Once Laid Off, UCF's Oldest Band Member is Marching On

Don Cupo had been a laid-off financial analyst when he decided to go back to college.

While at the University of Central Florida orientation in July, Cupo noticed a booth for the Marching Knights. Interested in joining, Cupo asked whether the marching band accepted “old people.”

He hoped the young woman at the table would say, “You’re not old.”

Instead, she said, “Absolutely!”

At 48, Cupo is the oldest member of the UCF Marching Knights, 300 students in their late teens and early 20s. On Saturday, in front of 55,000 screaming fans, Cupo will make his debut as a member of the Marching Knights when the UCF football team opens its 2010-11 season at Bright House Stadium.

To continue reading, visit OrlandoSentinel.com, Once laid off, UCF’s oldest band member is marching on,  by Jon Busdeker, Orlando Sentinel,  8:27 PM EDT, September 2, 2010. Jon Busdeker can be reached at 407-650-6361 or jbusdeker@orlandosentinel.com.