Cougar Band Takes Second at Saginaw.

An early wake-up, a long day in the heat, and months of practice paid off for the Western Hills High School Marching Band this weekend.

Led by Ms. Hinds, the Cougars earned second place in Class 1A at US Bands Saginaw and took the Class 1A Visual Caption Award. Western Hills finished just one point short of advancing to the finals.

Band members began their day at 5:30 a.m. before taking the field in challenging heat, representing Western Hills throughout the competition.

The school also recognized Ms. Whiddon and Ms. Lagunas for their behind-the-scenes work, along with the staff, families, and community members who continue to support the program.

The Cougars return to the field Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. for the FWISD Benchmark Marching Contest at Clark Stadium, where admission is free. They’ll compete again Oct. 10 at the Sound of Springtown Marching Classic, then return to Springtown High School for the UIL Marching Contest on Oct. 17.

For the Cougar Band, a second-place finish in Saginaw is another step in a marching season with plenty still ahead.