Much like the intense competition amongst Division I corps, the competition among Division II and III corps is heating up as the 2002 season approaches the apex of championship week."It's been a very exciting tour for all the Division II corps. They're all very competitive, they're all very talented and they're all very close. It's going to be a fun season!" said Pete La Flamme, corps director of the Spartans of Nashua, N.H. At the preliminary competition (finals were cancelled due to inclement weather) of the North American Open in Erie, Pa., on July 29, a mere four-tenths of a point separated the second- through fourth-place scores in Division II. The Mandarins of Sacremento, Calif., scored 85.15, the Capital Regiment of Columbus, Ohio, scored 85.10, and the Spartans scored 84.70. "We're right in there," Bob Jacobs, director of the Jersey Surf, said of the close contests in Division II this year. Division II corps may have between 61 and 135 members. Corps in this division often compete and perform in local and regional events. They travel primarily on weekends and during the last two weeks of the season, when championship events occur.Division III corps are the smallest corps, having up to 60 members. Like the Division II corps, they do much of their performing and competing close to home. Most of their travel is on weekends and in the last two weeks of the season. There are championship competitions for both Division II and Division III corps.Jacobs is eyeing championship week in Madison with an eye of anticipation. "We're looking forward to it. Everybody is pretty excited," Jacobs said.2002 is the Jersey Surf's 12th year of existence. The corps has traveled to championships for ten of those years. "Our corps loves to perform in Camp Randall Stadium," Jacobs said."The big show starts Monday at 8 a.m. during finals week with Division II and II preliminaries!" said Dan Acheson, Executive Director of Drum Corps International.Here is the schedule of Division II and II events during championship week:Monday, Aug. 5 Division II and III preliminaries 8 a.m. – Camp Randall Stadium General admission tickets $7 Tuesday, Aug. 6 Division II and III Semifinals 4 p.m. – Camp Randall Stadium General admission tickets $7 Wednesday, Aug. 7 Division II and III Finals/DCI Individual and Ensemble Showcase 5 p.m. – Camp Randall Stadium General admission tickets $15