JMU Athletics Recognizes Bill Posey as 2022 Sonner Award Winner

HARRISONBURG, Va. – A longtime integral leader of JMU's Marching Royal Dukes, William Gary "Bill" Posey ('79), will be honored with the 2022 Ray V. Sonner Spirit Award presented by JMU Athletics on Nov. 19 during the home football game against Georgia State.

The Ray V. Sonner Spirit Award is presented annually to someone who embodies JMU spirit and contributes to the passion that we exhibit as supporters of James Madison University. Posey passed away on April 30, 2022. The award will be received in his honor by his wife, Sharon, during the game, which also serves as the annual Marching Royal Dukes Alumni Day. She will be joined by longtime friends Rick & Becky Deloney along with William Deloney, who is the godchild of the Poseys and was named after Bill. Rick is the current percussion instructor for the MRDs.

Posey was hired by the JMU School of Music in 1981 and served until his 2018 retirement. He was assistant director of the Marching Royal Dukes until 2012. During his 32 years with the MRDs, he was a critical component of the growth of one of the best collegiate marching bands in the nation, highlighted by the capturing of the Sudler Trophy in 1994. His experience with the MRDs actually began as a student in 1973 with the band transitioning from the Madison College Marching Band to the Marching Royal Dukes during his collegiate years.

In addition to his key role in the preparation, organization and performance of the Marching Royal Dukes, Posey was particularly present during JMU football games as the public address announcer for MRD performances. He voiced the band's iconic introduction, "And now, Virginia's Finest, the James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes!"

Previous Winners of the Ray V. Sonner Spirit Award
2012 – JMU Cheerleaders – NCA National Champions
2013 – Phil Cockrell – Started Streamer Tradition
2014 – Pat & Glenda Rooney – Director of JMU Bands (1994 Sudler Trophy)
2015 – Showalter Family – Legacy family with significant long-term history of giving to athletics and ticket holders
2016 – JMU Dukettes – NDA National Champions
2017 – Jack Cavanaugh – Bridgeforth Stadium Public Address Announcer
2018 – Boyd Family (Rebecca, Elliott and Brooke) – Spirit, support and attendance across all JMU sport programs
2019 – Kathy Landis - JMU Dining
2022 – Bill Posey, Assistant Director of the Marching Royal Dukes

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