Riptide started in the fall of 1997 after the retirement of two Dixie District Champ quartets, "Bandstand" and "Class of '94".
Dylan Oxford, Eric King, Jeff Selano, and Tim Reynolds were the original members. In 1998, Riptide competed at the International
contest in Atlanta, GA placing 22nd. In the fall of 1998, Riptide won the Dixie District Championship. Before prelims of the following year,
Riptide made a personnel change. At that point, Richard Lewellen joined as baritone. Riptide went on as the
foursome of Eric King, Richard Lewellen, Jeff Selano and Tim Reynolds for another four years placing 11th in 1999 (Anaheim, CA),
6th in 2000 (Kansas City, MO), 4th in 2001 (Nashville, TN), and 4th in 2002 (Portland, OR). From 1997 to 2002, Riptide performed
for tens of thousands across the continental US and across the Atlantic in England. At the end of 2002, Riptide made it's second
personnel change picking up Rick Taylor on tenor (much to the surprise of the barbershop community). Rick, up until Riptide, had
been a world famous baritone and front man. With Rick on the team and new wind in the sails, Riptide headed to the Montreal
International Convention. With a 5th place medal from that convention, they prepared for the Louisville Convention and hit the
stage with their best performances to date (earned the rank of 3rd place). After the convention, a now third personnel change
was in order and the one and only Don Barnick joined the team as baritone. During Riptide's lifetime, the quartet has developed
many outstanding friendships. With the help of our coach's Clay Hine, Joe Connelly, Cindy Hansen, Dwayne Brobst, Rob Hopkins,
and of course... the one and only, Dave Labar (we miss you more than words can say, Dave)... Riptide has endured as a passionate
group of guys who love to perform. Now, with new found energy and enthusiasm, Riptide looks back at it's first eight years with
a great deal of pride. They look forward to the next eight with a great deal of excitement. Look out in Salt Lake City (July
2005) as Riptide prepares to go head to head with the other great quartets in search of the gold medal they set out for in 1997.
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