They marched in the bitter cold. They marched in the August heat. They marched in the rain and on clear days when their field was covered in mud.

And on Saturday, for the first time in their history, the Leo High School Marching Band will march in Lucas Oil Stadium, where it will compete for a state championship against nine other bands in the Class C division.

Of the 40 high school marching bands competing Saturday in Indianapolis, Leo and seven others hail from northeast Indiana. The regional bands represent all four divisions, which are based on the size of the school.

"It's crazy," senior Joey Edwards said during band practice Wednesday. "Four years ago, we just wanted to do OK at districts."

The 70-member Leo band got its start only seven years ago.

At the time, the school wasn't even sure it could support an entire, competitive marching band, according to band director Bob Myers.

Myers came on board four years ago. Since then, students said, the band has grown in size and strength. Most band members said they see their musical skills as their best asset and their marching as a place for improvement.

Other area bands competing in the C division include Concordia Lutheran and Norwell. Marching bands from Woodlan and Bluffton will compete in Class D, while DeKalb and North Side are among the 10 bands seeking top honors in Class B. In the large band Class A division, Homestead will compete for the 25th consecutive year.

The day-long event at Lucas Oil Stadium marks the culmination of the season for marching bands.

"I'm excited, but nervous," said Leo color guard member Brittney Clark, who called band practice "a full-time job."

Clark, a senior, said working with the band has given her confidence and a home away from home.

Her friend, senior Delaney Cole, agreed.

"I feel like I can be myself here," she said.

Several Leo band members said there were cheers and tears after placing in the top 10 at semistate. If they win state, they said, there will surely be more of the same.

But band members, like their director, say simply advancing to state has given them a long-lasting high.

"Where we finish, I could care less," Myers said. "I'm just glad these kids have the opportunity to go. To do what these kids have done, it's just amazing."

dhaynie@jg.net

If you go

The ISSMA website offers rules and information for those who attend the state competition. Click here.