December 17, 2022
By Fred Liggett
sports.lstribune08@gmail.com
Kansas City Chiefs fans are used to hearing the work of the Chiefs Drumline on game days but they may not know of a Lee’s Summit connection to the popular group. Alex Cusimano, a 2012 Lee’s Summit High School graduate, is currently enjoying his first season as a Drumline member.
Alex joined the Chiefs Rumble before the 2022 season and now enjoys performing in front of 77,000 Chiefs fans at every home game. In addition to the game day performances Chiefs Rumble have played at area Hy-Vee grocery stores and other team sponsored events throughout the season.
Alex, currently a Waldo area resident, began his journey to join the drumline with an audition in May. Over 100 auditioned with 35 being invited back after the first cut. The Chiefs Rumble Drum Line began with the 2009 season. Alex says he “feels super lucky I made the cut this year.” No chance for stage fright for this former Tiger as this isn’t the first drumline experience for Alex. While in college Alex played for the Mizzou Drum line.
A typical game day for Alex means showing up four hours before kickoff and reporting to the gold colored Arrowhead Pavilion on the south side of the stadium. Three hours before kickoff Rumble members go through warm ups and has a run through. After that the Rumble start on that side of the stadium area and walk and play. The Rumble go clockwise around the stadium. Once in Lot M on the north side of the stadium, the Rumble takes a break. Following the break the Rumble make an appearance at the Ford Fan tailgate. Performing with them at 90 minutes before kickoff is Chiefs team mascot KC Wolf and KC Cheerleaders. Chiefs Rumble then goes counter clockwise around the stadium before marching into Arrowhead.
Twenty minutes before kickoff the Rumble takes the field for their pre-game performance. Once the game kicks off Rumble members are free till halftime. The Rumble, just before the second half, perform at the GEHA Drum Deck on the stadium upper level. At the end of the game Rumble members break into groups and play near the spiral ramps on the concourses as fans exit the stadium. If the Chiefs win the Rumble play as they walk all the way back to the Pavilion.
The Chiefs have two home games remaining in the regular season with one guaranteed playoff game. This means Chiefs fans have at least three more chances to see and hear the talented Chiefs Rumble drum line perform getting everyone excited on a Chiefs game day.
