Winterguard International’s (WGI) ICT Independent Winterguard includes two members from Augusta’s color guard.
Freshman Miah Wiseman and sophomore Adelie McQueen performed with the Winterguard at regionals Feb. 24 in Kansas City. The team placed second and moved on to championships in Lee’s Summit, Mo. where they placed first.
The Winterguard began practices early in November; coaches lead the initial practices with color guard basics including drop spins and simple tosses. Practices progressed onto more difficult skills and show work.
“We go back where there are parts that are more messy than others and really solidify them so that we’re ready for the competition,” McQueen said.
The color guard consists of a flag line and a weapon line. The weapon line consists of rifles and sabers. In August, Augusta added rifles to its marching show. Augusta’s assistant coach, winterguard member Alex Christian was inspired to audition for rifle.
“I still really need to work on rifle; that’s something new to me this season so I’m trying to develop my skills,” Christian said.
Other members who perform with the flag line also have to improve some of their skills.
“We have worked a lot,” Wiseman said. “I over-rotate certain tosses which I have to work on.”
Winterguard will perform in Dayton, Ohio from April 9-14 at the WGI World Championships.
McQueen has mixed emotions about performing in Ohio.
“I am very excited but also scared for Ohio because I’ve never gone to that competition before; I’ve got to get my stuff together before that,” McQueen said.
Traveling long distances with the team benefits communication between the members before their performances.
“There’s a lot of team bonding experiences, and driving in the vans together to our shows is super fun,” Wiseman said.
Winterguard members practice Monday and Thursday nights, as well as all day Saturday.
