Rose Bowl Champions!

All the Rose Bowl’s heroes – Mark Sanchez, Rey Malaluga, Cedric Ellis, Joe McKnight, and Stafon Johnson – were there: triumphantly raising the Drum Major’s sword above the Trojan Marching Band in another rendition of “Conquest!” after their 38-24 romp over the Penn State Nittany Lions at the 95th Rose Bowl Game on January 1. For the 34th time in the more than 125 years of the TMB, the Trojans took over Pasadena, and few visits were as much fun as this year.

 

The first day of the New Year was a long one as band members met for breakfast at 4:30am before boarding buses for the Rose Parade. After five and half miles and many “Fight On’s” along Colorado Boulevard, the TMB made its way over to the Arroyo Seco. The TMB performed its traditional pregame plus a new formation added for its nationally televised performance of “The Star Spangled Banner.” At halftime, the band performed a show dedicated to modern rock and funk .

 

It was obvious by the end of the game that the Trojan Marching Band and “Tribute to Troy” had gotten into the Lions' heads. However, the band members were not fazed and the seniors enjoyed their third consecutive Rose Bowl win in four years. It was also the TMB’s fifth Rose Bowl in six years and Dr. Bartner’s 16th appearance at the event. Though they wouldn’t mind coming back in 2010, a trip to the BCS Championship Game is the goal next season. Either way, it was an amazing way for the Trojan Marching Band to end the season.