Homecoming week at Devine High School brings out many traditions, but few are as meaningful as the jersey honor. Each varsity Warhorse football player chooses a teacher who has significantly impacted their journey. During the Homecoming pep rally, those teachers proudly wear the players’ jerseys, symbolizing the lasting connection between education and athletics. The tradition highlights both school spirit and gratitude, reminding the community that the Warhorse legacy is built in the classroom as well as on the field.

At Divine High School, homecoming traditions run deep. One of the most meaningful is the varsity football tradition of honoring teachers.

Each senior player selects a teacher who’s made a lasting impact. Someone who’s challenged them, supported them, or helped shape their journey.

During the homecoming prep rally, those teachers proudly wear the players jerseys, symbolizing the connection between academics and athletics.

For the Warhorses, the jerseys are more than just numbers on the field. They represent the lessons, encouragement, and support of educators who have stood behind them in every step of the way.

(Karter Brown) Hi, Coach Poppe. I just wanted to stop by and say thank you for everything you do for us. We really appreciate the time and effort you put into teaching and supporting us. As part of homecoming week, I’d be honored if you wear my jersey for the day to represent me and the team. Thanks again. I really appreciate you.

(Heath Poppe) Thank you.

(Nathaniel Martinez) Just wanted to stop by and say thank you for everything you’ve done. And I just want to say I really appreciate the time and effort you put into supporting us.  I’d be honored to see you wearing my jersey.

(Daniel Sanchez) I will. Thank you very much, buddy. I appreciate it. Welcome back, buddy.

You’ve got to put it on.

You think I can fit in this thing? I don’t know. 

I bet you can. If I can, you can.

All right. Been a couple of years since I started, Buddy.

(Trystan Lafond) Hi, Coach Ro. I just want to stop by and say thank you for everything you do for us. We really appreciate the time and effort you put into teaching and supporting us. As a part of homecoming, I’d be honored if you would wear my jersey for the day and represent me and the team.

(Devin Rotramel) I will. Thanks. It’s my old football number, huh?

Yeah.

I’ll see if I fit in it.

I figure, let you try to squeeze it in.

Thanks. Let me go put that on real fast.

(Christian San Miguel) I wanted to stop by. Thank you for everything you do for teaching and coaching. And for homecoming week, I’d like you to wear my jersey, represent me and my team.

(Jacob Sadler) Yeah, brother.

Appreciate it.

Cool. You playing tonight?

Yes, sir.

(Tyler Hinnant) Just wanted to stop by and tell you how much I appreciate you for teaching us and supporting us. And as a part of Homecoming week, I’d be honored if you wore my jersey to represent me and my team.

(Adriana Segura) Of course. Thank you.

You’re welcome.

Let me get a photo.

You’re welcome.

Yay. Look at this.

(T.J. Buvinghausen) Hi, Miss Rangel. I just wanted to stop by and say I appreciate you for everything you do, and I appreciate the amount of effort you put into teaching us part of homecoming week. I wanted to know if you would wear my jersey to represent me and my team. 

(Marisol Rangel) Yes, I will.

Thank you. Appreciate it.

(Riley Gutierrez) I really appreciate what you do and also like teaching us. In honor of homecoming week, I would like you to wear my jersey for the rest of the day for me and my team. I would be honored if you wore my jersey. 

(Christina Morales) Thank you so much.

(Eddie Martinez) Mr. G., Thank you all for everything you’ve done for us. I appreciate the time and effort you put into teaching us, and for me. Thank you again.

(Jose Guardiola) Well, thank you, Eddie. I appreciate your appreciation.

I would like to give you the jersey cuz I appreciate you being there for me all these four years, and just like you need to serve. Thank you.

(Adrienne Fernandez) Thank you. Thank you.

(Jackson Hagdorn)  What’s up, Miss Martin?

(Nancy Martin) Hey, guys. How are you?

Good. Good. I have a little gift for you,

Jackson. Is that your number?

Yes. For the four years, I wanted to give this to you so you could honor me and the team on homecoming.

Oh, that is so special. Thank you. I feel so lucky that you picked me.

At Divine High School. Tradition isn’t just one in the field. It’s carried in the classroom.

For DHS News, I’m Bella. And I’m Brooklyn.