Marshall University - Chief Justice Yearbook (Huntington, WV)

Page 21 text:

FLIPPING OVER THE HERD - At the Mar shall Ho Diecoming game. Field Commander Leo Ruth Hips off the stand as the band finishes Puttin' on the Ritz. DRUMMING AROUND • Drummer Earl Strohmeyer stands at attention during a summer practice waiting for the signal to begin the routine. IN THE MOOD - Tim Channell practices one of the tunes the Big Green Marching Machine performed at halftime. MARCHING BAND ■ 19

Page 20 text:

A classy and brassy band In 1985-86. the Big Green Marching Machine was a major force in promoting Here spirit. No matter what the weather, members were at all home football games to entertain the fans and to support Coach Stan Parrish’s players. The hand also played at Richmond, Ky.. where the Herd stunned Eastern Kentucky University 13-7. Football games weren't the only activities on the band's agenda, however. In November, members Rave a concert, marched as an exhibition band at the Tri-State Band Competition, and performed in several area parades. Practice began a week before school started. During the week, students practiced for approximately 10 hours a day to learn drills and to perfect their playing techiques. After classes began, band members practiced from 3:30 to 5 p.m. three days a week and before games on Saturdays. Starting with 210 members, the SYNCHRONIZED SPINNING ■ Members of the rifle corps practice their rifle-spinning maneuvers during summer rehearsal. band soon grew after classes began, as more students realized that they wanted to be a part of this unique organization. Being in the band was not only an exciting challenge, but it was also a way to make new friends and gain opportunity to travel. All band members worked extremely hard, and the effort eventually paid off. The cheers of the crowd as they took the field was a fitting reward for the long hours of practice. Directed by Dr. Richard Lemke and led by Field Commanders Polly Winters and Leo Ruth, the band proved that it was indeed a force to be reckoned with in 1985-86. Its immense “wall of sound” could be heard all over campus, and its precise marching and maneuvering style was flashy and quite difficult. The sclmol spirit of the band members also was an important aspect of the Big Green Marching Machine, as the cheerleaders often looked to the band for help in getting the fans “psyched up with lively numbers and cheers. The fans equally appreciated the band’s presence, as its colorful shows, such as the tribute to Walt Disney, allowed a delightful break from the non-stop action of the gomes. A pep band also w’as on hand to entertain the crowds at the basketball games. The band was invited to perform at some professional football games in 1985-86 but was forced to turn down the offers due to a lack of funds. The members began selling raffle tickets in the fall to raise money for other activities. Everywhere it went, the marching band managed to turn heads. With its colorful uniforms and brassy sound, it was the pride of Marshall. And in return for the support given to it by spectators and athletes alike, the band did its best to give the teams and university its all. So. in its own way. the hand was significantly responsible for the fans’ enthusiasm and the winning season that came into view in 1985-86. 18 ■ MARCHING BAND

Page 22 text:

A new attitude Marshall may not have had a tradition as a football power prior to the Sept. 23 NCAA I-AA football poll, but the university came into view as the Thundering Herd trampled its first five opponents of the season. As the team gained a No. 3 ranking. Herd spirit swept through Huntington and the region. For the first time in the school’s history, the football team earned a top 10 slot in the national rankings. Coach Stan Parrish, his assistants, and team members emerged from a 20-year losing streak marked tragically by the Nov. 14. 1070 airplane crash that killed 75 team members, coaches and community members. Herd spirit in all this new-found success became as contagious and as improved as the team itself. Signs, banners, buttons, sweatshirts. t-shirts, hats, caps — anything bearing a Marshall University lego became vogue. And green seemed to unconsciously and with more frequency pop into everyone's wardrobe. MU bookstore manager Joe Vance said. We can measure sales in terms of ’Before Parrish’ and ‘After Parrish.’ Winning in football has definitely increased our sales. Pride in the team, widespread enthusiasm and a full house at the stadium have all added to our sales.” Stadium attendance records were challenged by the new attitude running rampant along with the Herd, and Standing Room Only became a familiar phrase from the press box. Therese Tweel. assistant ticket manager, said during the busy season. All we’re able to do is sell. Wc can’t even answer the telephone because people ore lined up down the hall waiting to buy' tickets. They’re wearing us thin, but we don’t mind. The boys on the football team arc playing so well they deserve to have a full stadium.” AIR PARRISH ■ Some of the excitement generated was due partly to quarterback Carl Fodor and his offensive unit. SIGN OF THE TIMES - As well as being one of the widely heard phrases, the slogan Go Herd” also was seen on campus and throughout the community. rm 20 ■ HERD SPIRIT