Vasella Gives Views On Pa. States

Drum Corps News Sept. 12, 1962 issue

Contrary to a belief expressed by a columnist of D.C.N., the VASELLA "MUSKETEERS" of Philadelphia, Pa., defending state champions of both the Penna. V.F.W. and American Legion, came out to successfully win these same two titles without the aid of protests (as stated) or any other reason mistakenly presented by the columnist - Mr. Ernest W. Saxton, business manager of the Bracken "Cavaliers". Evidently, Mr. Saxton finds it necessary to present a blown-up, one-sided picture to the drum corps public, to save face for his corps, which he has continually boasted about concerning their ability to overcome and dominate fellow Pennsylvania State corps competition.

To explain the V.F.W. contest of July 13, 1962, which took place in the Philadelphia Municipal Stadium, we must give a full, uncensored picture of the night's happenings and what led up to them.

On the night previous to this contest, Bracken was informed that due to the information held by a corps director, concerning over-age(21) members in the Cavalier's ranks, the corps would be ineligible to compete in state competition. Bracken knew this before their busses pulled up to the corps entrance to the stadium. The corps dressed, as all corps did, and WERE PREPARED TO MARCH in their previously drawn position which was sixth in the junior corps line-up, without any "rushing around", as stated in Saxton's column. They knew that they were under protest when they marched their kick-off company front onto the line. As mentioned, they had this knowledge when they made up their mind to compete.

As announced by Mr. Frank J. McCormick, contest chairman, the positions - other than Vasella's first place tally - were unofficial pending a hearing and investigation of the protest. (which is standard operating procedure as stated in the V.F.W. rules and regulations.) These scores and positions are now official with Bracken being disqualified for using over-age personnel in that competition. Thus, the Ridley Park "Rangers" and every corps thereafter move up one position and receive the prize money awarded those respective positions.

The following week at the American Legion State contest, Vasella once again took home the title, by a margin of four points. No protests were filed against any corps (including Bracken) at this show.

We have written this with the intention of clearing up any misinterpretation or unnecessary partiality as expressed in the July 25, 1962 edition of D.C.N. by the scribe. At present, the "Musketeers" have a 5 and 1 record, against many popular corps, which speaks for itself. We only hope that Mr. Saxton will refrain from excuses, and report the facts as they take place. We are sure he will find this a much more gratifying experience.

THE VASELLA MUSKETEERS
1961-62 Champions of Penna.
V.F.W. and AM. LEGION