Hi Scott,
When I started at MTU in 1969 we played all the games in the Dee. I remember the half-fingered gloves we wore in order to play any wind instrument and not have our entire hands freeze. There were nights when Don Keranen couldn’t make the game so at times I got to lead the band. I’m sure there were occasions when my downbeat was not too clear, but that’s another story.
It was great when the stripes finally arrived and we were the first to wear them, I guess in 1971 or 1972. We were also the first to play in the new, warm, climate-controlled ice rink, eventually named for MTU’s famed and beloved coach, John MacInnes.
I believe it was in the winter of 72-73. John MacInnes was the coach. One particular night when Don Keranen didn’t make it, I was again the student conductor. As usual, we played during stoppages in the game and stopped playing as the refs set up for the puck drop. At one point we were playing “In Heaven There Is No Beer”, or perhaps most anything else, and the announcer came on the PA and told the band that the refs had requested we not playing during stoppages. We played another tune at the next stoppage and the announcer came on and informed everyone that there would be a bench penalty assessed if we didn’t stop. As it happened, Coach MacInnes was perhaps the biggest supporter of the Pep Band. He immediately walked out onto the ice and started yelling at the refs. Of course, a penalty was assessed.
Not wanting to cause more problems, we decided we wouldn’t play anymore. Instead, we decided to sing. Loudly. The fans near us picked up on this and joined in. In a matter a few seconds, the entire stands were singing along. Once again, the refs objected and the message was announced over the PA. So we decided to hum. Again, the fans joined in, filling the arena with sound and stopping when the puck dropped. As I recall, we never heard anything more from the refs.
Paul Gilmore, ’73
- Thanks, Paul. I’m never surprised by the creativity of Huskies. -SB
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I played trombone in the MTU Pep Band from 1964–1967 during the B. Franz Schubert era. There weren’t too many of us then but we sure had fun. Some of the best times were had while playing for hockey games at Dee Stadium, damn near freezing to death on the mezzanine at the west end of the rink and dodging pucks at the same time. Visiting goalies were less than impressed with our “performances”. During a Tech – U of M game, the band started the “Sieve, sieve, sieve” chant with the Michigan goalie right below us. Pretty soon the whole crowd chimed in and it got to him so badly, he skated for the locker room giving the entire crowd the one-finger salute. Don’t know if he ever played for U of M again.
One of the most memorable times with the band was the 2004 half-time show at the Big House. Both my wife (Kathy ’70) and I were in attendance. We were the second and third oldest band members. Many of the “youngsters” couldn’t believe we were still playing. Pretty cool!
Doug Davies ’69
Hi Doug. There are worse things than being called a sieve. Well, maybe not if you’re a goalie. Thanks for memories! -SB
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Hello Scott,
In last week’s newsletter, Tom Permoda (1973, CE) wrote to recognize K.O. Alexander as an outstanding economics professor and added: “How he (K.O.) ever ended up at Tech is beyond me…”
I agree with Permoda. Alexander was a great teacher, with a booming voice, great confidence, and great knowledge. He was my econ professor in 1971/1972 while I was pursuing an MSBA at Tech. And I can answer Permoda’s question, because I asked that very question of the esteemed professor at a cocktail party he was hosting for his students. Alexander—never one to mince words—stated: “I just got tired of drinking water other people had (peed) in.”
One for the ages.
Tim Burtrum
BSEE, 1969
MSBA, 1972
- No worries about the water up here, Tim. Proverbial or otherwise. -SB