Steven Hopkins works with the Bluecoats as a visual staff member and marched as a member of the corps for five years. He discussed the corps' success after their performance in Kalamazoo, Mich. earlier this summer. Hopkins said in an interview with DCI.org's Michael Boo:

Bluecoats: June 29, Normal, Ill.
The parity [of drum corps] this year is quite stacked at the top. Usually there are two or three corps that can win it all, and this year there might be more than half a dozen groups that at any moment can jump to the top. At Bluecoats, we've had to turn up the intensity level and considering the strong competition, it couldn't have come at a better time. There is no room for error. It's unbelievable that so many other corps have stepped up their game this year. Everyone is doing the best they can to win, bringing in the best educators. One corps gets better and everyone gets better. The members are getting more and better instruction. We feel pushed more than in previous years. It's welcomed. The motivation gets the corps members to realize their full potential. We don't ever expect an easier walk, and I always hope the other corps are better as it provides our members with an intrinsic motivation to push themselves. Our members want to be the best and take their experience to a different level. The Bluecoats' next performance will be today, July 11 in Chesapeake, Va.