Update, Feb. 17: In their most recent show on Feb. 12, the winter guard placed 5th out of 5th. Although they did not place in the top three like they hoped, their score did raise by 17.6 points from their last show.

For a list of all scores and a list of dates and times for future shows, visit SJVCGPR.org.

Although the winter guard did not place in the top three at their first competition at Clovis East, they will have a second chance to top their division in an upcoming show at Buchanan High School. They will perform at 6:42 p.m., Feb. 12.

With improvements under way for their next show and early morning practices taking place in order to finish everything, coach Lacey Miranda says she is proud of the girls and excited to perform in the show.

“I am staying positive for this show,” Miranda said. “My goal is performance! Getting the girls to perform while competing, smiling when they are supposed to, and angry when they are supposed to be; to really get them to blow the judges away.”

At the last show, the team was in a division with other schools. In the upcoming show, the class size has dwindled to five participants, including Buchanan, Hanford and Clovis High Schools.

Although the size of the division has shrunk, team members say the change does not release the tension the team is feeling before their second show of the year. Captain Jessica Massie says she is nervous and excited.

“The second show is not as bad as the first,” Massie said. “It is not as nerve-wracking, which is good. The girls are more prepared for the second show, they are not as nervous because now they know what they have to do and they know what to expect.

“We have been working so hard the past few weeks. We have even had to have some early morning practices in order to get everything we
need done. I hope all our hard work pays off in the next show.”

While many may think guard competitions are attended by only the teams and their coaches, several parents accompany them to offer support. Megan Stewart, ’11, says she likes having the parents and other students there.

“It is always nice to have people there to support us,” Stewart said. “It is so nice to have friends and family there to cheer us on. For us it is not just a competition then, it is a show, and we have more fun. When people are there we perform to show them what we can do, not jut for an award.”

For more information on the competition schedule, ticket costs and locations, visit SJVCGPR.org. For more information on winter guard, read the Jan. 28 article, Clovis East to host winter guard performance.