Three generations play in Rose Bowl Michigan State University Marching Band

By Ken Palmer Lansing State Journal EAST LANSING (AP) -- Jean Hruby figures it hasn't happened too many times, if at all. When her nephew, Brian Chivers, performs with Michigan State University's Spartan Marching Band at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, he'll be the third generation of the Hruby family to do so. Jean Hruby was in the band when the Spartans last went to the Rose Bowl in 1988 -- 32 years after her father, Paul, had marched with the band in MSU's second Rose Bowl appearance in 1956. "The story was unique when I was the second generation," Jean Hruby told the Lansing State Journal. "Now there are several stories like that. But a third generation for MSU marching band Rose Bowl participation is almost unheard of, knowing how often we get there." The Hruby family lives in the Chicago area. Chivers, a sophomore engineering student, plays tuba with the band. Jean Hruby led the trumpet section when MSU went to Pasadena 26 years ago. Paul Hruby, a baritone player who also played hockey at MSU, received the Breslin Lifetime Achievement Award from the university in 2011. Jean Hruby also has a daughter who attends MSU and remains an avid Spartan fan, returning every year for alumni band day. "We're very proud of our participation in the band program." Jean said. "It's an amazing program. The camaraderie, the fraternal feeling between all band members, old and young, is indescribable." MSU beat UCLA, 17-14, with a late field goal in the 1956 Rose Bowl. In 1988, the Spartans downed USC, 20-17, in a similar manner. Published: Thu, Dec 26, 2013