Mattie and I (Gail) met in 1983 while marching with the corps. Actually, he's the reason that I joined. We were both lead sopranos so we spent a lot of time together both on and off the field. 1983 - Wow, what can be said about that year!
I remember at DCA prelims standing next to the judges table and (with the help of Lee Knoebel) being the first corps member to find out our score (90.0, first.) I will never forget the fantastic feeling I had while running up into the stands to find Mattie and tell him the (along with many curious spectators.)
Of course nothing could top the finals in '84, at least not for us. I was unaware of the suprise that Mattie (and as I found out later, most of the corps) had in store for me during retreat. After our score was announced (4th place) Mattie turned to me and asked me to marry him! Right there on the field in Allentown. What better place to be than with some of our closest friends. We'll be celebrating our 10th Anniversary this year. We've been blessed with 2 beautiful boys up here in Connecticut. Drop us a line. We'd love to hear from you.
Mattie and Gail Balls, West Haven, Connecticut
Gail - Lead Soprano 83 to 84, Mattie - Lead Soprano 79 to 84
