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Almost Yesterday is a glimpse into the rich history of our region. Dr. Frank Nickell takes listeners on a journey to specific moments in time, such as the first radio broadcast on KFVS, the history of Farmington’s Carleton College, and the short-lived safari on a Mississippi River island. A gifted storyteller and local historian, Dr. Nickell’s wit and love for the past are combined with sounds and music that augment his narrative.On Saturday, June 7, 2008, Almost Yesterday received First Place in the "Special Programs" category at the Missouri Broadcasters Association Awards Banquet in Kansas City, Missouri.Almost Yesterday airs every Wednesday at 5:42 and 7:42 a.m. and 5:18 p.m.

Almost Yesterday: The Golden Eagles Marching Band Goes to the Super Bowl

The Golden Eagles Marching Band performed in front of an international audience at Super Bowl V.
Southeast Missouri State University
The Golden Eagles Marching Band performed in front of an international audience at Super Bowl V.

It seems like Almost Yesterday that the State College Golden Eagles Marching Band became national media stars. In 1971, the 160 member Golden Eagles band was selected to perform at the Super Bowl in Miami, Florida.

The band was given an intimidating schedule - a pre-game presentation, the national anthem, and a five-and-a-half minute marching routine during the halftime.

Band director Leroy Mason began rehearsals in early September and they continued until the day before the game. The band performed the Star Spangled Banner in front of 80,000 fans and an international television audience. Orange Bowl officials later recognized the band as the best disciplined and easiest to work with in their history.

Soon after this performance, the band was invited to perform at the NFL Pro Bowl game, making the Golden Eagles one of the most televised university bands in the United States.

Culinary professional and cookbook author Nina Swan Koeller remembers her Super Bowl debut saying that in addition to her best-selling cookbook, her other fame to claim was that she actually played clarinet in Super Bowl V. But almost everyone who was a member of the 1971 Golden Eagles Marching Band remembers Super Bowl V.

Oh yes, the Baltimore Colts won the game, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 16-13.

It seems like Almost Yesterday. 

Copyright 2023 KRCU Public Radio

Frank Nickell is a retired history professor at Southeast Missouri State University.
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