110 plays to a different crowd

By Philip Elliott
THE POST

CINCINNATI - The Ohio University Marching 110 did more high-stepping than the Cincinnati Bengals did yesterday as the team lost to the Tennessee Titans, 23-14.

But the Bengals' loss at Paul Brown Stadium did not stop the musicians from bringing the crowd to its feet as they performed on their knees.

The Marching 110 left Athens about 7:30 a.m. yesterday, arrived in Cincinnati before 11 a.m. and took to a practice field by 11:15 a.m.

The marching musicians saw their breath as they performed their eight-minute show. The game time temperature was 44 degrees, but sweat rolled down OU junior David Robinson's left cheek after the band practiced across the street from Paul Brown Stadium.

During the pre-game practice, the musicians said the chilly weather could cause the instruments to go flat. They also expressed concern about twisting an ankle on the AstroTurf.

"You try to do a pivot and your foot doesn't move," said Trevor Dolan, an OU junior in the Marching 110, as he filed through the tunnels below the stadium.

The band performed their homage to Lynyrd Skynyrd, playing "What's Your Name," "Gimme Three Steps" and "Sweet Home Alabama."

While playing "Sweet Home Alabama" band members rolled, bounced and jigged.

The Marching 110 also arranged themselves to spell out O-H-I-O.

Marching 110 members said they wowed themselves.

"It was absolutely wonderful," said Josh Radcliff, an OU senior and band member, after the game. "The stadium's awesome."

The Marching 110 performed at Cleveland Brown Stadium last weekend.

"Both crowds were very good for a pro game," said Richard Suk, OU director of bands.

The Marching 110 played Saturday night in Peden Stadium as the Bobcats defeated the University at Buffalo, Suk said. The band then boarded a bus headed for Cincinnati Sunday morning at 7:40.

"It's very hard because they don't have time to wind down and pursue social interests," Suk said.