By Lindsey Bever
neighborsgo reporter

In the early 1920s, Lewisville High School became the Fighting Farmers. The mascot affectionately known as Big Jon started as a rendering of a farmer in a flannel shirt and a straw hat. Now, he’s a modern-day farmer armed with a pitchfork on a horse.
“It’s a depiction of our history and tradition in Lewisville,” said Teresa Wells, Lewisville High’s assistant principal. “I think it’s unique because not many other teams have that mascot. And it does reflect our heritage.”

How did Lewisville High School become the Fighting Farmers?
“In the 1920s, the football players all got together one day and voted on the mascot. It just seemed to be a name that would fit the community because it was a farming community.”

Who was the first mascot?
“Scott Jackson in 1970. He was the mascot while he was in 11th grade and 12th grade. Before that, the mascot was a symbol or artistic rendering.
“Every year, we have tryouts for the position. We just voted on the new one. Randal Haney is the 2009 mascot. He will be a senior.”

How has mascot changed?
“It’s changed a lot from the artistic rendering in the early 1920s. In 1923, we had a farmer with a flannel shirt, straw hat and straw hanging out mouth. On the 1942 yearbook cover, we had the same rendering, but he’s holding a ball of cotton in his mouth. In the late 1940s, he had a plow in his hand. And in 1955, he carried a pitchfork. In the 1960s, he wore a football uniform and carried a pitchfork. So you can see how the pitchfork evolved with the mascot as well. The present logo went into play in 1987, inspired by Principal Doug Killough. And it’s been the same ever since.”

Best Mascot: Lewisville High School Fighting Farmers
Where: 1098 W. Main St. in Lewisville
Contact: 469-713-5190 or lisd.net