WPU Pep Band to Again Play at Men’s Basketball Nationals

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–The William Penn University Pep Band will once again be attending and playing at the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championships in Kansas City, Mo.

This will mark the fifth time in the past six years that the pep band has traveled to the Championships to support the powerhouse Statesmen men’s basketball program with the first two years in Branson, Mo. and the past few in Kansas City as part of WPU’s move to Division I.

With William Penn currently ranked #1 in the nation and the anticipation that they could play through the entire tournament, Pep Band Director Terry DeJong has booked with tournament coordinators for his group to play for the Statesmen in the second round on Friday, March 16, and through the remainder of the tournament, including the championship game on Tuesday, March 20. This will include two games in the quarterfinals, both games in the semifinals, and the final as well. They will also perform the National Anthem for the quarterfinals session on Saturday, March 17.

WPU’s Pep Band has gained great respect and recognition from the NAIA for their participation at the tournaments over the years, while being the only pep band to represent their school by traveling and playing for the tournaments throughout nearly all of the rounds.

“This is the highlight of the year for the Athletic Bands Department,” DeJong said. “It is a reward for our students for being so committed and valuable to our marching and pep bands. It is additionally great exposure and recognition for the pep band to positively represent William Penn University, while supporting our athletics and enhancing our recruiting efforts.”

During the basketball regular season, the pep band plays for all of the women’s and men’s home games beginning in January, and occasionally for other contests.