stoods59

Yeah, maybe I was a little earlier on for the Silverbullets, but I was originally from Verona. The Eagles were never connected with VVS (my Alma Mater). The were originally started by the Verona Fire Department to compete in Fireman Field Day parades against other local corps, such as The Grey Ghosts, originally from Wampsville, the Saints from Canastota, The Pirates from Bridgeport and The Ridge Runners from Stanwix Heights. I have never heard of the Silverbullets. Perhaps they came about after I moved away. Gary Stoodley 1973 Wampsvill Drumadiers, Soprano 1974-1977 Stanwix Heights Ridgerunners, Soprano 1979-1980 Loyal Order Color Guard, flag 1980 Schaumburg Guardsmen, Soprano 1980-82 Schaumburg Guardsmen Winter Guard Instructor

After scores were announced at Finals in 1980, I along with the other 22 members of the Schaumburg Guardsmen that had just marched our 'age-out' final show, walked to the front of the corps and removed our shoes. We had a soprano player named Eddie that had marched with the Bridgemen in 1979. He proceeded to toss his shoes over his shoulder-right into our guard! I remember 'Cheesball' Galvin giving him a serious tongue-lashing right then and there. The funniest sight afterwards was the one judge that took it upon himself to chase after us as we marched off, his arms full of shoes! Actually, we could have used them once we reached the parking lot at Legion Field as the parking lot was some crushed gravel and man did it hurt! As far as the corps proceedings, in the corps handed out orange plumes to wear out for retreat to all of the members aging out.

Yeah, you ar correct Geno-one of us needs to get some sleep! I did that with one eye open this morning. I had to be at work at 6AM. Regardless, I'm really glad we made it to last night's show!

Last night's show: My wife and I were there before 7:00 and good seats were gone. They are putting in new aluminum seats at Horlick. Yes, they still sell beer at the show as the drunken women in front of us were proof, with a pitcher between their legs and their plastic cups gripped in their teeth while they clapped. Now, for MHO- I really enjoyed the show from top to bottom. Troopers are indeed back! Very nice dynamics from the horn line. Their marching score was low because they are cleaning-lots of phasing problems but hey, it was only July 22st! I see this corps getting cleaner and better. Madison's horn line was again good. They are much younger this year, as are the Troopers. It took a few moments to realize that when they took the field they were actually still warming up. The ending doesn't work but I have it from a good source (thanks Bill!) that they are working on changing it already. Kilties were entertaining as always, Capital Sound has a drum line as large as their horn line and Pioneer had some good moments too. I'm not here to slam anyone, just wanted to let you know what I saw. Very entertaining evening and a large crowd, which I'm sure went away feeling pleased with a good early season show. Gary Stoodley 1980 Schaumburg Guardsmen Soprano

I went to quite a few practices in the winter of '76/'77 for Gauchos with a few guys from the Oneida, NY area, including Barry Pishette, snare player who had marched with the Squires and went on to instruct Avant Garde. We got into a car accident on our way to a weekend rehersal and by the time we arrived and explained what had happened, we all came away with the impression that the staff didn't believe us. All they had to do was look at the mangled car! After that, we didn't go back. I remember a great soprano soloist in Gauchos that went on to march with the Blue Devils, I believe it was Jamie Trisouli (spelling?). Gary Stoodley 1980 Schaumburg Guardsmen 1979-1980 Loyal Order Winter Guard 1973-77 Stanwix Heights Ridgerunners 1972 Wampsville Drumadiers

Geno, I actually have some pictures of the 3 corps performing that. Next time we hook up at GK's remind me and I'll bring them along. Bill Leslie-are you going to the Indy show at the RCA Dome July 28th? It would be nice to talk to you again about the summer of '80. Gary Stoodley Schaumburg Guardsmen Alumni

I may be incorrect but that sure looks like an early 70's picture of the Schaumburg Guardsmen!

I know the Guardsmen were also involved in that hockey tournament. I believe it was between them and 27th inthe Finals.

I do, but it has been years since I've seen her! She was the maid of honor for my ex-wife back in the 80's. The marriage didn't last but Kim was a blast! Gary Stoodley Schaumburg Guardsmen

I should have gone back a little in the thread to see that Malibu had created these. I have a question for you Malibu-is that Kim Robinson in the picture with you? Gary Stoodley 1980 Schaumburg Guardsmen

Nancy, thanks for the Guardsmen pictures! I haven't seen a few of thos before. Did you take any of them? Nice picture of Marlita. She marched with 27th in '83! Gary Stoodley 1980 Schaumburg Guardsmen Soprano

You are too humble. Let's face it-that was one VERY clean guard! Gary Stoodley Schaumburg Guardsmen

Would this be the same Jimmy that later was the soloist with the Matadors? I saw them in 1975 at DCA's-he was simply amazing! I believe his very young niece (at the time!) was sitting right in front of me-she kept yelling 'Uncle Jimmy'! Gary Stoodley Schaumburg Guardsmen

Cool! Are they going to perform anywhere? And yes, A27Lancer, Guardsmen's toy soldier shows were just amazing. I thought I liked the 1980 version best (with the little girl), but actually, when I reviewed it and the 1981 show on my "On Demand" DVDs, I found I liked the 1981 version better. The 1980 show seemed to be a bit slow getting going because of all the theatrics, but the 1981 show comes out, guns blazing, and never lets up. No plans as of now to 'revive' the guard, just a friendly Reunion of former members. We had a Corps Reunion the summer of 2005 that was well attended.

Phantom did indeed win on the Cape in 1980. I remember watching them in awe. I also remember my winter guard freaking out as Armagaddon rolled out a casket, complete with a live person inside, for their show. Gary Stoodley 1980 Loyal Order Winter Guard 1980 Schaumburg Guardsmen Soprano 1981, 1982 Schaumburg winter guard instructor

Thanks for the shout-out on the Guardsmen! Yes, Bill and Jan were key ingredients for years. As a matter of fact, jan is organizing a reunion of the guard for this fall. I will never forget the winter of 1980-'81 when Guardsmen, Phantom and Cavaliers took turns beating each other at Midwest shows, then ended up 1-2-3 at WGI Finals in Syracuse. Gary Stoodley Schaumburg Guardsmen Soprano 1980 Winter Guard Instructor 1980, 1981, 1982

Yor eyes ARE deceiving you. He was a young drummer, cymbals I believe. He was not playing the solo.

I'd like either a Trooper or Guardsmen hat. I'm not into Aussies or Shakos since 99% of corps use either and I marched in both (doesn't matter who the corps is). I want original headwear Which Guardsmen hat where you referring to? Altoid Shirley mentions her busbie, the early 70's pith helmets or our impossibly high shakos? Gary Stoodley 1980 Schaumburg Guardsmen soprano

To answer the question about who the center snare is: his name is Andy Dittrich. A super young man that has been around drum corps his whole life. He DID march with both Capital Sound and Southwind. His Father marched in the 70's drum line for the Schaumburg Guardsmen.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention some of the smaller 'street' corps from the 70''s in upstate NY. Many of these corps were feeders for the larger area corps. Off the top of my head, here is what I come up with: Chittenango Avengers Canastota Saints Bridgeport Pirates Stanwix Heights Ridgerunners Wampsville Drumadiers Gary Stoodley '72-'78, a couple of those corps listed above 1980 Schaumburg Guardsmen '81, '82 Winter Guard Staff, Guardsmen

I agree with the earlier sentiment regarding '74 Muchachos. I saw them in Syracuse the day after Finals that year and they left me agape. That doesn't mean that later versions by other corps didn't move me also, it just means that when I think of that song, they come to mind first. Jeff Kievit was magical then and is still a treat to hear. Gary Stoodley Schaumburg Guardsmen, 1980

When I marched in the 70's with the Blue Stars, one group that seemed to always catch my ear was the Emerald Knights from Iowa. They always seemed to have some great lead soprano's and I would think to myself, "why don't they come to La Crosse and march with a top 12 corps?" Interesting that someone also had '79 and '80 Guardsmen listed, as 2 of the soprano soloists in those years came from the Emerald Knights! Gary Stoodley Schaumburg Guardsmen 1980

I remember Butler in 1980 for several reasons: We (Schaumburg Guardsmen) lost 2 busses within miles of each other, both with blown engines. Our stay there was extended for a couple of days. We thought our bus situation couldn't get much worse as all of our 'coaches' were converted school busses but they did-we ended up buying a used church bus! That and Stoney's beer. You could buy a case back then for about 7 dollars. Laundry day was a blast. Lastly, our scores finally started to go up as we struggled to get back into the top 12. That extended stay in Butler certainly helped. Gary Stoodley Schaumburg Guardsmen

All right, I'll add something as well. To the people thst don't like the all white Phantom-what do you think about them adding some of the red that they used to use, along with the chevron? Stoods

That is definitley Whitewater! I took a nostalgic trip by Warhawk stadium on the way up to Madison in August. Uncle Z., how is it that you have so many good pictures of the Guardsmen??