Recollections on Girls' Sports in Hughson
History of Hughson, California: The People, the Places, the Traditions of a Small Town
The 2024 March meeting of the Hughson Historical Society was filled with energetic recollections and praise for the women who pioneered women’s sports and rights in Hughson and beyond.
In the spirit of Women’s History Month and eagerly anticipating a presentation by Hughson High School athletes, Hughson Historical Society President Spiro moved rapidly through the agenda, connecting topics to the month’s theme and celebrating the opportunities available to women.
A new museum window display showcases women’s apparel throughout the ages. While Spiro praised the beauty of the clothing, she said, “I’m sorry I couldn’t live in those clothes. We used to wear shorts under our dresses because we weren’t allowed to wear pants to school.” Spiro graduated in 1972.
Members spoke about the 1970 Hughson High School Powder Puff game. At the time, the girls competed in the boys’ uniform and equipment and played tackle football. “Just think how tough we were, girls!” Spiro said to the students.
The Class of 2024 students were visibly impressed, especially Madison Duran, who expressed her childhood desire to be allowed to play tackle football. In 1971, the girls refused to play in the Powder Puff game when they were required to play flag football instead of tackle. “They thought us too precious,” Spiro said.
Past President Janet Camagna offered a look back at sports in Hughson. Some members present recalled their time in athletics in the 1950s. Some played on the Girls Athletic Association, playing half-court basketball on Saturdays.
Councilmember Julie Strain said that future Olympic athlete Pat Daniels ran on the track team at her high school in San Jose.
Camagna recognized Susan B. Anthony's role in women’s advancement and the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which gave women the right to vote. “My mother was nine years old. She was part of the first generation to be able to vote. You have to ask, why didn’t they have the right?” Camagna said, “Yes, we have made progress, but, oh, how slow it has been.”
Camagna exhorted everyone to get out to vote that day. “Every election is important. Never throw away your vote.”
On Facebook, Camagna posted photos of the first yearbook of Hughson Unified High School in 1914. “Since then, the girls have struggled for more sports and recognition. Over 100 years have passed, and women still have to struggle for facilities, coaches, and school financing to play sports that are equally available to girls. In the 1950s, when I attended HUHS, the girls had ‘play days’ with other schools once in a while as part of our extracurricular sports experience.”
Members noted how progressive the staff at Hughson High School got them into track and basketball games and workout routines with the male athletes. Spiro said, “In Hughson, a small farm community, the women are partners with their husbands on the farm. You get out on the tractor, and you put on the gloves. It shows historically over time.”
Another member said, “It’s also the advantage of a small high school. You get to try many things; you can make the team. If you’re on a huge team, only the developed athletes have the chance.”
Members spoke warmly of a coach from the 1950s who, now in her nineties, still plays golf daily.
The Hughson Historical Society's meetings are a time to share, recollect, and actively work to preserve and promote the city's history. By inviting guest speakers and their families to attend, as in March’s meeting, the opportunity to exchange recollections and hear present-day experiences opens the door to learning what was achieved in the past and how the work of past generations has benefited the future.
Student speaker Madison Jenks said at the close of their presentation, “Because of the work that was put in before us, we’re able to have these opportunities. Many of us, before we started this presentation, took it for granted. Being able to learn history and see where we’ve come from is something that will make us forever grateful.”
Originally published in the Hughson Chronicle & Denair Dispatch on March 12, 2024. The Hughson Chronicle & Denair Dispatch is part of MidValley Publications and is committed to the power of the positive press. Reprinted with Permission.
The Hughson Chronicle & Denair Dispatch is a weekly, print-only local newspaper. To subscribe, call 209–358-5311.