Wow! What a rush reading your posts. Of course, you and I have discussed these stories many times over the years, and we BOTH agree that a lot of us not only became Cavaliers that day in Ithaca, but that year shaped a lot of the remainder of our lives. Having come from Norwood, even the "diminished" Cavaliers corps of the time was incredible to me. I'm sure, being a petrified new guy all summer and being very young and immature (there, I said it, are you all happy?) I didn't understand a lot of the emotion involved for the older guys. But I remember feeling honored to march with guys like you, Don, and Leo, and how much Ralph's friendship meant to me that summer (and ever since).

My biggest memory from prelims is very similar to yours, knowing we needed a 79 to make finals. I only remember hearing the "8" from the announcer before we all went nuts. Finals was almost a blur after that - in fact, as we've discussed many times, I think I WAS in a blur. But your "subtle" help of turning off my snares for the first note certainly helped wake me up.

If you ever get that prelim tape, put me at the top of the list for a copy.

Bob Shreffler
FMM 1974-76

• Re: Resurgence - 1974 (The End), by jeff