Optimists, Conky Win

By J. Ian Stott
DCN Aug. 29, 1962

The Ontario Jr. Invitational Championships, sponsored by Canada's Marching Ambassadors, even had the weather enthralled. It had been raining off and on all afternoon, but let up for the show. Then started again after retreat.

And what a show. There were 8 competing corps - 3 in the Jr. B class and 5 in the Jr. A.

Brantford Belltones pleasantly surprised us and put out a good effort; but of course, the Conqueror (Hamilton Jr. Optimists) walked away with the prize. These boys could probably put up a real fight in the Jr. A class (see scores below).

The other competing corps, York Lions of Toronto, showed they have come a long way in a short time, but need more work.

The first of the Jr. A corps to step on the field was Opti. And they were on! From the moment Jim McConkey took off his green Optimist Jacket to reveal a sequin-studded black and silver uniform (and, of course, that buckle) everyone knew that the Jr. A competition would be a battle for 2nd place. GE was tops (even Jimmy running for his life to get out from between two converging lines), as were drums, bugles and execution. Everyone I talked to during the show agreed that tonight they were unbeatable. Yes, I mean that. Sac., Garfield, Cavaliers, - no one. This corps was hot.

Next came Midtowners, seemingly improved from Port Hope, where I saw them last. St. John's Girls again showed a good major and color guard, but execution leaves much to be desired.

Next on the line was Del, and you had to feel sorry for them. You could tell that De La Salle was up for this one, and they gave it their all. They looked good, sounded good and marched good (pardon the English) but, as previously mentioned, their arch rivals, the Toronto Optimists couldn't be beaten. Speaking of Del, isn't it a shame that with those uniforms, they couldn't come up with something better for their drum major?

Scout House was on last, and showed an improved horn line Varsity (the Jr. International), but that line still needs a lot of work.

Before the scores were announced, there were comments to the effect that Opti tonight would have given the Royalaires a run for their money. Then, when their 82.75 was announced, we all felt that this was low. However, congratulations to the Ambassadors for putting on one of the best Jr. competitions we've seen in a long time.

The scores:
Jr. B division
Hamilton Jr. Opt ............ 72.5
Brantford Belltones ..... 62.4
York Lions ...................... 58.7
Jr. A division
Toronto Optimists ......... 82.75
De La Salle ...................... 76.15
Preston Scout House ... 70.95
Midtowners ..................... 67.90
St. John's Girls .............. 62.25