DCHS mascot created in 1932 to be featured at Cowboy Capital Classic.
The Red Demon basketball programs host the Cowboy Capital Classic at the Dodge City Civic Center – and will be wearing shooting shirts unique to the history of Dodge City High School. The shirts will feature a Jayhawk looking bird called a “Pilldilly” – a mascot born out of what has become a century long discussion regarding the mascot for the high school athletic programs in Dodge City. The Pilldilly will be making an appearance this weekend ninety years after it first appeared on the front of the new jerseys of the 1932 Dodge City Senior High School basketball team.
What the heck is a Pilldilly? Even the most dedicated Dodge City High School fan would have a difficult time answering that question. A quick history lesson is required for the complete answer.
In 1927, a newspaper writer for the Dodge City Globe mistakenly began referring to the school’s teams as the “Demons” due to the nickname of “D-Men” for the letter-jackets worn by the Dodge men’s varsity teams. The name stuck until 1932 when the controversial mascot was replaced by the Pilldilly – a Jayhawk looking bird made up of the letters D-C-H-S (see below). However, in 1940 the Demon returned and became the official mascot of Dodge City Senior High School.
Players will wear the Pilldilly shooting shirts on Friday (versus Manhattan) and Saturday (versus Junction City). Replica Pilldilly shirts will be available at the event, as well.
“To incorporate our basketball history into this weekend will make this a memorable event for our players and fans. The Pilldilly is a quirky piece of Red Demon lore and I think fans will enjoy the design and the story behind the apparel.” – Jay Gifford, DCHS Athletic Director
