Pride of Olney takes top rating at regional competition
Members of the Pride of Olney High School Band received a first-division rating at the UIL Region 7 NZ Marching Contest last Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Wichita Falls.
This is the sixth consecutive first division for the band, directed by Rodney Bennett, Associate Director Marilyn Bennett and Assistant Director Mike Shelton. Percussion line director is Charles Gregory and Color Guard directors are Kammi Bonham and Amy Sigala.
Ratings for Class A included: Knox City (2) and Throckmorton (2). Other Class 2A ratings were: Seymour (2), Windthorst (3), Electra (2), Anson (1), Archer City (2), Munday (1), Petrolia (2), Stamford (2) and Haskell (1).
Results for Class 3A included: Holliday (1), City View (1), Jacksboro (2) and Henrietta (2). Class 4A ratings were Iowa Park (1), Hirschi (2), Vernon (3) and Burkburnett (1).
Both Class 5A high schools Wichita Falls Rider and Wichita Falls High School received first divisions.
Judges for the event were Rick Baker (ret. Arlington) Ron Behrends (Ret. Southlake) and Benny Davis, director of bands at Rockwall.
Upcoming Fundraiser
Competition for bragging rights for “Best Band in Young County” will be held at the Whataburger in Graham on Tuesday, November 7 from 5-7 p.m.
Styled as “Bring the Heat”, the competition will feature a jalapeño eating contest. The winner will earn $500 for their school. Members for the POOHS Pepper Poppers team include: Chris Guerra, father of Eli and Vincent, Mr. Paul Garcia, father of Laura, and Mr. Doug McCutcheon, father of Amber and Amelia. In addition, Mr. Rodney Bennett , Director of Bands for the POOHS will be involved in a head-to-head pepper eating competition with Joshua Kidd, Director of Bands for the Rompin’ Stompin’ Big Blue Band.
There will be a $250 prize for the school with the most attendees wearing school colors.
Other events for the evening include door prizes, a drumline contest between the two bands, and other games and activities.