We always thought Krista Klumpp looked familiar, and when we found out her mother had also cheered for Auburn we knew why.
Blanche Riggs, a former head cheerleader for Auburn in the late 70s, was one of those closest to the blast of fellow cheerleader Dana Barnes’ reaction to being named Miss Homecoming in 1977. How she survived, we’ll never know.
That’s Blanche there, flying.
Why yes, that is the photo that we flipped for the “It’s Pronounced Jordan” t-shirt.
Photos by Brad Ashmore.
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I was in the Marching Band in 78 and can vouch for the fact that the Homecoming Queen was crowned at halftime of the Homecoming Game. Perhaps this is the anouncement of the winner of Miss Auburn.
I remember Dana well; she was a good cheerleader and a really sweet person. I wonder if they announced the Homecoming Queen prior to the game that year?0
thighs, yo. knee socks.
what were we talkin’ ’bout?
Dana Barnes was Miss Homecoming 1977. Looks like pictures were taken in the Old Student Act building (burned during the LSU game). I was in school from 76-80 and just checked my 77 Glom.
Thanks Laura — saw her in the ’78 Glom, always throws me.
Before 1982, Miss Homecoming at Auburn was notified of her selection prior to the homecoming football game. Beginning in the fall of 1982 and continuing to the present, the nominee is not notified that she was voted Miss Homecoming until the surprise announcement during halftime of the football game. So, Dana being notified at a pep rally prior to the game is consistent with the way things were done at that time, and that pretty much confirms that is what these photos are. And yes, that is the old Student Activities building.
Those pictures were taken in what we called the old Student Activities building, which was adjacent to The Barn. There’s a parking deck there now. This was a different, though similar, similar building from the Barn. I think both were former WWII aircraft hangers. The Student Act building was used for intramural basketball, speakers, and other small presentations. I think later it was transformed into something else, maybe an ROTC building, before it was torn down.
Jenny Lynn Tankersly Henig ( curly hair)
As a brand new freshman in 77 I was in love with Dana Barnes. She of course had no idea
Wasn’t Dana also Miss A-Day?
I had the honor of escorting Dana at homecoming. I’m pretty sure we knew she had won ahead of time. I was ODK president and if I remember it right my job was to escort the HC queen.
What Dana is up to today. Pretty cool. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/13/garden/13rugloft.html?pagewanted=all