This story was first published in the November edition of Caldwell Courtside
When Blake Cowman walked onto The College of Idaho campus for the first time, he wasn't just looking for a college, he was searching for a place where he could belong. What he found was a community that valued him as an individual, challenged him academically, and gave him the chance to help build something from the ground up: the Yotes Marching Band.
Cowman chose The College of Idaho because of the personal connection he felt during his campus visit. "I chose The College of Idaho because the faculty and staff valued me in a way no other school did," he says. "When I toured campus, I met Professor Hunter and interviewed with Professor Dayley. They weren't just interested in my grades, they wanted to know me." As a first-generation college student, that mattered. The College made academia feel accessible, and its liberal arts model offered Cowman the flexibility to pursue multiple interests. He double-majored in political economy and environmental studies, minored in music and pre-law, and still found time to serve as student body president and a resident assistant. "How could I pass up the chance to go to the best school in the state and help found a marching band?" he says.
The College of Idaho gave Cowman more than an education. It gave him a sense of community that he still treasures. "My favorite thing about The College of Idaho was meeting my wife while we were RAs (resident assistants) in Simplot Hall," he says. "But generally, the best thing about my education was the community. It was so much fun to walk around campus and know almost every single person I saw. I don't know if I will ever experience anything like it again." He also credits his C of I professors for shaping his future. "I had close relationships with professors both in my major and outside of it. They cared about getting to know me personally and pushed me academically. Their support gave me the knowledge and skills I needed to make the jump to law school. I definitely would not be where I am today without their teaching, support, and guidance."
When Cowman arrived in Caldwell in 2016, the football team was back after a decades-long hiatus. But one thing was missing: a marching band. That fall, Cowman became part of history as one of the founding members of the Yotes Marching Band. "Unlike the football team, C of I never had a marching band before," he says. "We were writing on a blank slate, the band could be whatever we wanted it to be." The early days were humble. Fewer than 20 members made up that first group, but what they lacked in size, they made up for in spirit. Cowman, a drumline member, remembers halftime shows where creativity reigned. "If we wanted to sing a chorus of 'Livin' on a Prayer' during halftime, we could, and we did," he says. "It was scrappy, but it was fun." They even drummed on metal trash cans during halftime features and played percussion solos on the field. "I enjoyed knowing that we were laying the groundwork for a program that would extend well beyond our time at the school," he says. "I still have my drumsticks from our first game. They're hanging in my office at work."
By the time Cowman graduated in 2020, the band had grown to nearly 50 members, a testament to the culture they built. "It was rewarding to welcome each new class and see the program grow," he says. "We knew we were laying the groundwork for something that would last." Ask Cowman about his favorite memories, and his face lights up. Game days were magic. "There's no feeling like performing for Yote fans," he says. "They were awesome, always supportive, especially during pregame parades when they saw us up close." One moment stands out above the rest: Senior year, Montana Tech came to town ranked No. 19. With seconds left, Kyle Mitchell drilled a 58-yard field goal to keep the Yotes' perfect season alive. "We played the fight song after that kick," Cowman says. "The energy was electric." Other highlights? Drumline runs to Dutch Bros and McDonald's between rehearsals and games. Playing drum set, complete with a solo, on the field. "These are the things you never forget," he says.
Cowman's academic journey was as ambitious as his extracurriculars. After graduation, he headed east to Georgetown Law, then clerked for the District of Columbia Court of Appeals before joining the U.S. Department of Justice as a Trial Attorney. Today, he defends the United States in high-stakes civil litigation, a role that demands precision, confidence, and poise. Surprisingly, Cowman credits his musical background for helping him thrive in the courtroom. "Performing in front of judges feels a lot like performing in front of fans," he says. "Band taught me how to stay calm under pressure." He also draws on his liberal arts education daily. "My legal job often requires me to quickly learn the basics of unfamiliar subjects," he says. "To defend a government contract or program in court, I have to first understand it. I draw on my liberal arts education almost every day. It gives me a huge leg up."
When Cowman finished his last season with the Yotes Marching Band, he thought his marching days were over. Then came an opportunity too good to pass up: the Washington Commanders Marching Band. "I've been a Commanders fan since I was a kid," he says. "When I moved to D.C., I looked up how to audition." The process was intense, a blind music audition followed by a marching callback. "I was nervous," Cowman admits. "I hadn't played drums seriously in four years. But once I started, it felt like riding a bike." He made the cut. Today, Cowman performs at Northwest Stadium, one of only two NFL stadiums with a marching band. His first game was surreal. "Walking out of the tunnel onto the field, I'd watched this team on TV since I was a kid. It was overwhelming," he says. "But once the music started, it felt like any other performance." The Commanders band doesn't just play on the field. They parade through the concourse before games, entertaining fans and creating an unforgettable atmosphere. "I was amazed by the fans," Cowman says. "They're so supportive. Even fans of the opposing team cheer for us."
Cowman's life today is a balancing act, court briefs by day, drumline by night. How does he manage? "Planning and organization," he says. "I put all my Commanders obligations on my work calendar. If I need to leave early for rehearsal, I plan ahead. Both my job and the band have been supportive." His story is proof that passions pursued in college can open unexpected doors. His advice to current students? Lean on your community. "Between alumni, faculty, and staff, someone at C of I is doing what you dream of," he says. "Reach out. Ask questions. People want to help." And if you're thinking about joining the marchivng band? "Do it," Cowman says without hesitation. "You'll make lifelong friends, improve as a musician, and have a ton of fun. Plus, you never know where it might lead."
From Simplot Stadium to the NFL stage, Cowman's journey is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and saying yes to opportunity. For him, the beat goes on, whether in a courtroom or under the bright lights of Northwest Stadium.
