JC took third in 1996 contest

Twenty-five years ago this week results of the state fair left Jay County’s band in tears.

The Aug. 8, 1996, edition of The Commercial Review featured coverage of the Jay County High School Marching Patriots’ third-place finish at the Indiana State Fair.

Despite finishing in the top three, the group was left disappointed. It had finished as high as second at previous contests during the summer.

Senior color guard member Jill Roessner said she was “disappointed at the scoring. I thought we did the best show we could and it’s up to the judges.”

Franklin Central successfully defended its state fair title, scoring 87.7 points.  Winchester followed with 86.1 and Jay County had 85.1. There was a massive gap between those top three and everyone else, as Indian Creek was fourth at 73.2.

“The kids did fine,” said JCHS band director Dave Humbert. They did what they had to do. Just the numbers didn’t fall the right way. It ended up the top three bands being there … so shake them up and we might have come up with another number because it’s that tight of a draw and that’s a good deal to be in.

“We’re not used to being third, but there’s 27 guys behind you.”

Silence overtook the Jay County camp late in the evening. 

A day that had been full of cheers, chants and smiles had drawn to a close. Hugs were exchanged. Tears welled in eyes and streamed down cheeks. Band staffers huddled and talked quietly as they reviewed scores.

“It’s a lot of my summer and a lot of my senior year, so I’m kind of sad,” said senior Stephanie Rager. “I’ll be here in the future cheering them. I’ll miss it.”