MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
After a 32-year hiatus, the Sky Ryders Drum & Bugle Corps are back — and they’re already making waves on the national stage. Under the direction of Dale Antione, the corps completed its 2025 summer tour with standout performances in Iowa and Illinois and received top rankings in their competitive division.
The Sky Ryders launched their summer training camp, or “spring training,” in Hutchinson on June 30. Over the next two weeks, members — many experiencing their first taste of drum corps intensity — trained up to 10 hours a day in the Kansas heat, honing their music and marching skills at Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College’s Gowans Stadium.
Their hard work culminated in a well-attended dress rehearsal performance on July 7, which drew a crowd of 300 to 400 people. “The support we received from the Hutchinson community was incredible,” said Antione. “From local schools to community volunteers like Cleta Long, who helped with uniforms, everyone pitched in to make this a success.”
The Sky Ryders made a memorable appearance in Hutchinson’s Eagle Media Patriots Parade, which Antione called the largest crowd he’s seen in years. “The energy and reception were just phenomenal,” he said. “People were excited — and a little surprised — to see us back.”
The corps embarked on its short summer tour July 8, performing in Ankeny, Iowa, and Lyle, Illinois, while a scheduled show in Dubuque was canceled due to severe weather. Despite being a new corps in the SoundSport division, the Sky Ryders delivered high-scoring performances, earning the top score in their category at both competitions.
“The kids really stepped it up,” Antione said. “They were rewarded not just with strong scores, but with praise from the judges and standing ovations from the crowd.”
Auditions for the 2026 season will begin in December, with in-person and video options available. Students from freshman year of high school through college are eligible to try out.
Looking ahead, Antione said the organization hopes to expand next summer’s training to three weeks and extend the tour. The Sky Ryders will consider petitioning for evaluation to move into DCI’s Open Class for 2027, with an eventual goal of returning to World Class competition.
And there may be more excitement on the horizon for Hutchinson, Antione hopes that the city could host a DCI show again in 2026.
“It’s been an encouraging start,” Antione said. “We’re back. And we’re only getting better.”