“Collected”

In October of 1995, President Bill Clinton was coming to Texas and the Elgin High School band had been invited to play upon his arrival in Austin. Looking forward to their presidential debut, the band members practiced diligently, but first they had to perform at the Friday night football game in EHS Stadium.

The press box was full that night of coaches observing the game from their lofty position and calling down suggested plays to their respective benches. Also crowding the press box were several EHS teachers keeping statistics and running the electric game clock. There was also one phone that was dedicated to the media so they could be advised of the score as the game progressed.

There had been a few prank calls on the phone in the past, but no one was supposed to know the number except the media. Right before half-time the phone rang and one of the teachers answered, thinking it must be someone from the newspaper, “Mr. Hudson, I think you better take this call. It’s the White House.”

Everyone knows that Friday night in Texas means that football is going on and everyone should know not to disturb a game of those watching it. When Don Hudson picked up the receiver and the caller identified himself as calling from the White House, Don assumed it was a prank call, so he gave him the half time score and hung up.

Yes, it was the White House calling to discuss security with the band director for the Austin appearance. Apparently, they eventually made contact, and the EHS band proudly played as the President of the United States arrived in Austin.

A word of warning to future government callers. Don’t call the press box during a football game.