It's been a part of my vocabulary since I was a small child. I was eight (8) years old when Permian went to STATE for the first time. note: the school was only 6 years old I have heard conflicting stories on the origin of "MOJO" as it pertains to Permian High School. So, I'll just try to explain what "MOJO means to me"!

The fall of 1965 in Odessa, Texas was a sight to see. The whole town (especially the east side) was caught up in the frenzy of Permian High School and the playoffs. Vehicles were painted and shoe polished "GO PANTHERS...State Bound", "MOJO" and businesses had their windows decorated urging the Panthers to "WIN STATE", ...and they did. That was just the beginning.

I'm not sure how it started, but somehow the word "MOJO" caught on with this town, this school, and quickly the whole state recognized that "MOJO" was Permian...all it's power and winning ways...

The chanting would begin before the game started... 10,000 people shouting in unison...MOJO! MOJO! MOJO! I don't believe in magic, but there is something to the 12th man...the fans. Maybe it's adrineline, tradition...I don't know. Everywhere we went people would ask "What is MOJO?", "What does MOJO mean?"

Everyone has their own answer for what MOJO is...for some it's the spirit of Permian High School. For other's is team work, power, tradition and drive. For some it's a collective support from the Permian community (fans, students, teachers, parents, etc). As you can see, I'm having a hard time decribing MOJO. For me I guess it's the ultimate in total support for Permian... It's all the above and more.

In the early 1970's (could have been late 60's) the school's we were playing would return our chants with one of their own..."NO MO MOJO" and "MOJO WHO?" they would cry. The majority of the time the words would be empty ones because at the end of the game "MOJO" had triumphed... and there was no question who MOJO was! "MOJO" became a larger part of the school than the fight song. (which is sadly rarely played anymore) Permian's unofficial fight song (really playoff fight song) is: Hawaii 5-0. It's hard to explain how traditions get started, but something happens that makes everyone feel good and combined. It's a knitting together of people from all walks of life, colors, and backgrounds for a common cause. In this case it just happened to become one of the greatest football stories ever told!

There are two or three books on the market about Permian and MOJO. The most notable is "Friday Night Lights, a town, a team and a dream", by pulitzer prize winning author Bissinger. Another book on Permian and MOJO is (gotta find the name and author **grin**)

Jeff Reed has a "History of MOJO" page. Someone submitted this story to him. Jeff states that he, like me, doesn't know if the facts are true or not... I think the person got his years mixed up because it says that MOJO originated in 1967 and that Permian won state that year...but Permian didn't win state in 1967. I'm thinking he may have meant 1965. Anyways...I have no opinion or knowledge as to it's validity... click here

If you would like to add to "the meaning of MOJO" just EMail me and I'll do my best to post it on this page. :-)

Mail to: Meaning of MOJO

This explanation was sent to me by a very nice Cooper Couger fan:
"Mojo Magic - Permian High School ... When I think Mojo - I think of Odessa Permian Panthers."

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