History was made Saturday as the Hays High marching band took home 7th out of 30-plus schools at the UIL Area D Marching Contest at Heroes Stadium in San Antonio. The finish marked one of the best in program history, with the Rebel band advancing to, and performing in, the 6A Area D finals for the first time. While Hays finished two points behind Round Rock High for the sixth and final spot at State, the band was selected as first-alternate by the UIL. The Rebel Band is under the direction of first-year director John Rauschuber. In addition, the Lehman Lobos marching band, which also performed at the Area D competition, took home 14th place. Feature photo, Hays Rebel Marching Band drum majors (L-R) Caroline Ballay, Daniel Campa, Tana Morris and Haley Short are unable to contain their excitement after the band was named as one of ten schools advancing to the Area D Marching Contest finals at Heroes Stadium in San Antonio Saturday.