Had the opportunity recently to meet and speak to the San Diego State Marching Band.
Marching for ALS brings college marching bands together to raise awareness and funds in the fight
against Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Each marching band selects one football game each year to dedicate their
performance to those living with ALS.
Band members create their own fundraising web pages with the goal of getting all of their family and
friends to donate and show their support. Funds raised through Marching for ALS go towards the
ALSA's crucial patient services programs, research and Advocacy.
2010 Participants included Virgina Tech, Texas, James Madison, Kansas, Missouri, Baylor, Colorado, Houston, Oklahoma, Clemson, Western Illinois, Arkansas State, San Diego State, Western Michigan, Boise State, Toledo, Syracuse, Southern Miss, Indiana State and Norfolk University. Many of these schools have re-upped for 2011 as well. To see if your local school is participating in 2011, contact your nearest ALSA Chapter or go to the individual school band website.
Accompanied by ALSA San Diego Chapter's Tom Courtney, and at the invitation of "Coach" Bryan Ransom, we watched the 230 Aztecs at a spirited practice. Then had the opportunity to grab a mike and describe what it's like to be a PALS (person with ALS) and thank them for their contribution to awareness and fundraising.
If you live in Southern California or the Central Valley, please attend the December 3, 5 pm game vs Fresno State at Qualcomm Stadium. Link here. Looks like another strong team for Coach Rocky Long and SDSU, and this game could have implications on bowl assignments for both teams. Would expect upwards of 40,000 - 50,000 strong will attend. The halftime show will include an ALS tribute.
My wife is a proud Aztec alum, and even though I graduated from Iowa and Kansas State, my new third favorite team is now San Diego State.
To support the SDSU band on December 3, please go to http://web.alsa.org/site/TR?fr_id=7850&pg=entry.
