As fall sports wind down and winter approaches, winter guard shifts into competition season at FHN. Similar to the fall season, winter guard combines choreographed routines involving flag work and sabre tossing with indoor performances at competitions throughout the winter. Practices are held several times a week to learn and memorize routines, but despite the long rehearsals and demanding schedule, the team stays determined.
“It can be very hard, especially in the winter, but once you have a good team that you like being around, it’s so much easier,” senior Melanie Breen said.
The team has doubled in size since last season, which has allowed the members to grow closer as they work together.
“It’s a fun experience, you make a lot of friends and meet new people,” freshman Brendan Hoegemeier said.
This season, the team is presenting two different shows, one called “The First Snow,” a joyful and exciting routine, and the other called “Porcelain,” a deep and renewing performance. Guiding the members through two different shows can be challenging, but the coaching staff helps them master each part.
“It makes my day that I can be able to teach them something that I know makes them better as a performer,” assistant coach Lauren Willerton said.
With their first competition on Feb. 7 and more in the months ahead, winter guard is about teamwork, growth, and building a community where everyone is welcome.
“Just go for it,” Breen said. “This is a hard sport, but all it takes is your effort. You don’t have to be good. You just have to want to try.”
