Sport Nite Extravaganza: The Mighty Reds vs The Battlin’ Blacks

Dr. Paul R. Spencer, the principal of Trenton High School, proposes Sport Night as it will provide girls the opportunity to showcase the work they have been doing in their gymnasium classes. He suggested that everyone in the school, including faculty, be assigned either a red or black ribbon.

Two opposing teams, one red and one black, led by their captains, are energetically working to boost school spirit. Both teams have song committees that are composing new songs, while cheer committees are dedicated to bringing excitement to the event. The decoration committees are searching for firemen’s ladders to help them reach the rafters in the gymnasium.

For the first time in the history of Trenton High School, the sports department will manage an entire evening performance dedicated to girls’ sports.

As the years progressed, tailored made costumes would replace the decorative gym suits of the early years.

In 1940 Sport Nite was officially declared a tradition by the school’s Bobashelia Yearbook, which stated the girls “strove for perfection” in a non-competitive fencing routine entitled “Advance”.

1935 First Annual Sport Night

April 12, 1935
Theme: None
Marjorie Cooper, Red Team Captain / Eloise Devlin, Black Team Captain
Red Team Victory

The First Annual Sport Night was held on one night, April 12, 1935, at 8:15pm. There were five judges from throughout New Jersey and the competition was judged on: originality, execution, costumes (which were gym suits with embellishments), and the number of girls in each number. There were a total of 125 points in this friendly competition of: Marching, Tap Dance, Cheers, Tumbling, Pyramids, Novelty Dances, Races, and Theme Songs. The evening concluded with the Red Team earning 65 points to the Black Team’s 60 points, and in the spirit of good sportsmanship the Black Team sang a Victory Song to the Red Team.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
First Annual Sport Night
1935 Bobashela

1936 Second Annual Sport Night

April 2-3, 1936
Theme: None
Amelia Jastrebski, Red Team Captain / Mamie Abbott, Black Team Captain
Red Team Victory

Due to the community’s enthusiasm, the Second Annual Sport Night was held for two nights on April 2 and 3, 1936, at 8:15pm. There were five different judges for each night from throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, who had no association with Trenton Public Schools. This second year saw the addition of a Mistress of Ceremonies and they added competitive Cheers. This competition ended with the Black Team scoring 74.5 points and the Red Team had 72.08 points, with the Red Team singing the Victory Song to the winning Black Team, all in the spirit of friendly competition.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
Second Annual Sport Night
1936 Bobashela

1937 Third Annual Sport Night

April 14,15,16, 1937
Theme: None
Betty Rhoads, Red Team Captain / Helen Milaszewski, Black Team Captain
Red Team Victory

The administrators of TCHS responded to the public’s demand for tickets by adding a third night to the Third Annual Sport Night which was held on April 14, 15, and16, 1937 at 8:15pm, which required five different judges each night. A Hockey Game was added and Team Cheers were added to follow every competitive team number. Additionally Team Captains would now be elected by the Junior and Senior girls during their Physical Education class period and the girls could choose the event in which they would participate. On the first night the Sophomore girls competed, the Juniors on night two, and the Seniors on the final night. Throughout the halls of TCHS, the male students would wear black or red ribbons to show their support. The Red Team won and the Black Team sang the Victory Song, all in the spirit of friendly competition.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
Third Annual Sport Night
1937 Bobashela

1938 Fourth Annual Sport Night

April 6,7,8, 1938
Theme: East & West
Bridget Ricatto, Red Team Captain / Beatrice Phillips, Black Team Captain
Black Team Victory

The Fourth annual Sport Night on April 6, 7, and 8, 1938, added the non-competitive Prelude, prepared by Miss Eleanor Keating and the girls of the newly formed Sixth Period Dance Class, as well as an exhibition of gymnastic apparatus. Competitive Roller Skating was added to the program. This year also saw the emergence of Team Themes; Red Team: Western Life, Black Team: Manhattan Mania. This fourth year saw a Black Team victory over the Red Team- 895 to 890, and, as in previous years, the Red Team sang the Victory Song to the winning Black Team, always with the emphasis on friendly competition with good sportsmanship.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
Fourth Annual Sport Night
1938 Bobashela

1939 Fifth Annual Sports Night

April 26,27,28, 1939
Theme: Nursery Rhymes & Alice In Wonderland
Marian Fugill, Red Team Captain / Margaret Eardley, Black Team Captain
Black Team Victory

In the Fifth annual Sport Night on April 26, 27, and 28, 1939, the program title becomes “Sports Nite”, and in the following years we will find these variations to be interchangeable. Each Team now has a Mascot, and the program has added a Theme Song; Red Team: Mutiny in the Nursery, Black Team: Alice in Wonderland. Also added to the non-competitive is Ballet, and to the competitive is Speedball. At the conclusion of the three nights, The Black Team now has 3 wins and the Red Team has 2 wins.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
Fifth Annual Sport Night
1939 Bobashela

1940 Sixth Annual Sports Nite

May 8,9,10, 1940
Theme: Pageant of the Seasons
Pat Harper, Red Team Captain / Rita Topley, Black Team Captain
Black Team Victory

The Sixth Annual “Sports Nite” on May 8, 9, and 10, 1940, sees the formation of the Red Team Band and the Black Team Band as competitive points for their team. Previously the TCHS Band played for both teams, but now they separate and join the women in the competition, performing a competitive piece as well as playing music for their team’s competitive numbers, while combining bands to play for the Prelude and the Ballet. And now each night will need a judge for “Music”, judging the band’s special number as well as their support for the competitive numbers. The Teams continue with differing themes; Red- Spring and Summer, Black- Fall and Winter. Color Guards and Flag Bearers are added. The flags are: American, TCHS, and Team Flags. Where previous years saw slightly embellished gym suits, we now have costumes made by the sewing classes. Also, the Stagecraft Club is making scenery and bright Lighting spotlights the events. Black Team wins and both teams now have three wins.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
Sixth Annual Sport Night
1940 Bobashela

1941 Seventh Annual Sports Nite

March 26,27,28, 1941
Theme: Between the Book Ends
Faye Briscoe, Red Team Captain / Malla Brooks, Black Team Captain
Black Team Victory

As the world was approaching World War Two, the Seventh Annual Sport Nite was held on March 26,27, and 28, 1941, and we find the addition of Miss America to carry the American Flag. The Sophomore girls can now vote for their team captain, along with the Junior and Senior girls during their Physical Education classes. Miss Trenton High is added to carry the TCHS flag, and we see that costumes are becoming fancy, scenery is cleverly designed to support the numbers, the live music is beautiful and the originality of ideas and performances have increased impressively. Field Hockey and Pyramids are eliminated, and the scoring has been changed with six different judges per night. Two thousand girls are in the competition, and the Black Team is the victor by the score of 26 to 23.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
Seventh Annual Sport Night
1941 Bobashela

Shortly after the United States entered World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the large electric light sign for Broad Street Bank, visible from 10 to 15 miles away, was blacked out for the duration of the war.

Victory Exercises, similar to the later Modern X, were featured. The idea was to encourage the girls to keep fit.

The girls had to overcome the shortage of supplies during the war years. There was a problem of getting materials and tights in colors other than white, so they were dyed. Also, the problem of getting tap shoes was surmounted when the girls wore “Mary Janes”.

• The 1942 Sport Nite marked the first during the war years, with the Red Team representing Uncle Sam and the Black Team representing the Navy.
• In 1943, Sport Nite changed its original theme from “Holidays” to “Highlights of American History.” The Originality Numbers were replaced with Victory Exercises featuring WACs, WAVES, and songs from World War I. The ballet theme, “Americana,” depicted the Spirit of Liberty, the Spirit of ’76, and the Four Freedoms. The skating program echoed the First World War with a theme of Armistice Revelry. Notably, a prop featured a uniformed Adolf Hitler dangling from a ceiling parachute.
• The 1944 Sport Nite celebrated its tenth anniversary and repeated popular numbers from previous years with a modern twist. The Black Team’s Victory Exercises incorporated the patriotic Coast Guard fight song.
• Before the end of the 1945 school year, 65 students left to join the war effort, serving under either General Eisenhower or Admiral Halsey. In May, a Thanksgiving service was held in the gym to celebrate the news of victory in Europe.
• On the final evening of Sport Nite, victory celebrations took place at the intersection of State and Broad Streets, the town’s center.

The girls engaged in writing letters to service members overseas, participating in V-Mail, knitting for the Red Cross, helping with Victory Gardens, and queuing to buy stockings. During the summer, many students flocked to Seaside, where blackout curtains were hung on the boardwalk amidst rumors of a German submarine sighting.

During the war years, many male students enlisted in the armed forces, while female students filled the industrial roles left vacant by the men called to duty. College became a primary concern for the girls, whereas the boys often focused on the V-12 program, a Navy college training initiative aimed at increasing the number of commissioned officers for wartime service.

The Sport Nite programs provided Trenton audiences with glamorous live entertainment during the otherwise dark and bleak war years.

1942 8th Annual Sport Nite

March 25,26,27, 1942
Theme: Songs Old & New
Trudy James, Red Team Captain / Billy Rose, Black Team Captain
Red Team Victory

The 8th Annual Sport Nite sees Skating become non-competitive. The field hockey competition is eliminated due to its length of time, replaced by the zigzag which was an intensified basketball exercise in the form of a game. During the wartime, The Red Team theme is Uncle Sam and the Black Team theme is The Navy. Costumes have become more glamorous, and the six judges each night come from throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Finale number is The Americas: North, South, and Central. Sport Night is a sellout for weeks, and more than 2,000 girls participated. The Red Teams wins and both teams now have four wins.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
8th Annual Sport Night
1942 Bobashela

1943 9th Annual Sport Nite

March 24,25,26, 1943
Theme: Highlights of American History
Olivia De Pastina, Red Team Captain / Marjorie Case, Black Team Captain
Black Team Victory

Patriotism was at a high during the 9th Annual Sport Night, held on March 24, 25, and 26, 1943. The event showcased “Highlights of American History,” featuring performances from the Women’s Army Corps (WACs), the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES), and songs from World War I. For the first time, a theme song committee was formed. This is the first year that the large, curved windows of the gymnasium were covered and artistically decorated by both teams’ Decorations Committees. To address audience complaints, novelty numbers were eliminated to allow more time for competitive marching. The Originality numbers were replaced with “Victory Exercises.” A dance was organized as a fundraiser for costumes, with tickets priced at $0.55. In the end, the Black Team triumphed over the Red Team.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
9th Annual Sport Night
1943 Bobashela

1944 10th Anniversary Sport’s Nite

March 29,30,31, 1944
Theme: Tenth Anniversary
Anne Adams, Red Team Captain / Gloria Hill, Black Team Captain
Tie

The 10th Anniversary Sport’s Nite on March 29, 30, 31, 1944, had the theme of “Anniversary Celebrations”, and the Program listed all previous Sport Night Captains and Mistresses of Ceremonies. Sophomore girls from each junior high school would be evenly divided between Red and Black to evenly balance the teams.

Since the event was so popular, the public became convinced that the ticket price of $0.85 was being improperly hiked to $1.50 per ticket, and the TCHS Principal Paul R. Spenser assured the public that this was not happening.

Responding to the public’s enthusiasm for Sport Night, radio station WTTM began broadcasting the final night of the competition. The this friendly, sportsmanlike competition ended in a tie.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
10th Annual Sport Night
1944 Bobashela

1945 11th Annual Girls Sports Nite

March 20,21,22,23, 1945
Theme: Famous Paintings
Lucy Naples, Red Team Captain / Frances Pedrick, Black Team Captain
Black Team Victory

As World War Two was ending, and the country was celebrating, optimism infected the 11th Annual Girls Sports Nite with the addition of a fourth night of competition. The two TCHS Gymnasiums were brightly lit on the evenings of March 20, 21, 22, 23, 1945. The evening program began with the entrance of the Red and Black Team Bands, and the Mistress of Ceremonies gave a welcome speech, both being new additions to the program. With the additional night, Tuesday showcased the Sophomores, Wednesday the Juniors, Thursday the Seniors, and Friday was composed of the best of the preceding three nights. Curiously, each team produced its own program, and yet both teams had the theme “Famous Paintings”. The Black Team won 27-22.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
11th Annual Sport Night Program Red
11th Annual Sport Night Program Black
1945 Bobashela

The postwar years marked a period of rapid change for Trenton. Society became more affluent, reaching a level of prosperity that most Americans could hardly have imagined during the war. The GI Bill of Rights enabled returning veterans to enhance their lives by attending college, purchasing homes—often in the suburbs—and starting families. This led to the emergence of a generation known as the Baby Boomers, who would begin attending Trenton High School in the 1960s.

Although the war had temporarily boosted Trenton’s economy through defense jobs, the city’s prosperity declined in the postwar years. A drop in manufacturing and the rise of suburbanization resulted in economic hardship and social tensions. Despite these challenges, Trenton also saw growth in its African American population and initiated efforts to tackle racial inequality.

In the 40s both teams were credited to American system of education which encouraged individual talent and wholesome competition.

In 1947, the Sport Nite program adopted a new format: 9×12 inches with a three-color effect and large panoramic scenes. A total of 6,000 copies of the 32-page program were printed, which included advertisements.

In March 1948, the Trenton Times reported that, due to the show’s popularity, a fifth evening would be added on Monday, called “Preview Night.” Girls from all three classes would compete in events: sophomore girls on Tuesday, junior girls on Wednesday, senior girls on Thursday, with the finale on Friday showcasing the best girls from each class.

A portion of the profits from Sport Nite was allocated to support the school’s orchestra and band, contributing to the purchase and maintenance of seventy-nine instruments.

1946 12th Annual Sport Nite

April 9,10,11,12, 1946
Theme: Fairyland Fantasy
Mildred Eggert, Red Team Captain / Lorraine Tettemer, Black Team Captain
Black Team Victory

The Twelfth Annual Sport Nite was held on April 9, 10, 11, 12, 1946, and the theme was “Fairyland Fantasy”. The activity club built platforms for the bleachers and lighting platforms. The Bands entered, the Mistress of Ceremonies welcomed the audience, the Flag Bearers, Miss America, Miss THS all began the pageantry; followed by Marching, Theme Songs, Cheerleaders, Tap Dance, Scooters, Rhythmic Novelty, Ballet, Victory Exercises and Specialties, Skating, Races and the Finale. The Black Team won 26-20.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
12th Annual Sport Night
1946 Bobashela

1947 13th Annual Girl’s Sport Nite

March 25,26,27,28, 1947
Theme: Superstitions
Joanne Pionsett, Red Team Captain / Josephine Varselona, Black Team Captain
Red Team Victory

The Thirteenth Annual Girl’s Sport Nite was held on March 25, 26, 27, 28, 1947. The Activity Club would construct new band platforms, building them in steps: one for the wind instruments, one for brass and one for the percussion. The price of a ticket for Sport Nite was increased to $1.25. The public enthusiasm continued to increase, and the newspapers were filled with business advertisements offering “specials” for the students and families of those who were involved with Sport Nite. The Sport Nite program expands from 4 pages to 32 pages with ads. The Red Team won.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
13th Annual Sport Night
1947 Bobashela
George Roumanis, Red Team Band Leader

1948 14th Annual Sport Nite

March 15,16,17,18,19, 1948
Theme: Country Fare
Irene Kozma, Red Team Captain / Mary Jane Tilton, Black Team Captain
Red Team Victory

The Fourteenth Annual Sport Nite, in response to the public’s enthusiasm, added a fifth night and was held March 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 1948. The Red Team Band held tryouts for a Red Team female vocalist. The Theme was “Country Fare”. This year saw several additions: Color Guards numbering four for each Team who marched during the opening and closing of each night, main numbers of 60 girls now had specialties of 10-12 girls, and the addition of Square Dancing. We see two non-competitive numbers added: Prelude as an opening event, and Ballet to follow the intermission and begin the second half of the competition. Skating also becomes non-competitive. Due to popularity, a fifth night is added to the event at the last moment. The Red Team won 35-29.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
14th Annual Sport Night
1948 Bobashela

1949 15th Annual Sport Nite

March 21,22,23,24,25, 1949
Theme: Through A Shop Window
Evelyn Yousko, Red Team Captain / Josephine Barbiero, Black Team Captain
Red Team Victory

The Fifteenth Annual Sport Nite was held on March 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 1949, with the theme “Through A Shop Window”. The Red and Black Team Publicity chairman were responsible for Sport Nite posters being displayed throughout the entire school, with the climax coming with the hanging of the huge team posters outside the main auditorium. Folk Dance is added to the competitive numbers. Each night the gymnasiums were packed to capacity: 1,000 seats for participants and 1,500 for audience; five nights sell outs of 7,500 tickets. Radio station WBUD broadcasts the final night. The Red Team won 35-33.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
15th Annual Sport Night
1949 Bobashela

The rise of the family automobile led to a migration of people from the urban core of the city to the more spacious suburbs.

Ewing High School opened its doors in September 1951. That year, Ewing’s juniors and seniors completed their remaining high school years at Trenton High School.

In 1957, the Chambers Street campus celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary, marked by the opening of a 67,500 square foot addition that included vocational classrooms, with a total cost of $1,500,000.

The popularity of Sport Nite continued, attracting sellout crowds on five nights and being broadcast over two Trenton radio stations.

A late March snowstorm in 1958 dumped 17.6 inches of snow within 24 hours, causing for the first time in Sport Nite history the rescheduling of the last two nights of Sport Nite to the following Monday and Tuesday.

1950 16th Annual Sport Nite

March 20,21,22,23,24, 1950
Theme: Flight Sixteen
Jane Poinsett, Red Team Captain / Sally Yaeger, Black Team Captain
Red Team Victory

The Sixteenth Annual Sport Nite took place from March 20 to 24, 1950. The theme was “Flight Sixteen.” The prelude featured an airport scene with many passengers boarding planes for a trip around the world, where each Sport Nite number represented a different country along the route. Judges’ Aides were introduced, with each judge assigned a Red Team Aide and a Black Team Aide. Trenton radio station WBUD broadcasted the final night of the competition, which concluded with the Red Team winning by a score of 37 to 30. The event would bring in a profit of nearly $4,000.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
16th Annual Sport Night
1950 Bobashela

1951 17th Annual Sport Nite

March 12,13,14,15,16, 1951
Theme: Imagine That!
Janet Briggs, Red Team Captain / Marjorie Saville, Black Team Captain
Black Team Victory

The Seventeenth Annual Sport Nite, themed “Imagine That,” took place from March 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 1951. Ushers, representing both teams, included between 8 to 10 girls. Trenton radio station WBUD broadcast the event from Monday through Thursday at 10:30 PM and on Friday at 8:30 PM until the competition ended. Trenton radio station WTTM also broadcast each night at the same times as WBUD. The Black Team emerged victorious with a score of 33-32.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
17th Annual Sport Night
1951 Bobashela

1952 18th Annual Sport Nite

March 17,18,19,20,21, 1952
Theme: All Around Town
Shirley Neuls, Red Team Captain / Joan Greco, Black Team Captain
Black Team Victory

The Eighteenth Annual Sport Nite, themed “All Around Town,” took place from March 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 1952. Each competitive number showcased various aspects of industrial, business, and social life in Trenton. Tickets for the first night, which coincided with Saint Patrick’s Day, were printed in green. During the second night of the event, Shirley Neuls, the captain of the Red Team, sprained a ligament in her leg while performing a cartwheel in the first half of the show. She was unable to participate for the rest of the night but cheered for her team from the sidelines. The Black Team emerged victorious with a score of 34-33.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
18th Annual Sport Night
1952 Bobashela

1953 19th Annual Sport Nite

March 16,17,18,19,20, 1953
Theme: Spring Fever
Tinky Wright, Red Team Captain / Gloria Barbiero, Black Team Captain
Red Team Victory

The Nineteenth Annual Sport Nite took place from March 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 1953, with the theme “Spring Fever.” This event emphasized the development of poise and grace and aimed to promote health as a culmination of the regular classroom and indoor physical education program.

A controversy arose prior to the event, prompting THS Principal Dr. Paul Spenser to hold a meeting on October 6, 1952, for the parents of girls intending to run for leadership roles in Sport Nite. The purpose of this meeting was to explain the rules and regulations concerning the use of personal funds.

This year, the captains of the five gym periods selected one girl from each team to serve on a souvenir committee. The committee was tasked with collecting 10 cents from any girl who wished to contribute. The funds raised were used to purchase gifts for each team captain and the mistress of ceremonies.

Costumes for the main performers—60 underclassmen who participated each night—were sewn by the sewing classes. Specialty numbers featuring 10 to 12 girls were chosen through auditions held by the Physical Education teachers. These performances involved designing costumes that were then sewn by local seamstresses.

The event was broadcast live by both radio stations on Friday night. In a close competition, the Red Team emerged victorious with a score of 35 to 33.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
19th Annual Sport Night
1953 Bobashela

1955 21st Annual Sport Nite

March 21,22,23,24,25, 1955
Theme: Make A Wish
Rose Conti, Red Team Captain / Betty Halitsky, Black Team Captain
Black Team Victory

The Twenty-first Annual Sport Nite took place from March 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 1955, with the theme “Make A Wish.” There were no additions or deletions to the program, as the Sport Nite tradition has settled into a satisfactory format for public presentations. The Black team was awarded one point for the program cover designed by sophomore Carol Forer. Before the opening pageantry and during intermission, the THS Latin Club sold popcorn to help fund its trip to Iowa. The Black Team emerged victorious with a score of 37 to 32.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
21st Annual Sport Night
1955 Bobashela

1956 22nd Annual Sport Nite

March 19,20,21,22,23, 1956
Theme: Whirl of Color
Carol Lawton, Red Team Captain /Joyce Hartman, Black Team Captain
Red Team Victory

The Twenty-Second Annual Sport Nite took place from March 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 1956, with the theme “Whirl of Color.” While the overall event remains consistent, the Team Bands, previously instructed by Mr. Borgen, are now under the guidance of Mr. Ralph Binz. Tickets are priced at $1.00. Notably, Barbara Halgreen, a student participating in the Red Rhythmics, later became a Physical Education Teacher at THS and contributed to Sport Nite. The Red Team earned the first point by winning the design competition for the Sport Nite program cover. At the end of five nights of competition, the Red Team won with a score of 42-28.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
22nd Annual Sport Night
1956 Bobashela

1957 23rd Annual Sport Nite

March 18,19,20,21,22, 1957
Theme: Reading In Review
Jane Sentak, Red Team Captain / Lucy Camera, Black Team Captain
Red Team Victory

The Twenty-third Annual Sport Nite took place from March 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 1957, with the theme “Reading in Revue.” A new ticketing system was introduced under the guidance of Mr. Walter Benner: attendees could purchase 2 tickets for $1.50 each for any night, while all could buy 2 tickets for $1.20. Boys could get 1 ticket for $1.00. On Friday, tickets were allocated in order of Senior Girls, followed by Junior Girls, and then Sophomore Girls. Boys involved in props could purchase 2 tickets for $1.50. A total of 1,400 girls participated in the event. The Senior Class raised funds by selling candy. The Red Team emerged as the winner with a score of 37-34.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
23rd Annual Sport Night
1957 Bobashela

1958 24th Annual Sport Nite

March 17,18,19,(20,21 postponed due to snow storms),24,25, 1958
Theme: Big News
Mary Foldetta, Red Team Captain / Justine Radcliffe, Black Team Captain
Red Team Victory

The Twenty-fourth Annual Sports Night, titled “Big News,” took place on March 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 1958. As a fundraiser, a dance called “Rhythms of Sport Night,” which was open to the public, was held on January 31 to raise funds for purchasing a tape recorder. Seniors sold candy during the event to support the Senior Prom. Eleanore Baieroski joined the Women’s Physical Education Department and took charge of games, marching, and modern exercises.

Unfortunately, a late winter snow storm canceled the event scheduled for Thursday night. Thus, the yellow tickets meant for Thursday would now be valid for entrance on Friday, and the green tickets for Friday night would be used on Saturday. However, another snow storm arrived, leading to the final two nights of competition being rescheduled to Monday and Tuesday, March 24 and March 25. In the end, the Reds won with a score of 40-31.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
24th Annual Sport Night
1958 Bobashela

1959 25th Anniversary Sport Nite

March 16,17,18,19,20, 1959
Theme: Remembering When
Lois Torrini, Red Team Captain / Bonnie Kelty, Black Team Captain
Red Team Victory

The Twenty-fifth Anniversary Sport Night, titled “Remember When,” was held from March 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 1959. Thirteen hundred girls participated in the event. Mrs. Barbara Nini was responsible for organizing the games and folk dances. The Red Team’s obstacle racing squad was victorious throughout all five nights of Sport Night. Ultimately, the Red Team won with a score of 42 to 28, marking their fourth consecutive year of victory.

In preparation for Sport Night 1960, THS implemented new regulations: any girl seeking a leadership role in Sport Night must maintain an academic average of C or above!

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
25th Anniversary Sport Night
1959 Bobashela

Throughout this decade, significant events took place: space exploration, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the assassinations of President Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert Kennedy, the rise of the Beatles, the James Bond films, the Vietnam War, and the passage of the Civil Rights Act. There was undoubtedly a revolution in social norms, affecting areas such as religion, morality, law and order, fashion, music, drug culture, sexuality, formalities, civil rights, military duty, and education.

In 1960, a Can-Can performance during Sport Nite kicked off a protest by parents questioning the event’s value in schools. Eight months later, the Board of Education completed a reevaluation of Sport Nite, allowing it to continue but with tighter controls. These measures included improved public relations to prevent misconceptions, reduced class time lost to practices during Sport Nite week, evaluation and restrictions on funds spent by students for costumes and gifts, and more rigorous oversight of student costume ideas to ensure public approval.

Debate over the value of Sport Nite persisted throughout the 1960s. Supporters highlighted several positive aspects, such as promoting school spirit, fostering collaboration toward a common goal, teaching cooperation and brotherhood among diverse racial groups, allowing students to meet new peers, providing leadership opportunities for aspiring students, and encouraging many girls to remain in school and graduate due to their involvement in Sport Nite.

According to school principal William D. Walker, “Sport Nite is the type of event that tears down all social, religious, and racial barriers to create a great feeling of unity and togetherness.”

Unfortunately, the 1967 Sport Nite was the last held during this decade, with the events planned for 1968 and 1969 being canceled due to racial disturbances at the high school.

1960 26th Annual Sport Nite

March 21,22,23,24,25, 1960
Theme: Give My Regards
Judy Claudili, Red Team Captain / Hermine Drezner, Black Team Captain
Red Team Victory

The Twenty-sixth Annual Sport Nite, titled “Give My Regards,” took place on March 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 in 1960. Barbara Halgreen has become a member of the Women’s Physical Education Department, overseeing Modern Exercises and Theme Songs. The Bands organized a fundraising event called the “Annual Rhythms of Sport Nite,” where a prize was awarded to the team that sold the highest number of tickets. The Red Team managed to sell 381 tickets, while the Black Team sold 352 tickets. The senior class organized a candy sale, and the earnings were directed to the treasury of the class. A new scoreboard for the gymnasium was donated by the Alumni Association. The joint effort of Trenton’s Switlik and Roebling companies allowed Peter Pan to soar through the air. The final score was 37-29 in favor of the Red Team.

Eight months later, the Board of Education addressed the Letters to the Editor that raised concerns about the educational benefits of Sport Nite, outlining the advantages and disadvantages related to the students’ education in their response.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
26th Annual Sport Night
1960 Bobashela

1962 28th Sport Nite

March 19,20,21,22,23, 1962
Theme: Career Capers
Gerry Rebeca, Red Team Captain / Kris Stevens, Black Team Captain
Red Team Victory

The Twenty-Seventh Annual Sport Nite took place on March 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23, 1962, with the theme “Career Capers.” The traditional Sport Nite Band Dance was held on February 2, 1962, and a prize was awarded to the team that sold the most dance tickets. Marie Drew (Miss THS) won the Sport Nite program cover design for the Black Team for the third consecutive year. The Future Teachers of America raised funds by selling red and black shakers. A total of fifteen hundred girls participated in the competition. The Red Team narrowly won with a score of 37-36, marking their seventh consecutive victory.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
28th Annual Sport Night
1962 Bobashela

1963 29th Sport Nite

March 18,19,20,21,22, 1963
Theme: Number Please!
Sue Ecker, Red Team Captain / Sugie Siegle, Black Team Captain
Black Team Victory

TThe Twenty-Ninth Sport Nite took place on March 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 1963, with the theme “Number Please.” The traditional Rhythms of Sport Nite Dance was held on January 31, 1963. In preparation for Sport Nite, a series of pep rallies were hosted in the auditorium to introduce team members to their captain, committee heads, and costumes. The lighting crew created a magical effect, resembling falling snow. This year, the Red Team went into the event with a seven-year winning streak, and the rallying cry was “Eight Straight Victories.” However, the Red Team did not win this time; the Black Team triumphed with a decisive 48-26 victory, thus ending the Red Team’s seven-year streak.

Additionally, Barbara Halgreen got married this year, becoming Mrs. Barbara Majors. It is important to note that Mr. Ed Murphy administered his final Sport Nite after having successfully led the tradition from 1948 to 1963. At this point, Sport Nite is financially stable, sustainable, and self-supporting. Furthermore, it provides financial support for all Men’s Sports, except for Men’s Basketball, which generates its own finances through public attendance at competitions.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
29th Annual Sport Night
1963 Bobashela

1964 30th Sport Nite

March 16,17,18,19,20, 1964
Theme: New Jersey Tercentenary
Joan Hammond, Red Team Captain / Danielle Havens, Black Team Captain
Black Team Victory

The Thirtieth Sport Nite took place on March 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 1964, and its theme was the New Jersey Tercentenary. The Rhythms of Sport Nite Dance was held on February 7, 1964. A large newspaper article highlighted Ms. Eleanor Keating and her many years of dedication in producing the Prelude and Ballet Dances throughout her career as a Physical Education Teacher. This event marked the final year for the Director of Music, Mr. Ralph Binz. Mr. Walter Krichling emerged as the new leader directing the annual women’s competition, a role previously held by Mr. Ed Murphy. In the final results, the Black Team won by a score of 39-29.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
30th Annual Sport Night
1964 Bobashela
Ballet – Diana Byer
64 Red Team Cheers
64 Sport Nite Slide Show

1965 31st Annual Sport Nite

March 15,16,17,18,19, 1965
Theme: New York World’s Fair
Judy Gibson, Red Team Captain / Katy Balsis, Black Team Captain
Black Team Victory

The Thirty-First Annual Sport Nite took place on March 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 1965, with the theme inspired by the New York World’s Fair. Judy Gibson made history as the first African American Team Captain. For the second consecutive year, Nancy Ellis secured a point for the Black Team by submitting the winning design for the program cover. The traditional Rhythms of Sport Nite Dance was held on February 18, 1965. Ms. Eleanor has married and is now known as Mrs. Eleanor Pulaski. Mr. Thomas Gambino now leads the music, and Mr. William Walker has replaced Mr. Halbert as the Principal of THS. The Black Team won the event with a score of 41 to 28.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
31st Annual Sport Night
1965 Bobashela

1966 32nd Annual Sport Nite

March 14,15,16,17,18, 1966
Theme: Lights On
Geraldine Venazi, Red Team Captain / Lynne Goodwin, Black Team Captain
Black Team Victory

The Thirty-Second Annual Sport Nite took place from March 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 1966, with the theme “Lights On.” One of the highlights of this year’s Sport Nite was the modern exercises, which delighted the audience: the Reds presented a starlight theme featuring tumbling spacemen, while the Blacks performed a jailbreak caper with James Bond-style background music. It was a down-to-the-wire finish, with the Black Team clinching victory for the fourth consecutive year, winning 36-34. This event also marked what appears to be the last year for Folk Dance.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
32nd Annual Sport Night
1966 Bobashela

1967 33rd Annual Sport Nite

March 13,14,15,16,17, 1967
Theme: It’s About Time
Mary Jo Rosati, Red Team Captain / Susan Fier, Black Team Captain
Black Team Victory

The Thirty-Third Annual Sport Nite took place on March 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 1967, with the theme “It’s About Time.” In the weeks leading up to Sport Nite, various pep rallies were held, culminating in a mock rally during the event week where one team humorously mocked the numbers of the opposing team. The Character Dance, directed by Mrs. Barbara Nini, replaced the former Folk Dance, which she also directed. The Red Character Dance showcased bathing beauties from the Gay 90s, while the Black Character Dance represented the Roaring 20s. The Black Team won the competition with a score of 47-23, marking their fifth consecutive victory.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
33rd Annual Sport Night
1967 Bobashela

Trenton residents brought up Sport Nite during Dr. Bernice P. Venable’s Superintendent’s forums. After researching the event, the superintendent decided it should be reinstated. She entrusted George Wah, the K-12 Supervisor for Health and Physical Education, with the responsibility of organizing it. Wah then assigned the tasks to the women in the department: Lisa Bradey, Lois Enaurato, and Sharon Grady.

After a two-decade absence, and considering that both the faculty and student body had changed, the school would be producing a new version of Sport Nite from scratch, with only a slight resemblance to the traditions of the original Sport Nite extravaganzas.

The only teachers familiar with the history of Sport Nite were Lois Enaurato and Lisa Bradey, who remembered it from their own childhoods.

In the revival of Sport Nite, a significant change was the inclusion of male participants. This shift from the previously all-female tradition was due to the establishment of Title IX, enacted by the Federal Government in 1972 as part of the Women’s Liberation Movement. Initially focused on achieving equal pay for women in the workplace, the movement eventually expanded to advocate for equal educational opportunities for male and female students. Consequently, TCHS gym classes became coed.

Only junior and senior students would participate in Sport Nite; sophomores were excluded. Students had the option to change teams from one year to the next.

Initially, students were uncertain about what Sport Nite entailed, but they soon came to love it and were excited throughout the year in anticipation of the event.

Unfortunately, coverage of Sport Nite in the Trenton newspaper from 1993 to 1999 was minimal or non-existent, resulting in very little documentation of what took place. Memorabilia from that period appears to be lost and could not be located for the museum’s exhibit.

Reflecting on the revival, Sharon Grady, who served as the competition coordinator for cheerleading, video dance, prelude, and marching, and later retired as TCHS Athletic Director, noted:

“Sport Nite was reinstated after a 22-year absence and has become a co-ed event held each year in March. It was not just a spectacular show; it was a complete educational experience designed to unite the school community through cooperation and friendly competition.”

1993 Sports Nite – ’93

March 18,19, 1993
Theme: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Natura Smith & Rashawn Harmon, Red Team Captains / Minee Blamo & Richard McKoy, Black Team Captains
Black Team Victory

The 1993 Sports Nite was held on March 18, 19, 1993 and the theme was Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. Sport Nite, more of a pep rally than a sports competition and not held since 1971, was reinstated due to strong community demand. It returned for two nights, featuring both male and female students from the junior and senior classes. Past captains of the Red and Black teams were highlighted in the opening parade.

The purpose of Sport Nite is to bring the school community together through cooperation and friendly competition. It promotes social skills such as teamwork, pride, and the satisfaction that comes from personal achievements.

The Black Team wins.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
1993 Sports Nite
1993 Bobashela

1994 Sports Nite ’94

March 16,17,18, 1994
Theme: That’s Entertainment
Taya Brown & Corey Ingram, Red Team Captains / Tiffany Carter & Daniel Gueh, Black Team Captains
Black Team Victory

The 1994 Sports Nite was on March 16, 17, 18, 1994 and the theme was That’s Entertainment. The revival of Sport Nite has expanded to three nights due to the overall success of last year’s event. The competition will include cover design, band performances, art decorations, marching teams, cheerleading, karate, novelty races, obstacle races, volleyball, modern dance, tap dance, aerobics, and video dance.

Brian Roldan, the Black Team mascot, spent nearly three hours each night perspiring profusely in a furry black panther costume while cheering for his team on the gymnasium floor.

Lisa Brady, the senior class adviser, explained that “Sport Nite is not just a competition; it’s an educational experience for students. It helps develop qualities such as cooperation, teamwork, pride, and satisfaction that will carry over into their academic and personal achievements.”

“Even though they are competing for three days, the participants understand that there is no Black without the Red, and no Red without the Black.”

The Black Team wins.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
1994 Sports Nite
1994 Bobashela

1996 Sports Night 96

March 13,14,15, 1996
Theme: Month To Month Madness
Sakennah Sababu & Charles Lamin, Red Team Captains / Leslie Hallback & Robert Meadows, Black Team Captains
Red Team Victory

The 1996 Sports Nite took place on March 13, 14, and 15, 1996, with the theme “Month to Month Madness.” Junior and senior students had a great time celebrating a three-night competition before packed audiences in the gym, where attendees paid $5 for their tickets. Competing in Sports Nite were the Red and Black team bands.

A violent toy gun exchange conducted by the Trenton elementary schools was featured at the Sports Nite ’96 program.

The Red Team is victorious.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
1996 Sports Nite
1996 Bobashela
Sports Night ’96 Red Team Video
Sports Night ’96 Black Team Video
Sports Night ’96 Obstacle Race

1997 Sports Nite ’97

Dates Unknown
Theme: What’s the Story?
Alethea Deans & Corey McCall, Red Team Captains / Cynthia Gonzalez & Kaseem Gaines, Black Team Captains
Black Team Victory

The dates for the 1997 Sports Nite are unknown. The event was themed “What’s The Story?”. Unfortunately, this edition of Sports Nite is the least documented compared to earlier years. There are no newspaper articles covering the event, and the Red and Black team programs have not been located. Most of what we know comes from the 1997 Bobashela yearbook, which includes inserts of the programs along with photos from the event.

According to a 1999 Sports Nite t-shirt, the Black Team emerged victorious.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
1997 Sports Nite
1997 Bobashela

1998 Sports Nite ’98

March 11,12,13, 1998
Theme: Hooray For Hollywood
Talithea Murray & Jalal Shabazz, Red Team Captains / Corrin Hampton & Richard Player, Black Team Captains
Black Team Victory

The 1998 Sports Nite took place on March 11, 12, 13, 1998. With a “Hooray For Hollywood” theme, students primarily chose movies from the 1970s, featuring iconic characters like Superfly and Foxy Brown. Under the guidance of cheerleading coordinator Sharon Grady and choreographer Lois Enourato, junior and senior students created an energetic program that opened with “Ushering in Sports Nite,” where participants dressed as ushers, complete with flashlights. The event concluded with the school’s song, showcasing rival teams coming together to shake hands and dance.

The Black Team emerged victorious.

Unfortunately, the final night of Sports Nite ’98 was overshadowed by the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old TCHS student Corey L. Henley at a downtown teen dance. Many students in attendance at the dance had just finished enjoying the final night of Sports Nite.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
1998 Sports Nite
1998 Bobashela

1999 Sports Nite ’99

Dates unknown
Theme: Motown
Faith Murray & Eric Rainey, Red Team Captains / Shaquanda Wharton & Efrain Martinez, Black Team Captains
Red Team Victory

The dates for Sports Nite 1999 are unknown, as there is no newspaper coverage of the event. The theme for that year was Motown.

Mayor Douglas H. Palmer awarded several grants to TCHS, including one specifically for Sports Nite ’99.

The victory of the Red team was confirmed by TCHS alumni on Facebook who participated in the event.

Unknown at that time, the Sports Nite ’99 would be the last Sports Nite held at TCHS, a tradition that had been in place since 1935.

TCHS Sport Nite Scrapbook
1999 Sports Nite Program Red
1999 Bobashela

TCHS Sport Nite originated in 1935 as a one-night program for girls to showcase their dramatic abilities in a friendly competition between the Red and Black teams. Over the years, it evolved into an annual event held every year for 33 consecutive years, concluding in 1967. At its peak, the program expanded to five nights of competition.

The program faced interruptions due to racial disturbances at the school, which led to its cancellation for two years. It made a brief return in 1970 but lasted only two years before being canceled again in February 1972 for several reasons. These included a lack of student interest, a shortage of wood shop teachers to create props, and financial losses associated with the program.

After being absent for 20 years, Sport Nite was revived in 1993 with a revised format that included boys in the competition. It successfully ran for seven consecutive years.

However, in the fall of 1999, the event was permanently canceled. The school had reorganized into small learning communities where sophomores, juniors, and seniors participated in gym classes together, making traditional practices for Sport Nite less feasible. Previously, most juniors and seniors had gym classes together and spent the year preparing for the event.

Lois Enourata, a teacher and key organizer of Sport Nite, retired the year before, having choreographed most of the dances.

Budgeting also became an issue; staging the event cost about $30,000 annually, but no funding had been allocated for it in the district’s budget since 1994.

For years, Sport Nite was viewed as a distraction from academic pursuits, and the school faced pressure from the state to concentrate more on academics to improve student standardized test scores.

Sport Nite came to a quiet end during the 1999-2000 school year.

In June 2014, students left the 1932 building for the last time, and the gymnasium—known as Tornado Alley—was demolished in 2015. The remains of the building were pulverized and used to fill the extensive underground spaces from the old TCHS beneath the building of the new TCHS, which opened in the fall of 2019. The new gymnasium was constructed on the same site where the old gymnasium for Sport Nite once stood.