Milford Spartans Win Final N.H. Standstill

DCN May 22, 1963 issue

The Milford N.H. Spartans won the final N.H. All-American Circuit Standstill held in Derry on May 12. The Spartans are presently raising funds for a trip to the VFW Nationals next August. (Clark Photo)

(Article by T. L. Lorden)

DERRY, N.H., May 2 - The SPARTANS of Milford after losing the first two NHAA Circuit Standstills via penalties in timing, won the third and final one of the current series today. However, this was not accomplished without a determined effort by Portsmouth's GOLDEN EAGLES who finished just three tenths behind. Three points back in third place were the GRANITEERS who displayed all-new music, the most outstanding number being "Sound of Music".

A two-point penalty dropped the ANDREWS JETS of Maine to second in Class B and moved the Manchester MUCHACHOS (Boys' Club) into their first standstill victory. Third, in their debut, were the host SPACETOWN CADETS, just six months old. This unit shows much promise for the future, for they have come a long way in a short time. (The Cadets filled in when several units dropped out in the last few days prior to the event.)

Top bugling went to the Spartans with Rochester in second. The drumming trophy was awarded to Portsmouth as the Spartans, with one snare and one tenor missing, dropped to an unaccustomed second in this caption. Rocky Fournier of the Eagles was named best drum major.

Of considerable interest to area observers were the Muchachos' new uniforms. Literally "Hawthorne-in-miniature," these latest editions now rate among the most colorful in the circuit. Their new all-girl guard, under the guidance of former Spartan Doris Brown, made its first appearance with the unit.

Scores were:
Class A
1. Spartans .......... 88.1
2. Golden Eagles ..... 87.8
3. Roch. Graniteers .. 84.3
Class B
1. Muchachos ......... 74.3
2. Andrews Jets ...... 73.7
3. Spacetown Cadets .. 63.7

Judging was done by the N.H.-Conn. All-American judges. A 2-point penalty was levied on the Jets, and 4-points on Spacetown.

The circuit is now preparing for the summer M&M season. Several Maine and Massachusetts units will join the many New Hampshire corps to present some outstanding shows. A complete schedule and roster of units will be released in the next few weeks.