First question, multiple choice. The previous comments were directed toward  a)  the O-Zone, Ohio's student cheering section;  b) the Ohio cheerleading squad;  c) the Ohio Volleyball team; d) none of the above. If you guessed "d," you're right; but then who is "d?"

Meet "d," also known as the Alumni Varsity Band, a dedicated group of Marching 110 alumni whose members span four decades in graduation years and travel as many as four hours to perform for Ohio home volleyball games.

The Carlston initiative

After several years of prodding by Ohio head volleyball coach Geoff Carlston, the AVB was formed in 2006 and provided both entertainment and team support for Ohio's successful run at a fourth consecutive Mid-American Conference Volleyball Championship this past fall. The result? Arguably the most formidable home court advantage in the MAC. 

"It makes a difference, makes our games that much more of an event," says Carlston.  "It is a win-win for all involved. The band members have a blast performing and making a positive impact on our program, and the fans love it!"  Adds volleyball player Ellen Herman, "The band rocks! All of  us get fired up to have them supporting our team and adding to the energy." 

No strangers to a crowd

As alumni of the Marching 110, AVB members are no strangers to firing up crowds -- and Ohio volleyball provides that opportunity. Ohio leads the MAC, and is ranked nationally in volleyball attendance.

"The Alumni Varsity Band greatly enhanced the environment at our home volleyball matches last year. Their talent and enthusiasm provided a true home court advantage," says Ohio Athletics Director Kirby Hocutt.

 In addition, the opportunity to perform again while renewing old friendships and forging new ones was just too much for some 110 alums to pass up.

"This is more fun than homecoming," according to '78 alum and trumpet player Steve Conrad, who now works for the Lancaster Parks & Recreation department as Supervisor of Recreation Services. "It is a great opportunity to meet alumni from different decades, tell a bunch of lies from when you were in the band, play the old charts and learn some of the newer ones, play in the Convo for an immensely talented volleyball team, and a chance to feel like you are again a part of the university."

Adds fellow trumpet player and '76 alum Jeff Buell, "[It's] just been a joy and great source of pride for the university and its alumni. It just shows the dedication of 110 members and their love of the band and our unique and exciting style. I have seven years of great memories burned in my brain forever. Now I get to start a whole new set of memories and friends."

Whether you are a 110 alum, or just know one…

Word of the AVB is spreading, and requests for AVB performances at events outside Athens, from weddings to regional alumni gatherings are increasing. To even consider the requests, however, will require continued growth of the organization. For those 110 alums looking for a way to reconnect with Ohio University, or looking for an opportunity to perform again, consider the testimonials of some of the founding AVB members:

"Last volleyball season was a blast.  Playing for the MAC Championships in Toledo was a real rush.  Fellow alumni, you don't realize what you are missing! You don't have to be at every practice and every performance, but once you try it, you're hooked."  -- Conrad

"The Alumni Varsity Band has been nothing but fun! I was surprised at how little time it takes, but for the time it does require it is totally worth it. When it started up in 2006 I was traveling for my job and for every Friday game I was flying in from Los Angeles and still found time to make it down to Athens and I loved every minute of it." -- Andy Barber '03, trombone player

"It really does not take that much effort to bring back the old memorizing skill, and the time required to be involved is pretty flexible, so it is very doable for anyone with a busy lifestyle! For those of you out there not sure about joining in, even if you can only come to a few games, I guarantee it will be an awesome experience you will want to be a part of more and more." -- Polly Moore Krause '87, mellophone player.

The AVB needs more members: To join the AVB, or get more information, contact Aaron Romero '92 (aromero@ci.athens.oh.us) or Jennifer Bowie '94 (bowiej@ohio.edu).

Steve Rader, BSPE '84, MSA '86 and PHD '91, is coordinator and professor of sports management at Shawnee State University and a member of the AVB.