Greyhound Spotlight – Betty Marciniak-Ahrendt

Betty Marciniak-Ahrendt is best known for writing the lyrics to the traditional Duluth East fight song-The Birchen. Betty wrote the famous lyrics while attending East as a junior high school student. Betty’s lyrics literally span the decades with every Greyhound, past and into the future, united by her refrain. There is no better legacy than being responsible for “East High Rah, Rah, Rah!”

THE BIRCHEN

The Birchen Fight Song made its debut at an all school assembly on December 3, 1936. East Junior High School music teacher, Mr. Magnell, composed the music and sponsored a contest for the lyrics. Betty Marciniak, who wrote the first verse, and Louise Amundson’s second verse were judged the winners of the contest.

EAST High rah rah rah (clap-clap-clap)
With a Sis-boom-bah (clap-clap-clap)
At our games united we are
Brave and strong we promise to be!
We are sure to win (clap-clap-clap)
Once we do begin (clap-clap-clap)
E-A-S-T Rah-Rah for dear old EAST.
Dear East Senior High (clap-clap-clap)
Let your banners fly (clap-clap-clap)
To our colors true we will be
And we’ll head on to our Victory!
Come on RED and GREY (clap-clap-clap)
Take our game away (clap-clap-clap),
E-A-S-T Rah-Rah for dear old EAST.