CCHS Color Guard maintains reputation at state championship

By DEB KELLEY 

Special to Leader-Pres

The CCHS Pride of Cove Winter Guard was the reigning champion at the Texas Color Guard Circuit State Championships at Texas A&M University and were a force to be reckoned with as they competed against 13 other teams for top state honors, ultimately capturing second place.

Despite this year’s team being comprised mainly of beginners or members in their second year of color guard, the group had a strong start to the season, receiving a 1st place trophy at the Cedar Park competition. This bumped them up to a higher competition class which required a display of intermediate skills and an overall show that weaves more dance movements with more difficult combinations of flag and rifle spins.

The CCHS Winter Guard then took home a third place trophy in this higher class at Leander High School and a first place trophy two weeks later at East View High School. 

Nancy Norris is the color guard director and in her first year with CCHS.

“This year we built off of the success of winning a state championship last year. We brought our skills to the next level which is why we were highly successful this year. It is almost unheard of to get promoted during the middle of the season and then receive a state award,” Norris said. 

Each year’s winter guard show is designed and choreographed by the directors and students starting out with a theme or idea or musical choice followed by custom design of uniforms, flags, and floor mat created to compliment the idea. The choreography is created by the directors and students, and continues to evolve through the competitions by adding elements as the season progresses.

CCHS senior Lexus Simmons is a two-year color guard veteran.

“It was hard in the beginning but being surrounded by people who push you to not only be a better performer but also be a better person makes it all worth it,” Simmons said. “I was very proud of us not only advancing but to medal in that new class – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t ever think that you can’t do something. As long as you practice, you will get better with time.”

The CCHS Color Guard will perform its award-winning show at CCHS tonight in Gym 1 (new gym) during the CCHS Band “Spring Exhibition.” The event begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.