The Cavaliers won tonight's competition in Arizona.
Some bad weather and a 40 minute rain delay could not stop 12 drum corps from performing at Sun Devil Stadium tonight in Tempe, Ariz. at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona – DCI Desert Classic. Each corps put on incredible performances at one of the last regional competitions before World Championship week in Pasadena, and fans were very glad they stuck around for the show. The Cavaliers (94.475) won tonight's competition as Phantom Regiment (93.775) and Carolina Crown (92.725) followed shortly behind. The Cavaliers have been focusing on rehearsing and cleaning their show for the past week and were very pleased with tonight's performance. "Tonight was the best show of the year. We put in a lot of work in El Paso, Texas and I think it really started to show up tonight," said Tim Cleary, drum major for the Cavaliers. "Right now, we basically have our completed show. We just need to get it in great condition and then communicate it up to the crowd at our next and last shows in Pasadena." Also performing at tonight's competition were the Boston Crusaders (88.425), Colts (85.775), Spirit from Jacksonville State University (83.550), The Academy (83.450), Blue Stars (83.425), Madison Scouts (81.275), Pacific Crest (79.750), Southwind (78.800) and Pioneer (73.975). With one week left in the season, each of these corps will push themselves and focus on their highest priorities for the last time this year in order for every show to reach its fullest potential. "What you're going to see from us in the next week is a show that continues to grow from a performance standpoint," said Howard Weinstein, director of the Boston Crusaders. "But you're also going to see a lot more emotion now too. That's one of the big things we're beginning to strive for as we head to Pasadena." The 12 corps will now make their second to last bus ride of the season up to Pasadena, Calif. for the 2007 Drum Corps International World Championships starting on Tuesday, Aug. 7.