Marching Band Forced to Forfeit Chance at State Championship

Poteet High School can't compete next week in State Marching Band Contest

A Mesquite marching band is canceling its trip to the state finals because of an ineligible player.

The University Interscholastic League ruled that Poteet High School's performances with the student had to be forfeited.

"All the students who participate in the performances have to be passing at the time of performances, and in this case that didn't happen," said Laura Jobe, Mesquite Independent School District spokeswoman.

Nearly 200 students, their parents and the band directors said they are devastated by the decision.

"I feel bad for the seniors," freshman Ian Herrera said. "This is their last year of marching -- what a bad way to end."

The State Marching Band Contest only comes around every other year.

The Mesquite Independent School District said it understands the decision but also feels for the students.

The band director caught the oversight and reported it. The school could not go into much detail about the situation.

Parents and students said they stand by the band director's decision to report the student.

The band championship is next week. Poteet High won the state competition in 1997, 2005 and 2007.

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