Thanks to Albion's last-second, seeing-eye three-pointer, the JCU men's basketball team didn't make it back to the NCAA Div III Final Four in Virginia this year - but the university's Pep Band did.

Director Marty Hoehler and 17 of his musicians accepted the Salem Civic Center's invitation - and expense account - to play for the Mar 19-20 tournament as The Official Pep Band of the Division III Men's Basketball Championship - complete with access to the ritzy VIP hospitality room, complimentary pizzas and coverage on local TV.

"This band bleeds Blue and Gold and leaves everything on the court when the Blue Streaks are playing," Marty said. "We're used to invading hostile gyms and being on edge for 40-plus minutes of play. It was great to have a chance to just relax and play."

So when you see the Pep Band take the field at Shula Stadium next football season, you'll be looking at a unit with a growing national reputation as one of the best Div III pep bands in the country.

"We really have a unique program here at John Carroll," Marty concluded. "We have a great relationship with our Athletic Department, strong administrative support, over a decade of history and a dedicated team of amateur student musicians who have become adept at stealing the home court advantage away from unsuspecting opponents.

"I'm really proud of this group."

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