The packed gym buzzed with excitement as the students chanted the pep rally cheer in unison. Each group awaited their turn. As Principal Larry Sigler pointed to one side of the auditorium, an enthusiastic “Boom Bah!” would echo. As he pointed to the other side, they followed with an even more passionate “Hey!” He would start the cheer slow then vary speed and volume, until the walls resounded with his signature cheer. Boom Bah! Hey! Boom Bah! Boom Bah! Boom Bah! Hey!

The incantation with seemingly meaningless words gave a sense of spirit and unity to the entire audience. It was one of the first Marcus traditions, started by a principal known for his energy and zeal.

The volume of the crowd could be heard from afar, but the loudest of them all stood at the front.

The school’s first principal, Larry Sigler, moved spiritedly throughout the gym as he led the pep rally. Students stood shoulder to shoulder, filling in every open space as they cheered. His pep rallies were highly anticipated by both students and staff. The limited space of the Silver Gym often meant that underclassmen were excluded. The tight space only heightened the sense of camaraderie.

“Standing room only,” assistant principal Amy Boughton said. “I’m talking all the way around the gym. Everybody was up on their feet. I get chills even thinking about it..”

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Sigler passed away on June 23, 2015. He spent 19 years as the principal and over 40 years as an LISD educator, dedicated to creating opportunities for students. He worked to establish a close knit atmosphere at the school, often greeting students by their first names as he passed down the halls. Sigler’s passion for the school was evident not only in his high standards of education, but in his enthusiasm for the school’s sports. He attended almost every game, even after he was no longer principal, spreading his support to all the school’s groups.

“[He was the] kindest, most caring man for the students and his faculty,” attendance clerk Trudy York said. “He was phenomenal. I never saw a side of him that he wasn’t always in a good mood – except if we lost in a football game.”

Sigler’s spirit transcended the football field. He could often be seen impersonating Elvis Presley, or driving a motorized football helmet throughout the halls. He even vowed that he would shave his head in a deal he made with students. York recalls Sigler’s dedication to the school.

“I don’t know that there’s anybody that can match Larry Sigler as far as in his dealings and running of the school,” York said. “There wasn’t a mean bone in his body.”

Sigler built the school’s foundation, choosing everything from the school colors to the mascot. He even supervised the writing of the school song. Though many traditions continued after his retirement in 2000, the subsequent principals introduced their own customs.

Principal Gary Shafferman began his term determined to make his mark. When Shafferman was appointed as the school’s third principal, his first call of congratulations came from Sigler. Though Sigler wasn’t there in person to guide Shafferman, he said he was able to get to know Sigler by reading all the records he left behind in his office. By becoming familiar with Sigler’s legacies, Shafferman was able to transition the school into a new era.

“I learned that if I’m not myself, I’m not going to be effective,” Shafferman said. “We all have our own gifts to this school, but he set the tone.”

The various traditions that Sigler started have shaped the school, making it what it is today. To commemorate his contributions to the school, the auditorium is named after him. He also has a scholarship under his name with the Lewisville ISD Education Foundation, or the LEF.

The honors given to Sigler are indicative of his efforts to better the school. He made sure the students were surrounded by a supportive staff. Several former students have returned as either teachers, or administrators. Boughton said that as a former student, she was eager to return.

“There’s over twenty people that have come back and wanted to work here,” Boughton said. “I really think that speaks volumes of the experience we all had here.”

The love many former students have for Mr. Sigler is evident, long after their graduation. Several alumni contacted Shafferman to display a “Boom Bah Forever” in cups across the fence, after the news of his passing. Shafferman said he had no hesitation in creating the display, because he too wanted to commemorate Sigler’s contributions to the school.

“Some of the people from that time frame really loved him so much they wanted to do something to show their love,” Shafferman said. “For being such a small man, he made such a big difference in our lives. What a wonderful way to be remembered.”

The shouts of the Boom Bahs and Heys continue to echo throughout the school. Sigler’s presence is evident in every pep rally and football game. Though traditions have evolved, the foundation Sigler created for the school has remained the same.

“Normally in that big of a community you don’t have the traditions that this school has,” Shafferman said. “This school has a lot of traditions, and I think that’s because of Mr. Sigler. It makes us feel like we’re a small community.”