by Bradley Torreano
Champion is a Seattle, WA group formed with the intention of crafting some classic straight edge hardcore. Coming together in the spring of 1999 under guitarist Chris Williams and vocalist Jim Hesketh, the band put together some very interesting shows that were often hurt by constant line up changes. Drummer Todd Preboski and bassist Aram Arslanian came along in 2001 and solidified the band for the time, giving them enough of a structure to record their first single. It was received positively and inspired them to tour behind it. Later in the year they brought in bassist Lucas McFadden and drafted Arslanian to guitar, and in the spring of 2002 they recorded and released the Count Our Numbers EP for Bridge Nine Records.