Best part of the game - halftime

One of the running jokes in our household was when younger daughter was in elementary school and announced one day to her father - the football coach - the best part of the game was halftime. She liked to see the band and the cheerleaders. It was the best part of the game to her.

Her dad didn't take offense and still doesn't when we bring that up. It was brought up again on Saturday as we attended the UNK football game at Cope Stadium in Kearney. I was not 'invested' in the game since I didn't know a sole playing. Plus I felt a bit like a traitor to my CSC Eagles. The kids knew some classmates so they were more interested in the actual football part of the day. The coach in the family was sitting there taking in the game with the usual intensity that accompanies any football game.

I must say I did really enjoy the bands. Yes, music and foo-foo stuff were not in my genetic makeup but I do enjoy watching marching bands. Now, I only participated in marching band my freshman year in high school back in the stone ages. But trust me, marching and playing music is dang gone hard to do. Well, I will qualify that as there are some talented folks that can do both with ease. I just ain't one of them.

It was great fun to see the drum lines get into the game and get the crowd fired up. It was fun to see the bands for both schools battle musically during the game but come together during their halftime performance. The drum majors were fun to watch as they directed their bands. There were flag corps, baton twirlers, spirit squads and dance teams that helped to liven up the atmosphere.

All of that musical spirit makes the games more enjoyable at least for me. It takes hard work and a boat load of practice to do the field marching and performances. Besides having to know the music, they have to be able to learn the routines and hit their marks with super timing.

So here's to all those marching band members in the 'big' schools or even the little ones that field a marching squad. You are the best part of the game for some of us. Thanks for practicing and making your part of the game worth watching and listening to.