2006 Madison Scouts

Quick Links

This page was last updated: Sunday, February 25, 2007

Ben has left the family for the summer to march with the Madison Scouts.  He flew to Madison (via Chicago) on May 26th, and won't be back home until August 15th (the day before school starts).  The first three weeks were full of long rehearsals, with very little off time.  Ben has been good about calling home and checking in.  This page will follow Ben and the Scouts on their 10,000 mile odyssey.

Since we won't see Ben and the Scouts until July, there won't be many photo ops for this page.  This photo, glommed from the DCI website in early June, shows several of the Scouts taking a water break.  That's Ben behind the red water jug on the right side of the picture!

States the Scouts toured:

Alabama

Georgia

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Louisiana

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Nebraska

New Jersey

New York

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Tennessee

Texas

Virginia

Wisconsin

(19 in all)

June 17, 2006 ~ Coon Rapids, MN ~ FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON!!!  (Recap)

The Scouts had their first show, in Coon Rapids, MN.  They were up against two other Division I corps (the Colts and the Blue Stars).  When the mud cleared, the Scouts has taken first place, with an overall score of 66.475.  Ben called home for Father's Day on the 18th and Roger expressed a little concern for what seemed to be a low score.  Ben provided the answer, saying that it had rained all day, and they were not able to see the yard or sideline markers during the show.  He hoped their luck would be a little better in Menomonie, WI later on the 18th.

June 18, 2006 ~ Menomonie, WI ~ SCOUTS WIN AGAIN!  (Recap)

With a little better score of 69.5, the Scouts again bested the Colts and Blue Stars, this time on a much better field.  Ben's mid-day call indicated the field was artificial turf, and the weather was clear.  We've not heard from him since the score were posted on DCI's site just a little while ago.  Madison will face stiffer competition in Iowa, when they go up against the likes of the Bluecoats, who posted a 72.7 in Illinois Sunday night.  More to follow....

Show Patches

(click to see each show)

The Scouts continue to flirt with 70, scoring a 68.5 in Ankeny.  That score left them in second place, behind the Bluecoat's 72.85.  The season is still early, and Ben seems to be prepared for the 294 mile bus ride to Omaha, where the Scouts will again face the Bluecoats, and the always tough Cavaliers on Wednesday!

June 21, 2006 ~ Omaha, NE  (Recap)

The competition continues to get tougher, as the Scouts placed third in Omaha, behind The Cavaliers (76.0) and the Bluecoats (74.0).  While respectable for this time of season, the Scouts score of 69.2  will have to improve in order to contend with the major DCI players.  Other Division I corps participating Wednesday were the Colts (65.35) and Blue Stars (63.15).  Ben called shortly after the show, and reported that all is well, and he LOVES drum corps.  He was meeting a couple of Haltom friends who march for the Cavies before hitting the trail back to Iowa.  (UPDATE - Ben missed his HHS friends.  They won the competition, and had to stick around for an encore.)

The Scouts finally broke 70 for the first time this year, posting a 71.0, and placing second in a field of 5 Division I corps.  The Bluecoats won the day, with their season high 75.4.  Rounding out the field were the Colts (66.95), Blue Stars (65.15) and Pioneer (52.8).  Hats off to the Scouts for a job well done!

June 24, 2006 ~ Columbia, MO ~ FIRST MAJOR OF THE SEASON  (Recap)

In just eight days, the Scouts have played six venues in five states, finishing up tonight with a third place in Columbia, MO.  Their score (70.25) was a little lower than last time's, and the top two finishers were the same (The Cavaliers ~ 77.5, and the Bluecoats ~ 75.3).  Ben called at around 9:30 p.m. to report that the corps had a great show, and felt very good about their recent performances.  He was about to get back on the bus for a long trip north to Michigan.  Although there are no real "off days" for drum corps, the Scouts won't be on the competition field again until Tuesday.  To break up the monotony of text, here's another photo of the Scouts rehearsing on June 1 in Madison.  Haltom grad Rodney Thompson can be seen second from the right (yellow shorts with dot book on his side).  Go Rodney!!!

The media was watching as the Scouts pressed into Missouri last week.  You can read some of the "Behind-the-Scenes" commentary of their hard work in the Columbia Missourian here.  Also this week, DCI posted several photos from the Columbia show, which are available here.  There may be a few of Ben here and there, but we just aren't sure at this point.  We don't want to go "Armando" on you, so take a look for yourself!

With tougher competition like the Bluecoats and Cavaliers elsewhere in the country, the Scouts returned to the win column with their best score of the season (73.05).  Other Division I competition in Port Huron included the Blue Stars (66.3) and Pioneer (55.7).  Scores in other venues are getting higher as well.  The Blue Devils have already passed 80, on the way to scores that should settle in the mid to upper-90's before season's end.  The Scouts are continuing to refine their show, changing several of the marching blocks before Port Huron.  Ben called late in the evening to tell us he was well, and that drum corps is awesome!

June 28, 2006 ~ Belding, MI ~ SCOUTS TAKE FOURTH WIN (Recap)

The Scouts continue to improve, posting a season-high 74.55 in Michigan.  Tonight they matched up against the Colts (74.75), Blue Stars (68.5) and Pioneer (56.75) in a warm-up for the next major event in Normal on Friday.  After the show the Scouts piled onto their buses for another 300+ mile trip.  Updates for the June 30 and July 1 shows won't be posted until our return from Las Vegas on the 2nd.

June 30, 2006 ~ Normal, IL ~ DCI MAJOR EVENT (Recap)

As has become a common event, the Scouts faced off against DCI powerhouses The Cavaliers (81.8) and Bluecoats (80.15), finishing third with a 75.4.  Other Division I corps in this major event were the Colts (71.55), Blue Stars (67.7), Capital Regiment (65.7), and Pioneer (56.4). 

Another day, another third place finish behind The Cavaliers (82.6) and the Bluecoats (80.15).  Still, the Scouts posted their best score yet (76.1), showing improvement.  Ben called home early in the evening, to let us know all was well.  He told C that Saturday was a laundry day, and that he had gotten to sleep over nine hours.  That's quite an accomplishment for a corps man.  Only seventeen days until we see Ben in Dallas!

The Scouts continued to improve as they performed in Cedarburg.  Tonight's score was 78.1, which placed them second, behind the Bluecoats' 81.9.  Other "regulars" in the show were the Colts (73.4), Blue Stars (70.75) and Pioneer (60.4).    Consistant improvement is essential for the Scouts to compete against other major corps in larger venues. 

The Scouts (78.75) faced off for the first time this season against the Blue Devils (74.9?) in Iowa.  The first scores posted on DCI's website showed the Scouts winning, sort of.  While listed at the top of the rankings, the Scouts showed to have placed 2nd, but had a higher score than the other participants (Colts 74.9, Blue Stars 73.55).  We can only surmise at this point that the Blue Devils' score was listed wrong, and are awaiting the recap to see where everyone stands.  We'll update the site when we know more.  By the way, Ben is in the dog house.  We've not heard from him since Tuesday, but he's had time to call his friends (both old and new).  The "phone home" lecture awaits him when we catch up again!

UPDATE - The scores were reparsed, and the Blue Devils won with an 85.5.  We thought that upset victory was too good to be true.  We also caught him on the phone - he was looking for Mr. Matthews.  He was encouraged to call home more often!

When the smoked had cleared after the meeting of nearly all the major DCI players, the Scouts (78.175) found themselves in sixth place overall.  As noted on DCI's website, only the Blue Devils (85.525) remain undefeated, besting The Cavaliers (85.0) by more than half a point.  A total of 14 Division I corps played in the RCA Dome, and all the scores may be seen by following the recap link above.  Two notable corps still performing on the west coast are the Santa Clara Vanguard and Blue Knights, who will join the field in San Antonio later this month.

For the first time all season, the Scouts broke 80 scoring an 80.35 in Erie, PA.  Still, it was not enough to top the Boston Crusaders, who led the way with an 80.8.  Other Division I corps performing were the Spirit from JSU (74.95), The Magic (67.1) and Pioneer (63.0).  Ben called mid-day and told C all was well, but that it was raining a lot in New York, where they were rehearsing.  He reported he was alive and well, and fully realized it was just ten days until he'd see Mom and Dad again in Dallas.  Oh, yes, he also mentioned he was  a little low on body wash.  For the sake of the corps, we'll deliver some to him next week!

The Scouts (80.75) performed in their tenth state of the season as they took on Division 1 rivals Boston Crusaders (82.3), Spirit of JSU (77.2), and The Magic (67.15).  Ben called right after their performance to say it was once again an awesome experience, and that the weather was cool.  While we were living with the third 100 degree day of the season, the Scouts were enjoying a comfortable 79 degrees.  Ben added that the entire Texas group was counting the days (9!) until the Dallas show.

Torrential rains washed out the Scouts scheduled appearance in Buffalo, NY.  Although disappointing, it was not a total loss.  Ben indicated the crew would get more "floor" time (sleeping on the floor of a gym, rather than in the bus), which would be a welcome thing.  After a little rest, it was back on the bus for a 400+ mile return trip to Michigan.

This show was originally scheduled for Kalamazoo, but was moved to Battle Creek while the field at Western Michigan State was resurfaced.  The venue change didn't alter the eventual outcome, with the Blue Devils (89.025) running away with the championship over eleven other Division I competitors.  The Scouts (81.4)  once again posted their best score of the season, but finished sixth behind the Phantom Regiment (86.975), Bluecoats (86.45), Carolina Crown (82.725) and Boston Crusaders (81.475).  Finishing below the Scouts were the Glassmen (80.925), Spirit from JSU (78.475), Colts (76.725), Capital Regiment (73.45), Southwind (69.575), and The Magic (66.1).  This week's scores will determine who will go straight into the finals at San Antonio next weekend.  The top eight advance, while the remainder of the field will have to compete for four remaining spots.  Good luck, Scouts!

The Scouts had another great show, posting an 82.75 in Centerville, placing second behind the Bluecoats (87.05).  They continue to work hard, building up to shows in Mississippi, Dallas and San Antonio this week.  Based on last week's scores, the Scouts will have to qualify for finals in San Antonio, and will perform at 3:58 p.m. Saturday afternoon.  Ma and Pa will be there, rooting the Scouts on in both Dallas and S.A..  Rounding out Division I corps in Centerville were the Boston Crusaders (81.35), The Magic (65.7) and Pioneer (61.5).

Tupelo, MS played host to the 2006 Drummin' Down the Trace show on a sultry Tuesday night.  Five Division I corps performed here, while several others were in Jacksonville, AL and Pittsburg, KS.  (R remembers Pittsburg from trips as a kid to see Chief's games on TV, but that's a whole other story.)  Competition was fierce in Tupelo, as the Scouts (82.6) went up against the Blue Devils (89.7), Bluecoats (87.3), and The Magic (67.25).  The Blue Devils remain the odds-on favorites to take the world championship this year, as they remain undefeated deep into the season.  Anyone actually reading recaps on the site are reminded that C and R will be headed to Dallas and San Antonio with the Scouts, so updates won't be posted until they return next week.  We hope to have a separate page posted with photos of Ben and his compadres as well!

We made it back from the Dallas/Seguin/San Antonio trip the evening of July 23rd.  In Dallas, the Scouts placed third, with a score of 83.85.  The contest winner was the Blue Devils (90.55), followed by Phantom Regiment (88.0).  We got to see Ben in rehearsal and at the show.  Of course, we didn't even recognize him at first. Photos of the trip will follow soon.

The Scouts found themselves in the position with 13 other corps of having to qualify for the finals in San Antonio.  Their first show, Saturday afternoon, was divine.  The Scouts advanced with a score of 83.65, just behind the Blue Knights (84.175).  Also advancing to finals from the afternoon set were the Glassmen (82.425) and Spirit from JSU (81.4).

The evening session brought together twelve great Division I corps.  In what was considered an upset, The Cavaliers (92.55) ended the Blue Devils' (92.0) undefeated string.  The Scouts (81.725) were not able to improve on thier tenth place seeding, but put on a better show than they had in qualifiers.

After searching the DCI site for weeks, we finally spotted a photo of Ben in action at the San Antonio afternoon show.  This was clipped from the DCI site for presentation here.

More photos of Ben and the Scouts may be found in our '06 Vacation pages.  Follow the links below to take a look.

Dallas

San Antonio

July 24, 2006 ~ Baton Rouge, LA

The Scouts were rained out for the second time this season.  Undaunted, they are headed on to Alabama.

With only four July shows remaining, the Scouts found themselves in Alabama at the Spirit of JSU's home show.  Ben called home a couple of hours before the show to say all was well, and that he had acquired a new pillow.  This is big news when you spend a lot of time of the floor of gymnasiums.  As competition began, the Scouts found themselves in great position to pick up ground on the Santa Clara Vanguard.  The latest DCI rankings had SCV in 7th place, just percentage points ahead of the Scouts, who had moved from 10th to 8th.  It's gotten to be 10 o'clock, and there are still no results.  Tune in tomorrow for a complete recap of how the Scouts fared.

Part II - We woke up this morning to find the Scouts had once again posted their best score of the season (85.45).  Sadly for us, so had SCV (88.7).  The Scouts wound up second, ahead of the Glassmen (85.15), Spirit from JSU (83.35), Crossmen (79.85), The Magic (72.85), and Seattle Cascades (72.1).  Later that afternoon, we were excited to see that a photo of Ben and C was featured on DCI.org's daily feature "Forzato".  You can see the story from the link here.

Rains continue to plague the Tennessee Valley, and tonight's show in Cookville was rained out.  The Scouts performed before the event was called, and Ben said their show was awesome!

By virtue of being ranked 8th overall last week, the Scouts did not have to qualify for the evening session in Atlanta.  The top twelve began playing at 7:00 p.m., with our guys stepping off at 8:08 (eastern time).  Results will be posted here shortly after they are announced in Atlanta.

Partial scores and in, and the Scouts placed tenth with a score of 84.25.  The winner in Atlanta was The Cavaliers (93.025), who barely edged out the Blue Devils (93.0).  Five corps scored over 90, which should lead to some excitement over the next two weeks.

The Scouts (86.0) began their final east coast tour in Salem, VA, placing 3rd behind the Santa Clara Vanguard (88.6) and the Carolina Crown (87.55).  Ben called during the day and told C he LOVES Virginia.  They got some quality "floor time", and woke to discover they were next to a beautiful mountain range.  The east coast swing continues tomorrow night in Warrenton.

Although their scores improve nearly every day, the Scouts (86.65) find themselves behind other corps who are also getting better as the season draws to a close.  Tonight they found themselves second once again to the Santa Clara Vanguard (89.8).  The Scouts were, however, holding on to leads over the Glassmen (84.9), Spirit from JSU (84.65), Colts (81.8), Crossmen (80.55), Capital Regiment (78.7) and Pacific Crest (73.2).  With just three shows before Madison, the Scouts must nail down loose ends to make it to finals on August 12th.  Go Scouts!

The Scouts (86.55) performed at Giants Stadium, virtually in the shadows of New York City against the likes of The Cavaliers (95.6), The Cadets (92.3), Carolina Crown (89.15), Crossmen (82.5), The Magic (76.6) and Esperanza (73.65).  Ben called mid-afternoon and told C he loved the venue, and was excited about seeing the NYC skyline.  He also told her he had taken a tumble on Wednesday, banging himself up and bit, and damaging his horn.  Drum corps is not without its injuries, as Alan can attest.  Now it's back to Pennsylvania for a couple of nights before the longest road trip of the summer - a return to Madison for finals next week.

This was not a scored event, but more of a "thank you" from the Scouts to the town of Shuylkill for their outstanding hospitality this week.  The Scouts stayed here before and after the East Rutherford show, and prior to heading into Allentown for the last major competition prior to the World Championship next week.  Ben called and told C that today had been "perfect".  The weather was great, and he was having a wonderful time back east.  Only four days until we head for Wisconsin!

The Scouts (86.75) finished up their east coast tour with a sixth place finish in Allentown Saturday night.  This show was so large it took two night for all the corps to perform.  As all of the Division I corps leave Pennsylvania headed for Madison this week, the Scouts find themselves in tenth place overall, about a point ahead of the Glassmen.  They are also about two points behind the Blue Knights, so it will take some hard work in Madison to move up in the standings.  We'll be there to cheer them on during semi-finals and finals later this week.  For now, the Scouts are on a bus trip of nearly 900 miles, returning home for their final performances of the season.

After many months of practice and intense competition, 23 Division I corps met in Madison for quarterfinals.  Among them, of course, were Ben and the Scouts.  At the end of the evening, the Scouts learned they had made the cut to a field of 17, placing tenth with a season best score of 88.25.

It took 1,100+ miles in three days, but Ma and Pa made it to Madison to see the Scouts perform in semifinals with the top 17 corps in the world.  We were not disappointed.  The Scouts (87.95) held on to their tenth place position, and made the cut to World Finals.  While all of the corps were amazing, they actually were no competition for the Madison Scout Alumni Project.  This group of very talented performers numbered in excess of 200, and included Scouts from as far back as 1938.  In a word, they were BRILLIANT!  I only hope their performance will be available on video, or, better yet, shown on the DCI program on ESPN2 September 5th.

August 12, 2006 ~ Madison, WI  (WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS)  (Recap)

The finals were fantastic!!!  The Scouts (87.7) put on a great show, and moved past the Boston Crusaders to finish ninth overall.  The crowd's favorite, The Cavaliers, won it all with a final score of 97.2.  We started the evening on the 13th row, near the 32 yard-line.  As luck would have it, we were in the perfect spot to see Ben march right in front of us throughout the show.  How great that was!  A couple of shots of the finale are show below.

This marks the end of our Madison Scouts blog for 2006.  Though we were on the sidelines, it was fabulous watching Ben live out one of his dreams.  Oh, by the way, one of Ben's marching orders when he left home was to get a photo with Rodney Thompson.  We managed to snap one of him after their final 2006 performance.