Lancers take first at 2024 State Marching Band Championship

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The Mankato Area 77 Lancers won the 2024 State Marching Band Championship on Saturday.

The band features students from both Mankato West and East high schools; the program has been around since 1979, but began competing just three years ago.

Following the band’s performance at the annual Jug Game, they attended the state championship the very next day and took first place.

While the Lancers are new to competitive marching band, their director says that this championship win spells great things for their future.

“The result on Saturday is a testament to the efforts of our kids, our staff, and the support of our community. Their placing first in 2AA after just beginning a new program two years ago is just unheard of,” said director Brady Krusemark.

The band left for Florida Wednesday for several workshops and then marches in the Magic Kingdom parade at Disney World.

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