The History of the Whistle Game - By Lorenzo Tafoya Jr

Description: The Whistle Game marks the second-oldest high school football rivalry in Colorado... Learn about it in this article by Lorenzo Tafoya Jr.


Published: 05/02/2024
Byline: Tigers Tale

The History of the Whistle Game 

By Lorenzo Tafoya Jr        

Since the 1800s La Junta and Lamar’s football teams have fought and battled, but starting in 2001, the teams included a whistle that started a tradition that people love and mark on their calendars, the Whistle Game.

The Whistle Game marks the second-oldest high school football rivalry in Colorado (the oldest being the Bell Game between Pueblo Central High School and Pueblo Centennial High School). The “traveling trophy” for winning the annual game is an old steam locomotive whistle, which is hooked to an air compressor to make the satisfying train engine sound. The whistle is fitting, as La Junta and Lamar were both stops along the Santa Fe Railroad. 

As of October 2023, Lamar and La Junta were tied 11-11 in the series with La Junta on a 3-game win streak. Head coach of La Junta's football team Drew Sisson noted that typically, emotions leading in to the Whistle Game are pretty high--he pushes his players to stay focused. Sisson coaches now but has also played in this annual game. He makes sure the players know their roles and what needs to be done to win. 

Pablo Martinez, an industrial arts teacher here at La Junta Junior/Senior High School, was also once a La Junta football player. His favorite thing about the whistle game was “the history of the rivalry. I wanted to win the whistle if they had it or fight to keep it.’’ He didn’t feel any pressure during the game, saying, “I had trust in my teammates and coaches.’’ 

Long-time football coach Rod Bickel said that what he loves about coaching this sport, whether it was during the Whistle Game or a typical practice, is helping the athletes develop and succeed. He loves this school and supports our town. He says “I take pride in being a Tiger and being involved in the community. We have great community spirit.’’

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