Optimists Top Sac, Queensmen At Rome Show
DCN August 8, 1962 issue

ROME, N.Y., July 14 - History was made tonight when for the first time, a Canadian Jr. Corps beat a National Champion U.S. Corps. The TORONTO OPTIMISTS surprised many in beating the BLESSED SAC and the QUEENSMEN along with three other corps. Rome Free Academy filled to about 2,000 people was the scene of this drum corps event.

The OPTIMISTS in new blouses and sashes, steam-rolled on to the field to "Wide World". A very active color guard, complete with bayonets, added to the enjoyment of their show. As the scoresheet later indicated, OPTI's victory was in G.E., beating SAC roughly by 2 points and the QUEENSMEN by 4 points. Their score, 86.20.

BLESSED SAC presented a mediocre show, much likely due to the long ride from Newark to Rome. High horns and drums, but lost out on the before-mentioned G.E. Their drill and music is neatly executed, but a show-stopper is needed. Their score, 84.45.

The QUEENSMEN, showing lots of spirit and drive, featured a new color presentation and exit, drill-wise. This topped off by new musical endings to "I'll Walk With God", and "Eager Beaver", had the audience in constant applause. M&M was the only apparent drawback, but is bound to improve. Their score, 82.20.

The UTICA YANKEES featured a wide open drill and a proficient horn line. Highlights of their show is an extended company front and enlarged "V" formation. Repertoire included, "C'est Magnifique" and "Climb Every Mountain". Look for big things from this corps and watch them at Legion State. Their score, 76.55

ST. JOHN'S GIRLS Corps, also of Canada, fielded the largest corps of the night. As with the case of many all-girl corps, drumming is their set-back. A large color guard is used to the best advantage throughout the drill, along with a twisting major in concert. Their score, 60.35.

The APPALACHIAN GRENADIERS - a new corps, were rough in all captions, especially M&M. They deserve an A for credit and will be a corps to reckon with in a couple of years. Their score, 57.10.

Awards went to BLESSED SAC for major and OPTI for color guard. The OPTIMISTS will have plenty of time to defend their new found title at Marion, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pa., when they'll compete against the best corps in the country. Only time will tell what the outcome will be.