While most students were spending their three-day weekend relaxing, the marching band was sweeping the competition at USSBA hosted at Hays’ stadium, Oct. 12. Winning not only the awards for best percussion, best color guard, and best visual appearance, they also won the 4A division and were crowned Grand Champions.

“It was so cool,” freshman Mendi James said. “I was so excited when I heard them say our name when they were announcing the awards.”

All of their hard work and hours out in the heat and rain paid off for the whole band early in the competition season.

“It was great,” junior Jesus Cruz said. “I was glad we finally won something overall.”

Their next competition will be UIL Region Marching at Kelly Reeves stadium in RRISD, Oct. 19. If they score well, they will advance to UIL Area, Oct. 26.