CASSOPOLIS — As the Cassopolis football team is preparing for the playoffs, they are not the only team looking back at the moves they made on the field the last few months. The Cassopolis marching band, which spends every football game playing on the sidelines or marching across the field during halftime, is currently reflecting on one of its most successful seasons to date.

The Ranger band completed its marching season earlier this month. This year, the group achieved its first Cassopolis Marching Exhibition, first place at Otsego Marching Festival and a Division I ranking from Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association. An MSBOA Division I ranking is considered to be superior, and this year marked the first time in many years that Cassopolis received the distinction.

“I’m very, very proud of the kids,” said Sean Keck, band director. “They put in a lot of time and a lot of hard work. … It’s been a wonderful season, and one we will remember.”

Keck said several factors contributed to the band’s successful season, including support from the community and the band boosters.

“Cassopolis Band Boosters Inc. played a critical role in planning and executing our season, from July band camp through the Cassopolis Marching Exhibition and into the finale of our perfect season run,” he said. “The band is only able to sustain its level of success due to the constant efforts of our students, their parents and the community.”

However, the most significant factor was the dedication of his students. Band members spent hours each week practicing its halftime show, “Some Roads Lead East,” which paid off in a unique and unexpected performance, Keck said.

“It was all about preparation. Execution can’t happen without preparation,” he said. “To be successful, you have to actively perform, actively practice during rehearsal. The kids just did a great job, and I’m very proud. My name might go on the program, but it’s the kids that make the performance. People come to concerts and competitions to see them perform.”

Now, as the band moves into its concert season, Keck said he wants to take the lessons of hard work and dedication his students learned this year into the future.

“As long as the students keep working hard, we will keep having a great year,” he said.