As an Ohio University football player - that is, a former player as of the clock striking zero at the end of the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl - no one loves the Marching 110 more. No group on this campus wants to see the band reach exclusive status and perform in national events like the football team.
Band members, just like football players, work their entire lives to perfect the skills and talents necessary to propel themselves to perform at the college level. During my career at Ohio University, both athletically and academically, there has always been a mythical financial rift between the band and football team. No rift exists; and if it does, it is news to me, my teammates and the true Best Damn Band in the Land. Why does the football team, win or lose, always sing the alma mater with the band with helmets and spirits held high? We support the band, the band supports us.
The point is that to blame the lack of funding for the Marching 110 on the football team is utterly ridiculous, as interpreted by yesterday's Post letters. Perhaps next year the football team should purposely lose games to ensure its lack of success, and in turn, go to no postseason action. The team earned its bowl game as a reward for hard work and dedication, just as the Marching 110 earned its trip to Pasadena.
Many do not understand why the Marching 110 must have fundraisers, yet the football team got an all-expense paid trip to Detroit. The football team's fundraisers are held Saturday afternoons: in Knoxville, Tenn; Blacksburg, Va.; Columbus; and, most importantly, Peden Stadium.
Alma Mater Ohio ...
Adam Olsheski is a graduate student studying special education, mild to moderate.
4 Opinion
