At this point, we needed stronger technicians. Todd Ryan who had helped Scouts win their championship was looking for a new challenge. He was asked if he would risk coming with Star to further develop the marching caption. He accepted the challenge, and so Len Kruscecki, Steve Brubaker, and Steve Suslik had a person who could look at the performance with new eyes. Todd knew how to fix feet and clean without destroying the design. Few props were used in 1988; the color guard were dressed as southern belles. This was the year that Carl Ruocco became Assistant Director. And so in the summer of 1988 Star played and marched to Porgy and Bess, made a trip to California, and placed 7th place with a score of 95.5.

THE SUMMER OF 1989
1989 was another frustrating year for Star; we were improving, we knew we could execute, and our brass and percussion lines were scoring well. Star had better marks in marching and visual but we just couldn't seem to get beyond the competition who were ahead of us. In retrospect, I would say that we executed and we had the stamina to win but I don't believe that Star's "British invasion" had enough difficulty built in to put us into the top 3. We placed 6th with a score of 95.3.

1989 was a very strong year for morale; it was the year that Star realized that they could be challengers and were no longer considered as the little pink corps with funny uniforms. (The fuschia uniforms had made their last appearance in the beginning of 1989).

THE SUMMER OF 1990
This was Star's year for a leap. Playing William Walton's Belshazzar's Feast, the music had a flavor; it was recognizable but yet difficult to play and execute. George's drill was superb and Jim Prime's arrangements were haunting, seamless, and dark. The members loved the music and wanted so much to please the audiences. The large scrim intrigued people: "what does MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN" mean? It drove the old timers nuts because the corps sounded different than a drum corps and it didn't quite look like a drum corps.

Glitz and sparkle were all a part of the slight of hand. Many thought that the corps had new uniforms, but in reality only a sequin over-the-shoulder piece was added along with a purple sash. With an incredible mellophone line and some great drill moves, we moved finally into 3rd place with a score of 96.5 and winning high brass for first of four consecutive times.