1973 was a year of firsts for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. This was the first year the cheerleaders expanded into two lines so each side of the field could have cheerleaders cheering during the game (the original group had one line and simply rotated each quarter). This was the first year we increased the number of cheerleaders (16) and the first year we had a "winter uniform". It was also the first year we used head cheerleaders, and I was fortunate enough to be one.

The 1972 squad was the original squad, but the idea of having dancing cheerleaders as entertainment at a professional football game was still trying to find a niche in 1973. Many of the fans weren't sure how to react to us. I once had a fan ask, "What are you dancing girls doing there on that field?"!

Some thought the uniform was controversial and way too revealing (especially my father) and I once worked for a man whose wife asked me not to tell anyone I was a cheerleader because she found it offensive. It seemed as though we were thought of us as a fad that would quickly fade. But, we held our heads high through the criticism and boldly moved forward to make the cheerleaders as big as Dallas and as loved as Texas football! In the early years, we weren't paid for most appearances, but we did it for the love of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and because we believed in what we were doing. Little did we know at the time we were changing the face of cheerleading forever.

After cheering, I was blessed to have four sons. I owned a dance studio for 10 years and completed my BA in Sociology and English with Creative Writing Specialization from Southern Methodist University. I am currently a staffing consultant for Express Employment Professionals and still love to dance!

Sideline Q & A

What story brings a smile to your face?

Vicki: I always smile when I think back to the time when one of our squad members wore the "winter uniform" instead of the "summer uniform" to the game!

What was your proudest moment?

Vicki: The very first time I was asked for my autograph!

If you could have one thing from when you cheered, what would it be and why?

Vicki: I wish I had more photos! At the time I cheered, I just considered it a hobby since I enjoyed dance so very much. I didn't realize we were helping to shape cheerleading history and that we were laying the foundation for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders phenomenon.