Championship Day

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/1800 sec, ISO32
“White River Pedestrian Bridge” Indianapolis, 2022

It’s the big day today! Koa’s Blue Devils will compete for the the top prize at the DCI Championship Finals!

But first, I started the day with a nice run around the canal area of Indianapolis. The 60°F / 16°C morning was too nice to sleep through! After that, Mariko and I did a bit of sightseeing at the Indiana War Memorial and Museum, which had an amazing exhibit of all the wars that Indiana citizens had taken part in… from the Revolution up to present day. I really liked seeing the old uniforms and shoes that they used to wear.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/4.5, 1/2500 sec, ISO320
“Indiana War Memorial and Museum” Indianapolis, 2022

At the top of the building is a shrine. Very solemn and meaningful. Even though I am not from Indiana, I felt a sense of patriotism when standing in this room.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/4.5, 1/60 sec, ISO6400
“Shrine” Indianapolis, 2022

After sightseeing, we went for lunch, then some adult beverages at Metazoa Brewing Co. The beer was great, and it was fun to see so many dogs at this dog-friendly brewery. After that, we delivered some sushi rolls to Koa and the other Japanese kids who are in the Blue Devils. When they were in San Antonio, Mariko made bento and we dropped the food off for them. She knew that they would be craving Japanese food!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 28.9mm, f/3.2, 1/950 sec, ISO320
“Mezatoa Brewing Co.” Indianapolis, 2022

We went back to the hotel for a bit and then it was back to Lucas Oil Stadium for the finals competition. The Blue Devils were the favorite to win (I think all 22,000 attendees knew they would win), but the silver medal was up for grabs between The Boston Crusaders and The Blue Coats, who had tied in the semi-finals last night. Who would take the silver?

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 55mm, f/4, 1/160 sec, ISO1000
“Blue Devils” Indianapolis, 2022

And guess what? The two drum corps tied again, and they were both awarded silver medals! It was a crazy moment. But I think they were both happy. And then, The Blue Devils received the gold, to no one’s surprise. Even so, I was so nervous for them!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 55mm, f/4, 1/160 sec, ISO800
“Blue Devils” Indianapolis, 2022
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO400
“Breaking Ranks” Indianapolis, 2022

After the ceremony, the field was cleared and The Blue Devils performed their encore “Victory Run”. The kids had so much fun during the last-ever performance of Tempus Blue. And the friends and family in the stands went nuts too! It was really fun! For this performance, the musicians were allowed to wear GoPros so Koa used ours to record his marimba playing, and a multi-cam view was put together as well. Check the bottom of this post for both videos.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 55mm, f/4, 1/160 sec, ISO500
“Victory Run” Indianapolis, 2022

It was a fun night, and then end of a memorable summer for Koa. Until next year!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 34.3mm, f/3.6, 1/105 sec, ISO500
“Champion Photo” Indianapolis, 2022

Share your thoughts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.