Congratulations are in order

I think congratulations should be handed out in droves right now for two people connected to this community.

Mark Ziegler and Bob Medworth, both band directors, guided Clay City and Northview to the state marching finals this year.

Sure, it's been a week since both bands competed at Lucas Oil Stadium. But both bands competed in the final week of Indiana State School Music Association action.

That's very impressive.

There are two high schools in this community and both advanced to the pinnacle.

Clay City placed 10th overall while Northview captured its seventh state title. It's eight if you county Brazil High School's title.

I can't help but think of a few years back when both bands placed first in the state finals in addition to another band only 25 miles away.

That's right, my alma mater, Owen Valley High School, won the Class C state championship, when Northview won Class B and Clay City won Class D.

The year was 1994, just three years after I had graduated.

Three bands won state titles within a 30-mile radius.

Impressive indeed.

Owen Valley held off Paoli in 1994 for the Class C state title, while Northview held off Greenwood. Clay City held off Blue River Valley.

Let's take a look at some of the recent history regarding Northview and Clay City.

Since 1991, the Marching Knights have strung together an impressive resume. That was the year the Marching Knights captured their first title. Northview won five state titles in the 1990s. The Knights also won the title in 2004 and then again this year.

Since beginning ISSMA competition, Northview has placed in the top five an impressive 23 times. The Knights have advanced to the state finals for an incredible 22 years, only missing it in 1986.

The Imperial Regiment has just as an impressive resume.

Since beginning ISSMA competition, Clay City has won five state titles, coming in 1988, 1989, 1992, 1993 and 1994.

Since 1987, the Imperial Regiment have advanced to the state finals 16 times, also finishing second twice and third three times.

This is something county residents should be proud of.