Past was the Past, but it was the best

By Raiderdrive-Contributer-BASD

Lupita “Pita” Romero and Rebeca Guerrero are known for doing many things together ever since these cousins were in junior high, so it seems natural and fitting that they would retire from the Oakland Raiderette squad this year at the same time.

However, when an Oakland Raiderette retires, it is never a done deal.  In fact, this year, three former retired squad members returned to the tryouts on April 13 and May 4 to attempt a comeback at the Airport Hilton in Oakland, California.  Shonte Amey, Lisa Schlotter, and Kathy Ferrin were successful, and the fans can look forward to seeing them once again in the spotlight.

Speaking of the spotlight, some retired Raiderettes have gone off to Hollywood to pursue new careers in acting.  It would seem that newly retired Pita Romero (left photo:right) might do well there herself.  Pita demonstrated her histrionic skill when, at age 30, she played the role of a teenager, pretending to be the date of an eighteen-year-old young man at  the surprise birthday party for a sick, elderly gentleman who was a devout Raider fan.  The family that hosted the party, introduced her as the date of their grandson, assuming that her youthful looks and figure would allow her to pass the scrutiny of the birthday guest.  If it had not been for her wedding ring, an unnecessary prop she had neglected to remove, which the elderly man eventually noticed, her performance was Oscar material.  It was amazing that the old gentleman was so perceptive.   

The real surprise, however, that evening was the revelation that Pita  was the Cover Girl for 2002 Raiderette Calendar and that she had brought him an autographed copy as a souvenir and as a birthday present.  Pita recalled the man’s reaction and how she felt at the time:   “He was so excited, and he was so happy, and that…just touched me, and he was excited to meet me.  It was just an overwhelming…touching experience.”  Who needed a birthday card?  This calendar gift was as good as any Hallmark moment. 

However, now that Pita has retired, she is not preparing for a new acting part but is reprising her role as a mom and is rehearsing for a new baby, the primary reason she has left the squad this year.   

Pita took time out to give a little “motherly” advice to the rookie Raiderettes:  “When it comes to dancing, my advice is definitely to practice.  You practice; you know your stuff…after you learn something new, then you know you’ll be OK in that department.”   When it comes to being a Raiderette, on or off the field, hold that title “with pride and carry it with class,” Pita added. 

In 2001, this ultra-sound technologist was already a mother of two when she joined the squad.  However, her late start as a Raiderette did not deter her from attaining a high level of achievement.  Besides gracing the cover of the Raiderettes 2002 Calendar, Pita was voted Raiderette of the Year and thus had the honor of representing the Raiders at the 2003 Pro Bowl in Hawaii.  Her career can best be summed up as ultra-sensational.  

Is it any wonder that she is an ultrasound technologist?  She has certainly used her skill to help enhance the image of the Raiderettes!  And after a few cheers for motherhood, the fans might look forward to seeing her reprise her role in the near future as a Raiderette.  That is the one reason she has tucked her pom-poms away for safekeeping. 

Rebeca Guerrero (right) is one of the terrific trio that shows Bikini Beach style on the cover of the Oakland Raiderettes 2003 Calendar.  However, Rebeca hasn’t  shown her unique style only in beach fashion; she has sung it with her rendition of the National Anthem at the Network Associates Coliseum.  She has also said it with compassion, and in Spanish, no less, when she helped the homeless as a volunteer for Catholic Charities.  

But the arena where her voice has been really heard and has made the greatest difference is when she visited

 sick children in Mexico City or brought Christmas cheer to disadvantaged children on a local reservation.   Rebeca noted that the reservation visit one of her most significant times as Raiderette.  She and a small group of Raiderettes accompanied Santa Claus to deliver gifts to the children.  “They had so many toys to give.  It was kind of neat because we were Santa Claus’ little elves.  We had Santa hats on…and just to see the toys they got was just unbelievable….  And to see the kids play with Santa….  Some would cry; some were really excited.”

Although the nearly eight-hour round ride to the reservation over the challenging roads was a bit tough on the Raiderettes, the ultimate effect on the children made up for the discomfort.  “But it was so well worth it,” Rebeca asserted.  “Just to see the smiles on their faces.  Just the reaction of the kids...they really enjoyed having us there.”

Now, the children might have had a merry Christmas, but since this was in California, the children did not have a white Christmas.  The weather did take some part in the festivities, however.  “It rained cats and dogs; it was such bad weather,” Rebeca recalled.  “But rain or shine, Santa Claus and his little elves were there.” 

Although she was born on April 1, Rebeca does not fool around when it comes to giving advice to the new Raiderettes, who will also have to travel over some rough roads and through stormy weather during their careers.

As the rookies strive to master the routines, the demanding regimen may be very stressful, even when the weather is sunny.  Thus, Rebeca gave this advice to the new Raiderettes:  “You may even leave crying from practice because it is a lot to absorb.”  However, it’s not about the Raiderettes themselves, she implied, it’s about the fans.  Nevertheless, Rebeca urged the rookies to make the most of the experience:  “Take every moment, cherish every moment, grasp everything you can grasp.  Enjoy it.  Have fun because you’re going to have a fabulous season between going to the rally, dancing at Napa Day, flying down to Hawaii for that ‘infamous’ glitzy calendar.”  

Even though Rebeca has loaned her pom-poms out to one of the current Raiderettes, she still considers them hers and will be waiting to take them up once again in the near future.  Her fans will be waiting, too. 

Since retirement is never a sure thing and since it is possible for former Raiderettes to regain their positions on the squad, Raiderdrive would like to say, by way of conclusion, “Pita and Rebeca, save those pom-poms, please!”  Moreover, if you can manage it, you might as well return together.

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