to the future.
The 80s
As the eighties approached, Odessa and the rest of the area hit an all-time low. With the oil industry in a depression, support for the community seemed to be dwindling. Integration issues added to the unsettling feelings surrounding Ector County, but through it all, Permian High School continued to stand tall over the endless West Texas horizon.
As always, the football team continued to fare well. In 1980, 1984, and 1989 the boys burst through the run through sign at Texas Stadium and brought state championships three, four, and five back to Odessa. MOJO made themselves at home in 1983 at the new 20,000 seat Ratliff Stadium. Fans were found screaming wildly, "That's a MOJO touchdown" as Permian rolled over one opponent after another. The success was validated when the Panthers football team was named national champions in 1989 and Governor Bill Clements bestowed upon them the honor of being "the winningest team of the eighties."
Football was not the only athletic success story. The swim 1982 team qualified for state. 1984 was an especially successful year when the track boys won second place at state. The gymnastics team also continued to retain an enviable image when they brought home third- and fourth place trophies from the state tournament. The basketball team got into the act with district championships in '80, '84, '86, and '87.
The fads of the eighties were quick to come and go. Music fans began by listening to leftover disco tunes and later became followers of everything from pop to punk rock, worshipping artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Bon Jovi. Meanwhile the music of Permian prospered. In 1982 the Permian band earned the title of Class 5A Texas State Championship Marching Band. The choir program was rewarded for its efforts by being asked to perform in both 1980 and 1985 at the prestigious TMEA convention. The choir went on to awe audiences at the national level in 1983 and 1985. Other academic organizations, including National Honor Society and the Texas State Academic Decathlon Team, established in 1984, continued to gain support.
The eighties became a decade of lasting impressions. A number of images and events are remembered by the decade's past graduates including the Challenger explosion, the fall of Baby Jessica, and the image of Oliver North. Most importantly, they look back on the eighties and remember the good times at PHS, the success they experienced, the titles and trophies they brought home, and the power of becoming a part of the history called MOJO.
The 90s
The nineties have yet to be described with a single term. The "brat pack" graduated. Big hair and blue eye shadow faded from fashion. America's style seemed to simplify. The competitive work force seemed to grow even stronger as women took their daughters to work and technology took control of the simplest acts.
Students of the nineties did not live without turmoil, however. The Cold War came to an end, the Soviet Union divided, and America lent a hand in the conflict known as Desert Storm. Back home, headlines included the Oklahoma City bombing, the ATF confrontation at Waco, and the OJ Simpson trial.
Athletes at Permian High School made heroic efforts back home. All of Permian's 15 competitive athletic teams could be proud of their successes. The football team added to their now-legendary list of achievements in 1991 by winning the state championship for a sixth time. The boys track team earned a state championship in 1993, and the boys soccer team advanced to the quarterfinals in 1995. The gymnastics teams reached unprecedented levels as they were named national champions in 1992, 1994, and 1995. In 1994 girls athletics grew and gained much support when the first softball team was introduced. In March of 1992, the Permian baseball field was renamed McCanlies Field in honor of former baseball coach Gene McCanlies.
By 1996 Permian had a total of 34 clubs and organizations. School spirit was a priority for many, and the cheerleaders, who had led the student body at pep rallies and various sporting events for so long, added to the list of Permian successes, qualifying for Nationals in 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1996. MOJO's mighty music departments also added to PHS fame. The Permian marching band once again competed at the state competition in Austin in 1994, and in 1995 they placed eleventh in the Bands of America competition. In 1995 select students in Black Magic performed at the inauguration of Governor George W. Bush, and Kantorei, Permian's top choir, attended the Texas Music Educators Association Conference in 1996. Members of Permian's highly regarded Satin Strings had the honor of performing at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in January of 1997.
The 21st Century
As the new century began, the Permian Panthers continued to set the standard. New attention was focused on the school early in 2004 with the filming and subsequent release of the big-screen version of "Friday Night Lights". The movie brought world-wide attention to Permian and the city of Odessa. Meanwhile, the tradition of excellence was continued with the boys gymnastics team winning three state championships in a row, 2003-2005. The football team got back on the right track with the hiring of Permian alum Darren Allman, and the move paid dividends with consecutive playoff runs and undefeated district championships in 2007 and 2008. In 2009 Permian went back to the future, with the return of Gary Gaines as head coach.
Throughout the years, Permian students have proven that they would meet a level of excellence to be maintained through the decades, and since those beginning years the legend of MOJO has continued. As the new millenium gains momentum, the spirit of MOJO lives on.....
*Adapted from the ECISD Permian High School website
