The West Rusk Raider Band earned first place at the 2026 UIL State Military Marching Band Contest, held at Baylor University's McLane Stadium in Waco. The win is the band's second straight state championship, following its 2025 title. According to the announcement celebrating the win, West Rusk is the first 3A Military Marching Band in the state to win two consecutive titles.
New Diana High School finished second, White Oak High School placed third, Sabine High School took fourth and Troup High School rounded out the top five. The announcement said nearly one-third of West Rusk high school students take part in band.
"They came to Waco with a title to defend, a tradition to uphold, and an entire community cheering them on," the announcement stated.