Dreaming, Driving Br. Dardis…
Wild Photo Archives Posted September 18th, 2015 Last updated September 20th, 2015
Br. Billy Dardis, S.J. ’58 is all smiles sitting in the Jaybird’s seat of the Jaymobile, which happens to be surrounded by and covered with 19 Jesuit Cheerleaders. As moderator of the cheerleaders, Br. Dardis commandeered the eye-catching Grand Marquis on Friday afternoon from its owner, Jesuit alumnus Mike Waldo ’70 of Pensacola. After the Jesuit Cheerleaders were all snugly stuffed into the Jaymobile, Brother put the pedal to the metal and drove 90 m.p.h. from Carrollton and Banks all the way to Pensacola for the football game between the Jays and the Gators of Escambia High School. Brother is typically publicity shy, but since this incredible feat focused on his cheerleaders, he quickly contacted the editors of Ripley’s “Believe It or Not.” Proudly informing Ripley’s of this achievement, Brother let it slip that five cheerleaders had been crammed into the trunk of the Jaymobile. Unfortunately, this disqualified the accomplishment for consideration by the Ripley folks. Brother became extremely agitated and wailed over and over, “My cheerleaders are Blue and White for all the days of life.” Brother was in a deep reverie when the cheerleaders shouted, “Go Jays!” His eyes suddenly popped wide open. It took him only a second or two to realize he had nodded off while waiting for the Wild Photographer to set up and snap an impromptu photo in the parking lot of a Chile’s restaurant, located 10 minutes from the stadium. As soon as the picture was taken, Brother once again assumed command. “Ok, everybody, let’s go,” he shouted authoritatively. “All aboard the Spirit bus. Right now. C’mon, don’t waste time. Got to go. Move it. Got to get to the game.”