Huskies fall just short of fairytale finish at states

DuBois captures Group 3A crown by .19 points

LEWISTOWN -- The stage was set for a fairytale as championship Saturday had returned to Lewistown. The hometown Marching Huskies were peaking at the right time. The stands were packed. The sun was shining. And a state title on home turf was suddenly within sight.

What followed was a performance worthy of the moment. Instead, what followed after that was heartbreak.

By the slimmest of margins, DuBois Area High School Marching Beavers captured the Group 3A championship at the Tournament of Bands Pennsylvania State Championships, posting a 91.94 to Mifflin County’s 91.75 and denying the Marching Huskies a storybook ending before their home crowd.

"The Mifflin County Students did an amazing job on Saturday," Mifflin County High School Director of Bands Brandon Kahley said. "We raised our score for our show by almost four points, which is a very strong jump. While the band didn't walk away with the first-place trophy, the students held their heads high knowing that it indeed was our best performance of this year's show. From here the only way to go is up. Our eyes are set on next weekend, the ACC (Atlantic Coast Championships) competition."

Hosted by the Mifflin County Music Boosters at Kish Bank Field at Donald M. Chapman III Stadium, the championships brought 15 bands from across Pennsylvania to Lewistown for a full day of competition.

For longtime marching band supporters, the event also marked the return of a major marching band showcase to the community. Mitchell Field once hosted competitions in Lewistown, with the last held in the early 2000s.

"It was an amazing opportunity to host such a great event at the Mifflin County High School," Kahley added. "I want to thank the school board and administration. I also want to thank the Mifflin County Music Boosters and all volunteers and staff that were able to help this weekend happen."

The day began with temperatures in the upper 30s as the Huskies took the field for a morning practice before gates opened at 11 a.m. By the time competition got underway, sunshine had warmed the stadium and created ideal conditions for an afternoon of championship performances.

Competing in Group 3A, the Huskies continued their impressive late season rise, improving nearly four points from their previous score. While the state title narrowly slipped away, Mifflin County earned special awards for High Visual and High Percussion.

The Marching Beavers’ winning score established a new school record for the band and color guard.

The season, however, is far from over for the Marching Huskies. Mifflin County now advances to the Atlantic Coast Championships at Hershey Stadium on Saturday, where it will face bands from several states and could see a rematch with DuBois.

Other state champions crowned Saturday were Serra Catholic in Group 1A with a score of 88.86, Eisenhower in Group 2A with a 90.76, Tyrone in Group 1 Open with a 90.50, Penn-Trafford in Group 2 Open with a 90.90 and McGuffey in Group 4 Open with an 82.60.