Boardman High School band director Tom Ruggieri holds a sample uniform. The band raised more than $115,000 for 250 new uniforms to replace 15-year-old garb. Submitted photo

BOARDMAN — Just in the knick of time, the Boardman High School marching band received word that it raised enough money for new uniforms.

A check from the Boardman Rotary helped the band exceed its goal by $1,000, band director Tom Ruggieri said.

As with most other facets of life these days, the uniforms have been impacted by the coronavirus.

“Because physical distancing is pretty much the norm at the factory, production of our uniforms began when we sent the first check and continues even throughout this crisis,” Ruggieri said.

An order of 250 new uniforms, costing about $115,000, including busby hats and hat buckets, was finalized.

Initially, 200 uniforms were ordered, but then an additional 50 were added “to ensure that we have a range of sizes to fit future students,” Ruggieri said.

The uniforms should arrive to the school in July. They will replace 15-year-old threads.

Each uniform has a price tag of about $450.

Although the shipment is anticipated in the summer, Ruggieri is counting on the threat of the coronavirus to be over.

“My hope and prayer is that this will all be over by then and we’ll get to wear (the uniforms) for next marching season as scheduled,” he said.

afox@tribtoday.com