Born to Toss

Winter Guard takes first at the MCCGA State Championships

Winter Guard’s show this season was inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Winter Guard’s show this season was inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Jessica Gibson

Winter Guard is tossing wins left and right.

On April 2, the Guard came home with a win at the state championship competition in Springfield, Mo. at Washington High School.
At the end of the day when it came down to the award ceremony, they were all holding hands in a line waiting for the announcer to announce first place. When they announced Liberty Guard, everyone started jumping and crying.

“I cried so hard my false eyelashes fell off,” said freshman Kayla Peters. “We were all in tears.”

The team left Friday, April 1 for Springfield and competed that Saturday.

“We’ve competed in four or five competitions so far this year,” said sophomore Rylie Martin.

This year there are 12 members of Winter Guard: Bailee Hunt, Erica Lopez, Brianna Hill, Ashleigh Matthis, Aria Ellis, Bobbie McGlaughlin, Kayla Peters, Vicky Parkes, Rylie Martin, Hannah Jones, Jenna Fallert and Christian Tebeau.

Color Guard is the interpretation of music via the synchronized work of flags, sabres, rifles, the air blade and through dance.

“It’s a performing arts,” said Peters. “It’s a way to express ourselves through dancing.”

It’s even a confidence booster for some students.

“Guard has helped me express who I am,” said sophomore Ashleigh Matthis.

Winter and Color Guard performs during the halftimes of mostly football and basketball games.

Winter Guard practices on almost everyday of the week from 5 to 9 and sometimes even on weekends. Halftime is their time, and the field is the stage.