by LENNY KOUPAL, CSU Communications Coordinator
Among the gems adding to the sparkle of 2024 Homecoming Day at Minnesota State Mankato is the unveiling of a 55-minute documentary, “The Return of THE MACHINE,” tracing the rocketed rise of the Maverick Machine as the musical heartbeat of Maverick spirit.
Following the free premiere Saturday, Oct. 5, at 5 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, the video is available for viewing on the Maverick Machine YouTube Channel.
Following last Homecoming’s 10th anniversary celebration marking the resurgence of the Maverick Machine marching-band-slash-pep-band, the documentary assembles three years of video footage with archival photos to create a storied reflection of the 150 student musicians who now make up the “gears” of this music Machine.
Its main cog and ubiquitous founding director, Michael Thursby has led the Maverick Machine at home athletic contests, campus events and parades locally and globally.
While he heads the Maverick Machine, he credits its successful rise to its student members.
“To be 100 percent honest, it has never fully been my vision,” said Thursby with his usual sense of humility. “Our program is student-led. I just help facilitate their ideas.
“We have grown and evolved adding different instruments like guitars and string instruments. We have also dramatically increased the variety of music we play to meet what our students want,”Thursby added
Produced by students and staff with the IT Solutions Video & Media Team at Minnesota State Mankato, the documentary shares the elevation of the Maverick Machine into an icon of University pride and a powerful tipping point for high school student musicians looking for a college to call home.
In a televised interview with KEYC News Now, Fabio Castel Garcia, who directed the video, said the documentary highlights the bond Maverick Machine creates.
“It shows how the University and the students and everybody that is there really love the connection through music.”
The Maverick Machine was present throughout Homecoming Week performing at the Homecoming Bonfire, in the Homecoming Parade, and at the Homecoming Football Game.
