A tired but jubilant group of students, teachers and parents returned to Alva Thursday night from San Antonio, Texas. The Alva Band of Gold was greeted at the south edge of town by a police escort and a group of fans honking their horns. The band was returning from a performance at the Valero Alamo Bowl where the OU Sooners defeated the Oregon Ducks Wednesday night.

Getting to experience the bowl atmosphere was a reward in itself, but the band students, directed by Adam Steuart, had cause to celebrate. Their hours of practice and dedication paid off in a number of trophies and awards. The list includes Valero Alamo Bowl Sweepstakes Grand Champion, first place (A) in parade competition, and first place (A) in field show competition, In the Class A field show competition, Alva received outstanding march, outstanding music and outstanding general effect. In the Class A parade competition, the band received outstanding march, outstanding general effect, outstanding competition and outstanding drum major.