About Us
The Beginning of the Leesville High School Alumni Association
In August of 1969, a small but passionate group of Leesville High School graduates gathered at the home of Dick and Pat Berry. It was there, in a living room filled with excitement and nostalgia, that the idea of forming a Leesville High School Alumni Association first came to life.
Leading the conversation that evening was L.S. “Buck” Hooper, whose vision was to unite former students in fostering love and loyalty for their alma mater. His presentation was met with enthusiasm, and those in attendance were eager to help bring the idea to reality.
Just days later, Buck Hooper reported that the alumni group had been officially organized. The first officers were elected: Buck Hooper as president, Sam Piranio as vice president, Babe Winfree as secretary, and Pete Sliman as treasurer. The Board of Directors included Roy Holton, A.P. McDonald, and Larry Goins. With around fifteen members present at their first banquet, the association began to take shape.
Official Recognition
On September 17, 1969, after weeks of planning and effort, the Leesville High School Alumni Association was formally incorporated as a non-profit, non-stock Louisiana corporation. The charter outlined the organization’s purpose:
“The primary function of the organization is to operate exclusively for literary, educational, scientific, fraternal, and charitable purposes—especially for Leesville High School.”
The founding incorporators included L.S. “Buck” Hooper, J. Luther Jordan, Charles I. Davis, F.E. Hernandez, LeRoy Ford, Larry O. Goins, “Babe” Winfree, and Lawrence L. McAlpin—all proud former students of Leesville High School.
The First Projects
The association wasted no time in setting its goals. Their immediate focus was to help Leesville High School host its best homecoming yet, scheduled for October 24, 1969. That evening, the Class of 1945—led by Jimmie Paris—would be honored as the Wampus Cats faced off against their long-time rivals, the Menard Eagles of Alexandria.
Membership dues were set at just $1.00 per year, and alumni were encouraged to give donations or memorial contributions, all tax-deductible. A special “Century Club” initiative was also announced, offering another way for alumni to show their support.
A Legacy Begins
What began in a living room in Leesville in the summer of 1969 quickly grew into a lasting institution. Built on the dedication of its founding members, the Leesville High School Alumni Association became a way for generations of Wampus Cats to stay connected, support their school, and preserve its proud traditions.
The History and Legend of the Wampus Cats
The Wampus Cat has become one of the most distinctive mascots in history. More than a name, it is both a creature of folklore and a lasting symbol of pride for Leesville High School.
Origins of the Wampus Cat
The Wampus Cat legend has deep roots in Southern storytelling. Folklore describes it as a mysterious half-human, half-cat creature with glowing eyes that haunt the forests at night.. Some accounts portray the creature as a wild spirit, roaming the countryside to frighten anyone who crosses its path.
Though stories may differ, the essence is the same: the Wampus Cat represents cunning, resilience, and fearlessness. Its mythical qualities made it a natural choice for a school identity that sought to stand apart from the more common lions, tigers, and bears.
Adoption by Leesville High School
When Leesville High School selected its mascot, the Wampus Cat was chosen not only for its uniqueness but also for its spirit. It quickly became a rallying point for students, athletes, and alumni. The snarling cat emblem, proudly displayed on banners, uniforms, and yearbooks, reminded everyone that Leesville embraced individuality and strength.
Generations of students have carried the Wampus Cat name with pride. From spirited pep rallies to championship games, the cry of “Go Wampus Cats!” has echoed across stadiums and gyms, uniting the community under a banner unlike any other.
The Fairground Fight and the Spirit of the Wampus Cat
One of the most colorful stories tied to the Wampus Cat comes from a night at the Leesville fairground. People were betting on a fight between a bobcat and a bulldog. After the bobcat won the fight some yelled, “that cat really wamped em.” The name Wampus Cats was derived from that.
The phrase caught on instantly. Those watching laughed, repeated it, and spread it across town. What began as a spur-of-the-moment boast quickly became a badge of pride. Before long, “Wampus Cat” was being used in school chants and athletic rallies, cementing it as the identity of Leesville High.
A Symbol of Tradition and Pride
Over the years, the Wampus Cat has grown into much more than a mascot. It reflects the character of the Leesville community—bold, determined, and proud of its heritage. Alumni often say that the unusual mascot name has sparked curiosity everywhere they’ve gone, giving them the opportunity to share a story that is uniquely Leesville’s.
The Wampus Cat endures not only as a figure of folklore but also as a living tradition. For Leesville High School, it symbolizes both history and spirit, weaving together myth, memory, and even a little mischief into a lasting emblem of pride.