lost

I also don’t see the issue with D5 as much as others on this forum. It’s kept out genuinely finals-level competent groups and a complete disqualification from the state track because of an early season timing penalty is absurdly harsh.

I’m having a hard time seeing why providing opportunities to groups that are disadvantaged by no fault of their own is considered “doesn’t serve the activity as a whole” feels like an elitist take, maybe it’s just me.

Seems a bit...I don't know the word. Pompous? Counterintuitive? Take your pick. I don't doubt they said that and I believe you, just a bit of a baffling and absurd take from them is all.

Reagan was 0.2 from falling out in 2009. A rough showing in the visual for Coppell kept them in finals narrowly.

It’s definitely a favorite this Texas homer only rivaled by 2019.

It’s one of those things without a specific thread but that inevitably pops up any time Vandegrift does really well or Reagan does really well. Interchangeably.

They certainly picked it up! It was a wonderful two performances at UIL. I really thought they were about to win. They also put up a great prelims performance on the day of San Antonio too.

There is no bias for Indiana bands. Think about this bigger in scope, why would MFA or these judges be “biased for the home bands”. There’s no connection between those programs and MFA that’s different than any other in the program. You can’t just yell bias when the result isn’t what you want. All respect people are telling you you looked and sounded better out of politeness most likely. Even then it’s difficult to judge as a spectator when you’re not in the box or on the field hearing and seeing what the judges are.

Vandegrift literally won on their first try.

The highest placement possible being winning. The moment you set this idea in your mind that winning is unrealistic and you shouldn't think you're capable of it then your program will never win and will never break out as you promote that mindset of mediocrity year after year. Believe you can win, even if you place 37th or 11th or 6th. That confidence and grit makes the difference. To call a positive mindset "delusional" is so absurd.

Well there's a problem in mindset here already, going into the contest with "zero realistic aspirations of being crowned champion" is a bad mindset.

UIL breaks ties off judge preference at all-levels.

What a silly take.

Most Texan thing ever to say "only a 10 hour drive"

Thanks for mentioning this. I think after their BOA SA placement some people had their doubts, but it is important to note they were 12th in prelims ahead of Round Rock and Cedar Ridge. First-time SA finalists usually place a little lower because it's a different ball-game none of the students have experience with though, so even if others didn't it was something to be expected. Seven Lakes had a few off years but now they're back and are (hopefully) here to stay.