At the start of every Penn State home football game, one tradition is believed to make or break the game -- the front flip performed by the drum major before thousands of screaming fans.

This year, that task falls into the hands of new Blue Band drum major Matt Sabo (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies).

The Delmont native, Sabo, 19, is ready to begin his second year in the Blue Band after completing a year in the clarinet section.

"He has a lead-by-example personality," said O. Richard Bundy, director of the Blue Band.

Sabo completed a two-round audition that judged his flip, conducting and mace, or baton, work.

Now, Sabo said he is excited to meet new people and do his part to better the award-winning band.

Bundy explained that Sabo distinguished himself among his competition with his strong flip, fine conducting and leadership potential.

"I started six months before the auditions," Sabo said about his tryout preparation.
Sabo said he is prepared to do his part in all ways possible.

"I expect to hit the first flip," he said.

Having no previous gymnastics experience, Sabo said he joined the gymnastics club to help perfect his flip.

For the conducting aspect of the audition, Sabo worked with a friend, who is a music major and fellow Blue Band member, to help improve his technique.

As for the baton work, Sabo worked with Blue Sapphire PJ Maierhofer and any others band members willing to help, including his predecessor Kevin Rudy.

"He worked with me a lot leading up to the tryout," Sabo said.

Rudy, who held the position of drum major from 2004 to 2006, said he will definitely be back to cheer on Sabo and the other Blue Band members this fall.

Rudy said the flip in Beaver Stadium is the hardest part and having the nerve to get up and do it takes courage.

Yet, Rudy said he has no doubt Sabo will succeed as the drum major this upcoming season.

"He worked really hard, so I think he'll do really well," Rudy said.

Sabo has played the clarinet since fourth grade and was drum major for his high school marching band his junior and senior years.

He said his two years of Indiana University of Pennsylvania's drum major camp and his high school background have prepared him for his new position.

Sabo said he is excited to meet people outside of the clarinet section, like the Blue Band officers and section leaders.

"I will get to interact and work with everyone," Sabo said.

Although the flip becomes a bit more challenging in his uniform, with the heavy leather spats covering his feet, Sabo said he is excited to live out the tradition.

Bundy said the tradition of the Blue Band is to annually provide a better experience for game-goers and to raise school spirit.

"We're looking forward to a good season and to Matt's contributions," Bundy said.