Reader Submitted Article/About the Author
This article was submitted by Amanda Tyler McGuire, a Hickory resident with a passion for supporting local businesses and sharing family-friendly activities. When she’s not busy dancing or planning her next adventure, you can find her volunteering at the Catawba Science Center or at her children’s schools.
The Untouchable Panthers of 1964 is a story every Hickory resident should know. It’s a story of excellence in sport history. The Panther football team went undefeated that year, just like Hickory High Football team did last year. They also took the state title, just like Hickory High did last year. The difference is the Ridgeview Panthers also went unscored on for that season. The score record at the end of the season was 446-0 which made it a perfect season and why they rightfully deserve the title of the “Untouchables”.
It is hard to believe that just 60 years ago, we had segregation in our schools. At that time, Ridgeview High School, founded in 1926, was the only African American High School in Hickory. In 1966, it closed as integration began. Hickory High School opened in 1972 as the new integrated school for the city of Hickory. Ridgeview is now home to a fantastic library and several recreation facilities. I visited this summer with my daughters, who crocheted an “emotional support pickle” during one of Ridgeview’s creative programs. While there, I noticed an older gentleman playing chess with a younger man. They shared that they often come to Ridgeview for their games, a testament to the community the space fosters.
Last December, several former players celebrated Hickory High School’s football team by attending their championship game sendoff ceremony. They shared words of encouragement and wisdom, concluding the event with their iconic fight song, which they used to sing as they entered the field for every game. The lyrics, “Let’s go down and get it over with. Get it over with. Get it over with. Let’s go down and get it over with. We’re gonna win this game,” still carry the same spirited determination. I had the privilege of hearing them sing it again last month when Hickory City Schools honored their 60-year-old achievements during a Hickory High football game.
In the PBS special, Doug Bumgarner discusses their rigorous training. “We’d run five miles every morning, 5:30 in the morning. And when we finished running doing our roadwork, we’d come back here for the dust bowl, and we’d run through plays. Come back at 4:00 that evening, and repeat that cycle.”
I believe sports brings people together. I love going to Hickory High games and seeing our community together. I hope student athletes realize how powerful and important fostering that sense of community is for our each of us. Even during times of segregation, the Ridgeview Panthers reportedly drew diverse community crowds to watch them play. The PBS special even references the entire city shutting down on Friday nights for everyone to watch the game.
As Rev. Xenophone Lutz says,
During that time, you know how the racial climate was, but relations were, I would say, exceptionally good here in Hickory, particularly at our football games. We were well supported, you know, not only in this community, but around, across Hickory.
I lived in Hickory for five years before discovering the story of the 1964 Panthers team. My interest was sparked after watching a PBS special about them, and I’ve been eager to learn more ever since. Over time, I’ve discovered their incredible legacy. Their impact is honored with a monument archway over the field, a stunning mural designed by Adele James-McCarthy, and much more. Richard Eller also created a compelling documentary about their remarkable season, and they are proud inductees of the Catawba County Sports Hall of Fame.
I feel truly honored to have met several members of the team during both events at Hickory High School. To learn more about the Untouchables and their legacy of excellence, visit www.theuntouchablepanthers.com. If you haven’t seen the mural yet, I highly recommend checking it out. While you’re there, take a moment to visit the library—pick up a book, join a game of chess, or simply say hello to a neighbor.
Ridgeview Branch Library
706 First St SW, Hickory
Ridgeview Panther Field is located within a block of the library.
