From a sendoff as they headed to a state championship game in Arlington to a parade and pep rally, the Mineola Yellowjackets football team winning the state championship for the first time in the over 100-year history of the program has been the talk of the town.

A sendoff with a police and fire department escort sent the team on their way Thursday. Many had apparently already headed to the stadium where UIL reported 20,334 people attended the 3A Division 1 game. That is compared to last year’s 5A Division 1 game attended by 15,743. There were 2,300 tickets sold from the Mineola School Administration Building and an estimated 4,000 Mineola fans at the game. One fan flew approximately 7,000 miles from London, a day early and at some expense, to be able to see the game.

“It was a sea of orange on two levels,” Superintendent Kim Tunnell said.

“We are so proud of our team and our coaches in providing our Mineola community this historic moment in the history of our district,” she said. “This state championship is an example of the quality of students and programs offered in Mineola ISD and we are very blessed.”

Class of 1982 Yellowjacket football alumni Kevin White said after the game Thursday night, “It was exciting to watch. It was fun to see all those kids come together like that, watching the community support them. They all did well.” And then, recalling many not so successful years, he added, “This is for all Yellowjackets.”

Before the team even made it back into town the parade, this time with the route taking Johnson to Patten Street to the Loop and football stadium, was announced. On Saturday afternoon the football players rode in convertibles, Jeeps and pickup trucks as family, friends and fans lined intersections, parking lots and sidewalks to wave at the team. VIP treatment was given to Athletic Director Joe Drennon who arrived in the parking lot of the football stadium in ETMC’s Air 1 helicopter.

At the pep rally the football players didn’t miss the chance to recognize the importance of their fans’ support. Senior Noah Sneed noted that they had worked toward the goal. “This right here is what we’ve worked for seven years. And we finally achieved it, because of you cheering us on to keep us going through the game. Thank you.”

The school board and all who had a part in the football program were recognized. State representative and soon-to-be state senator Bryan Hughes (a MHS alumnus) spoke at the rally while noting that the football team had given the community a Christmas present, reminding them of the true meaning of Christmas. Mayor Rodney Watkins, also an alumnus, proclaimed it Mineola Yellowjacket Football Team Recognition Day.

Right about 4:35 p.m. Mother Nature signaled it was time to wrap things up as the looming clouds blew in bringing with them a brisk north wind. But it didn’t blow over the excitement still buzzing in the home of the Yellowjackets.