Which college athletic program members have the best physical conditioning: Baseball? Football? Basketball? Wrong! It’s the school band. In a recent U.S. government survey they found that overall fitness often runs higher in the school band than in the teams they play for.

The reasons? 1. The band practices and plays all year round. 2. The band plays the entire game, offense and defense. 3. The band wears heavy uniforms, carries heavy instruments, and does precision marching exercises – all at the same time. 4. The band usually doesn’t get as banged up as the players. So, watch out for that little guy in the corner – the one with the tuba.

*  *  * Don’t miss this evening’s Who Dat Nation Pep Rally on the Northshore. It takes place from 4-9 p.m. at the Northshore Harbor Center.

The founding father of the Who Dat Nation, Bobby Hebert, invites all Who Dats to join him in preparing for Sunday’s big game.

He and Deke Bellavia will be broadcasting live from the Harbor Center beginning at 4 p.m.

Included will be a Best Dressed Who Dat Saints Fan Contest, and a Best Who Dat Sign Contest. Live music will be provided by Dave Newman and The Band One, and there will be “second lining” around the center all evening to music provided by Rock-It Productions. There will also be plenty of food and drink concessions.

Admission is free thanks to sponsors Brian Harris Autoplex, Northshore Harbor Center, and WWL 870 AM – FM – 105.3 and Dot Com.

Supporting sponsors include the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, Geaux for the Gold, Silver Slipper Casino, See Hear Productions, Rock-It Productions, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn.

And prizes have been donated by Silver Slipper Casino, Nathan’s Restaurant, Geaux for the Gold, and Purple Armadillo.

Even though admission is free, donations will be taken at the door for Fleur-de-Lis Relief, with 100 percent of the proceeds to go directly from Slidell to the relief efforts in Haiti.

Geaux Saints! Finish strong!

Terry Maddox is the publisher of St. Tammany News.