Usually when the Pride of Arizona marching band gathers on campus, it’s to cheer on the Wildcats, celebrate special figures or moments on campus, or something of the like. On Thursday, folks did the opposite, gathering to celebrate the Pride of Arizona as the 2024-26 Sudler Trophy was installed in the Jim Click Hall of Champions at the McKale Center.
The Pep Band ushered guests in with a selection of tunes, while inside the Hall of Champions, a selection of memorabilia, including photographs, vintage uniforms, and a letter penned by former President Jimmy Carter following the Pride of Arizona’s performance in his inaugural parade, were on display. Among those in attendance tonight were Chad Shoopman, Director of Athletic Bands, including the Pride of Arizona, Dr. Chad Nicholson, Director of Bands, John Arnold, University of Arizona Chief Financial Officer, and Desireé Reed Francois, Vice President and Director of Athletics.
“It’s not just an award for the Pride of Arizona,” said Shoopman. “It’s an award for Arizona Athletics, the University of Arizona, and the Tucson community.”
The Pride of Arizona was the final Pac-12 marching band to receive the honor before conference realignment forever changed the landscape of college athletics, joining Arizona State and UCLA. Arizona is also one of just five schools west of the Mississippi River to earn the award. The Sudler, which LA Times referred to as the “Heisman Trophy of the collegiate band world,” measures exactly 22.5 inches tall, the length of a standard eight-to-five step in marching band.
Since a program can only receive the award once, it doesn’t just recognize the Pride of Arizona’s excellence on the field in recent years, but rather, the sustained musical and visual excellence and innovation throughout the program’s history.
The original trophy is on display until later this year or early next, before it makes it way to its next recipient, at which time an exact replica will take its place at the Hall of Champions.