This year, the Mission Viejo

Colorguard’s show is

entitled “Between the Words” and the squad made the National Championship Finals in Dayton, Ohio for the 8th year in a row. Their season ended well with a score of 83.4. Overall; they came in 14th place in the Country. MVHS had no problems making their way to Ohio but unfortunately, many guards did not make it because over a thousand flights were canceled.

On a normal basis, the Colorguard practices around 12 hours each week in one of the gyms at school. During the second semester, it’s just the guard itself without the “marching band.” They call it Winterguard. This is the time where the girls get closer as a team, and as a family.

Prelims and finals were held in the Dayton Arena and on their way down the long and steep ramp, everyone was silent and shaky; all the girls had that “nervous pee” their coaches were talking about. After a few deep breaths it was their turn now; the girls stepped out on the floor waiting for the announcer to say “Is the guard ready?” and when that time came, a French style of music started to play. A sigh of relief came upon the girls when the show was over because it was such a great show with only two or three drops; it was almost perfect. In between those days were semi-finals, which were held at the Nutter Center. It is originally a hockey rink, so it was almost as big as the Dayton Arena. Performing for all of the people there was tough but the girls knew that they were on their side Many said it was the best show they have ever had. On that note, the coaches told the girls they made finals and they were extremely happy. Only the Top 15 teams make it in, and they barely made it with the 14th spot.

With the final run through, the girls decided to have fun and do it for themselves. The sensation of doing their best during the final show was passionate, and seeing their families supporting them was an indescribable feeling. Most of the girls dedicated their show to the four seniors: Maggie, Alanna, Kacie and Dawn. This was one of their last chances to perform and compete. At the end of their show, the coaches came down and talked with all the girls. They were teary-eyed at moments and it was the best they have seen the show and they gave the girls a standing ovation. Just hearing them say that made the girls champions in their own hearts. The score for them at this point didn’t matter. For awards, they had a full guard retreat where everyone on every guard who went to finals stood on the floor. They blasted music and everyone got to know other girls from other States. The girls lined up from youngest to oldest; all 18 of them stood proudly representing our school. With an experience of a lifetime, no one would forget these moments the Colorguard shared in Dayton, Ohio.