And until about six years ago, I had never covered a state champion in anything.

But I had the opportunity to cover two track "stars" at their peak performances win individual state titles.

And now, I have had the opportunity to cover yet another state champion.

On Oct. 31, the Northview Marching Knights traveled to Lucas Oil Stadium hoping to defend their 2008 Indiana State School Music Association Class B State Title.

And they did just that.

Just like those other two state finals' trips, this year's was just as exciting to cover.

And maybe more so.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I never had the opportunity to advance as a member of marching band to the ISSMA State Finals. The band I was in was one spot off (to the best of my recollection) when I was a senior in high school.

But the Northview Marching Knights have made this a regular thing, almost as if it is old hat.

The Marching Knights have advanced to state finals for as long as current members have been alive.

That is so impressive.

This group of kids and staff -- current and former -- annually give the community something to be proud of.

No matter what troubles are affecting the community or the world, at least for one weekend, the community can revel in the Marching Knights' success.

With all the barking that goes on in any community, whether it be about arrests, money troubles, H1N1, etc., about this time every year, people in this community come together in a show of support for this band.

That is so wonderful to see.

I was so hungry when I was coming home Saturday from state finals that I had to make a pit stop at the Cloverdale exit for something to eat.

Rather than getting back on Interstate-70, I elected to just head north on State Road 231 until I came to United States 40.

As I was coming into Clay County, I could feel the excitement in the air.

It had already been posted online (Facebook, MySpace, etc.) that the Marching Knights had won the Class B State Title.

There were a ton of police and fire vehicles waiting for the band at Great Dane to escort them back to the high school.

Driving into town, anyone could see herds of people lining up along U.S. 40 to congratulate the Knights as they came into town.

The Marching Knights, again, brought the community together.

For a few moments, we all forgot all of our problems. We forgot that, currently, the world seems bleak.

We lined up to congratulate these kids for their hard work and dedication.

We thanked them for another year of excellence.

We thanked them for being special.

We came together, even if for only a few moments.

And that's what makes it so special.