When did this stop ?

[charleschuchuta]

Corps go on in reverse order of finish in Semis.

In 88, Garfield was given the choice going on last, and they took it. They were exempt from the random draw. The draw determined the performace order for the other 11 corps. (corps that had made the top 5 knew that they were in the top 5, and while the order was random, those corps were going to be the last 5 to go on.

I was there live in 88 when they did the draw, and I would of sworn George pulled the 12 by "luck of the draw". However, it's been awhile and you could be right. :)

[GMichael1230]

Madison Scouts did not make the telecast in '89. It was Cadets, Blue Devils, Cavies, Phantom, SCV. Madison came in 7th that year.

Correct, had they kept the same format, Scouts would have taken a spot away from one of the top six that did if they went on last, so it had to be changed, seasons scores telling, something was done two weeks before nationals.

~G~

[Ahamay Oton]

Didn't you guys (SCV) do that in '75 too ( go on before Madison)

SCV went on last in 1975. :) you can see them on the back sideline during Madison's closer. B)

[DrumCorpsFan27]

SCV went on last in 1975. :) you can see them on the back sideline during Madison's closer. B)

Ah, but were they getting ready to come on for their show, or for retreat??? :P

[Walter]

I have to tell you that your avatar is adorable !!!!!!

Thanks, that's my daughter Samantha, she has Down syndrome but she is just as active as any normal little girl !!!

Not bad for a 46 year old "Old Fart", EH ?

[audiodb]

Ah, but were they getting ready to come on for their show, or for retreat??? :P

'75 SCV appeared last as defending champs.

[kevingamin]

'75 SCV appeared last as defending champs.

Interesting that they didn't utilize the same strategy in '75 that worked so well for them in '74.

[sburstall]

Madison Scouts did not make the telecast in '89. It was Cadets, Blue Devils, Cavies, Phantom, SCV. Madison came in 7th that year.

But Madison was the defending champion.

[kevingamin]

But Madison was the defending champion.

Then either the rule allowing the defending champion was removed prior to the 1989 season, Madison chose not to go on last, or a decision was made that week to have the corps go on in reverse order of Semis finish, ensuring the Top 5 would be broadcast.

1989 would have been the first year since the PBS broadcast format changed to just the Top 5 when the defending champion was NOT one of those 5 corps. Having never been in that situation before, there may have been some last-minute decisions made in KC that year.

[sburstall]

Now I'm just speculating here (yeah, what's new) DCI didn't want a 7th place corps to perform live on PBS ahead of the Top 5. I think Scott Stewart would have insight on this more than anyone else.