The 1978-1979 “LUV YA BLUE” ERA

The “Original” Derrick Dolls

In 1978, the Houston Oilers decided to follow their rival team, the Dallas Cowboys, by creating their very own cheerleading squad. On June 3rd, 1978, Houston and surrounding areas were alerted via radio, television and newspaper announcing the first Houston Oilers Cheerleaders tryouts to be held at The Houston Baptist University gym.

Over 230 ladies showed up in the rain not knowing what to expect. As they entered the gym, 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 was looking for sexy ladies with a touch of class and, added that an attractive derriere was a must. A panel of judges were chosen to select thirty six dancing beauties. Among the thirteen judges, were ten men and three women consisting of football players, coaches, radio, TV and, newspaper reporters.

Hopeful ladies were presented in groups of eight and were instructed to dance to disco music. There was no choreographed routines back then. Ms. Humes began the tryouts with, “Ladies Start Your Engines!!!” After several cuts throughout the day, one hundred ladies were chosen. These ladies were invited to Darla’s Gentleman’s Choice Club with all the football players and owners. The wives were not happy and, shortly after, a new rule was created -"No Fraternization”. Background checks were done and fifty-three ladies were chosen to dance again. The top thirty-six ladies were finally chosen. The next step was to find a name. A contest was held by a local radio station to pick the best name and the “Derrick Dolls” was the winner. “Adams' Eves” came in second. The Oil Derrick became the Derrick Dolls logo on the back of their uniforms. Darla Humes parted ways with the Oilers organization before the first football game and was replaced by Glenda Pewthers, Director of U of H Cougar Dolls, who got the Derrick Dolls ready for their first appearance.

Mandatory practice was held two times a week on a field at a Pasadena/South Houston football field. Before every practice, the Dolls had to spray their panty hose with mosquito repellent. The Dolls were taught how to apply makeup by Farah Fawcett’s makeup artist. The ladies were also taught how to wear the correct bra to show proper cleavage. Our uniforms were created by Kay King the Fashion Designer who also designed the AstroWorld uniforms. The Dolls also wore tall white vinyl disco boots and were given large blue and white poms.

The Derrick Dolls only made $15.00 per game but, when hired for modeling or promotional appearances they received $20.00 out of the $50.00 an hour. Derrick Dolls cheerleader, Vivian Cisneros, worked for channel 13 TV station Houston, Texas, helping to schedule many successful Derrick Dolls appearances on Channel 13 “Good Morning Houston” TV show with hosts Don Nelson and Jan Glenn. A few cheerleaders were selected to pose for the first Derrick Dolls poster. The Dolls also modeled for the first calendar in 1979 with Century 21 that featured all the cheerleaders in action shots on the field with a group picture of the entire squad on the back cover. After that, yearly calendars were created with professional photographers Ron St. Angelo and Mark Reinhardt doing our photography. These calendars were sold to the public and the Dolls had autograph sessions to sign them. Each month they featured one of the dolls in a magazine/newspaper that they handed out to the public at the games. A Derrick Dolls poster calendar was also produced. Along with the calendars came an autographable stuffed cloth doll that was created in the image of one of the original cheerleaders, Dena Wilbanks.

The Dolls first time entering the Astrodome was in front of 70,000 fans. Even though the Dolls dressing room was simply the public restroom in the Astrodome, they will never forget their excitement as they marched out on to the field for the first time. They felt famous! It was exciting to be in the Astrodome, the first domed stadium nicknamed “The Eighth Wonder of the World,” which featured the first artificial grass, AstroTurf, and the first automated scoreboard, Astrolite.  On the field, the Dolls were surrounded by a huge fan base and many sports heroes in their prime. Off the field, they were always well-received at all Derrick Doll appearances around town; AstroWorld, Gilley’s Club, Harold’s hat store, TV & radio stations, malls, schools, senior facilities, boat and car shows, car dealerships, race tracks, fairs, parades, and more. They loved the excitement of Houston and its football team, fueled by their charismatic coach, Bum Phillips, with stars like Earl Campbell, Dan Pastorini, and Billy “White Shoes” Johnson and, along with the Derrick Dolls, capturing the hearts of Houstonians.

The slogan "Luv Ya Blue" signified the best years of the Oilers and, was a rallying cry that symbolized the team's strong connection with the Oilers fans and the city of Houston. The original Dolls witnessed fan enthusiasm so strong that even after heartbreaking playoff losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Oilers fans and the Derrick Dolls would still greet the team at the Astrodome with massive celebrations, which were called “Luv Ya Blue” pep rallies. The original Dolls came close to an all expense paid trip to the SuperBowl but, unfortunately, Houston was beat by Pittsburgh. Even after that heartbreaking loss, the Houston oilers fans remained so supportive that Houston held the biggest pep rally ever at the Astrodome to welcome the team back when they returned home from Pittsburgh.

Best Years Ever!
Vivian Cisneros Hemphill, Sandy McGaugh Abrant and Kerry Cropp Meyer