While twirling their flags in perfect synchronization, a group of girls perform a routine before a gymnasium full of fans. They quickly switch to rifles, spinning the props while trying their hardest to keep the makeshift weapons between their fingers.

The returning winter guard team will host auditions in the Peoples Church gym, Nov. 21. A captain of the team and junior on campus, Sarah Barnett and her team are scouting for new talent for the upcoming season.

?I am excited for the fellowship,? Barnett said. ?Also, it is physical activity but it is still enjoyable. In winter guard we use flags, rifles and sabers. We pair these with dance moves and music to make it more fun.?

Girls interested in auditioning must perform with rifle tosses, flag spins, flag tosses and drop spins. As a freshman, Amanda Merzon intends to audition and anticipates a challenging yet exciting experience.

?I signed up because I thought it would be a lot of fun,” Merzon said. “I know it will be difficult because I have never done anything like this before. I am most scared of dropping the rifles on my head. I also think the dancing will be hard but I am looking forward to it.?

The winter guard holds high expectations for those auditioning, according to freshman Lizzie Williams. As a former member of color guard, Williams will return to help with tryouts and participate in future fundraisers.

?I am going to be helping out with the auditions,? Williams said. ?I cannot wait to see all the people auditioning and help raise the money for new equipment.?

The dance aspect of winter guard often attracts potential candidates to the team. Sophomore Kelsey Hart signed up for winter guard due to her passion for dancing.

?I signed up because I love to dance,? Hart said. ?That is probably going to be my favorite part of the season. Also, I am scared of the rifle tosses; I do not want to kill myself before I graduate.?

The team allows boys to sign up, although none have decided to. Though the original theme for winter guard was based on girls versus boys, the team’s coach, Lacey Miranda, may rethink her plans if boys take initiative.

?I did not join [winter guard] for a few reasons,? freshman Zedekiah Fries said. ?My mom said she would ground me if I ever joined. Also, I don?t want to kill myself. I already dropped a rifle on my foot once, and it really hurt.?

For more information on winter guard and the auditions, contact Sarah Barnett or e-mail coach Lacey Miranda.