By Alyssa Maddocks

The powerful fight song is blasting in the background as the student-athletes prepare for battle on the field, the court, the track, the mat, or the course. The passion for athletics at Mount Vernon High School runs as deep now for our alumni as it always has—for they are proud of where they came from, and most importantly, where they belong. The fight song unites the athletes and the community, adequately portraying the importance and value of unity, teamwork, and unrelenting school spirit.

This appreciation and deep reverence for “On, Mount Vernon” is an accurate portrayal for the countless alumni of MVHS. But over the years, the hype surrounding the fight song has shifted slightly. The student section and various parents and fans remain seated, seemingly overlooking the fight song. Alumni in the crowd wonder why current students sit through the song.

Alumni Association Director Kathy Staskal comments on the importance of the fight song to the numerous alumni. “When I see alums in the stands at any event, and the MV Fight Song comes on, their eyes light up, they stand up, and join in with everyone else,” said Staskal. “I can see how this makes them feel a part of what is going on, no matter how many years it has been since they graduated.”

Mustang graduate Judy Whitley `82, thrived in high school as a member of the cheerleading squad for football, basketball, and wrestling. “I loved every minute of cheer, and I can still do my dance routine to the fight song,” said Whitley. “The fight song was a song that we could sing proudly wherever we went. People (schools) knew us by our colors and by our team spirit. We were the Mustangs, the mighty, mighty Mustangs.”

Barb Neal `68 had a similar opinion on the treasured fight song. “This song always brings a feeling of pride in our team, our school, and our town,” said Neal. “It’s an identity thing.”

Class of 1954 graduate Dick Steiner appreciates the lasting tradition of the fight song. “In my opinion, the song is a great pep song and now has a very long tradition at MVHS,” he said. “It is now part of our DNA.”

Our fight song, “On, Mount Vernon,” stems from the collegiate fight song from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, “On, Wisconsin.” The tune of the song was composed in 1909 by William T. Purdy. With about 2,500 other schools using the tune of “On, Wisconsin” for their fight song, it has become one of the most popular fight songs in the country. Our specific version of “On, Wisconsin,” becoming “On, Mount Vernon,” has been traced back to 1931, being mentioned in a newspaper article by the Mount Vernon Hawkeye-Record and Lisbon-Herald. “Everyone joined in the singing of our new song ‘On Mount Vernon.’” Because the song is referred to as the “new song,” it is estimated that the creation of our specific song was around that time.

While the specific historical details of our fight song are widely unknown, the emotional connection between the fight song and the alumni is undeniable. Over the years, the meaning of the fight song has somewhat decreased. Now, numerous athletes and students respect the fight song, believing it empowers them before games and shows school and community pride. But, a majority of the student section and some spectators remain seated during the fight song—disappointing many community members, alumni, and fellow students.

Senior cheerleader Rachel Bell believes that the fight song represents unity and spirit. “The fight song means unity as a school, showing one another that we genuinely support each other,” said Bell.

Senior Kelsey Shady, also a cheerleader, agrees with Bell and adds that she doesn’t think the current student section truly appreciates the song. “I don’t think the fight song means as much to the student section as it should,” said Shady.

High school cheerleading coach Trista Lynner also comments on the change in mentality regarding the fight song. “In the past, the second the fight song played everyone jumped up and clapped. Our cheerleaders are trained to drop everything and dance along to the fight song,” said Lynner. “Today, spectators are relaxed at recognizing the fight song and standing.” Looking to the future, Lynner would like to see a change at sporting events. “It would be nice to see people get excited to hear the song our band is playing and to clap along to our traditional song.”

Although the hype surrounding the fight song has decreased slightly over the years, the excitement and empowerment of the fight song is still felt by many competing athletes. Perhaps the student section could tap into that empowerment—allowing themselves to feel the same amount of enthusiasm and anticipation when the fight song echos in the background. “Gathering people together for pep rallies and assemblies could really increase school spirit,” said Bell. “If the student section recognized the true value of the fight song, maybe they would show a deep respect for it, too.”