JACKSONVILLE, AL (11/14/2022)– The John Phillip Sousa Foundation presented the famed JSU Marching Southerners the prestigious Sudler Trophy at halftime during the Gamecocks’ final home football game of the season on Nov. 12. Given to one collegiate marching band every two years, the award is the equivalent of winning the Heisman Trophy, and JSU is the smallest university ever to win since the awards program was created 40 years ago.
Recipients included:
Kailey Adams of Fyffe (35971), Flute Section
Allie Bannister of Fort Payne (35967), Guard Section
DJ Betz of Fort Payne (35967), Trombone Section
Grace Elsaesser of Fort Payne (35967), Ballerinas Section
Olivia Fiquett of Valley Head (35989), Trumpet Section
Paige Gootee of Fort Payne (35967), Alto Sax Section
Jade Hawkins of Fort Payne (35968), Mellophone Section
Erica Hughes of Fort Payne (35967), Ballerinas Section
Caitlin Phillips of Rainsville (35986), Bb Clarinet Section
Laura Rigdon of Fort Payne (35967), Alto Sax Section
Cleo Salazar of Crossville (35962), Alto Sax Section
Justin Story of Woodville (35776), Alto Sax Section
Kelsy Wharton of Scottsboro (35769), Alto Sax Section
Nathan Young of Henagar (35978), Percussion Section
“This award is a culmination of all the hard work and dedication of past members and directors dating back to the founding of The Southerners and Marching Ballerinas in 1956,” said Dr. Ken Bodiford, director of bands. “It is truly an honor to share this accomplishment with our entire band and university family.”
Established in 1982, the Sudler Trophy recognizes collegiate marching bands of particular excellence that have made outstanding contributions to the American way of life. It is awarded biannually to a college or university marching band that has demonstrated the highest musical standards, the most innovative marching routines and ideas and has made important contributions to the advancement of college marching band performance standards.
“Since first witnessing a performance by the JSU Marching Southerners in the late 1970s, I have been a fan,” said Bob Buckner, retired Western Carolina University band director. “Their strong tradition, musicianship, and overwhelming sound have brought thrills to countless students and audiences throughout the Southeast. Being awarded the Sudler Trophy is a tremendous tribute for any collegiate band and is an honor that places them among a highly distinguished list of previous award winners. Nothing is more American than a great marching band, and no bands I know are more accomplished or deserving than The Marching Southerners.”
