The Bearcat Winter Guard at Northwest Missouri State University finished its recent season with a first-place win at the Mid-Continent Color Guard Association competition in Belton, Missouri, according to an April 22 announcement. The team also participated in events in Omaha, Nebraska, as well as Blue Springs and Springfield, Missouri.
The group consists of 11 students who design performances featuring flags, costumes, and choreography centered on a theme. Their routines are evaluated based on equipment use, movement, design analysis, general effect, difficulty level, and program concept. This year’s show was titled “Let the Light Guide You” and featured a cover of Coldplay’s “Fix You,” focusing on themes of grief and healing.
Annie Pope, a senior biology major from Lathrop who serves as president of the organization, said her involvement has led to new opportunities. “Being president of this team has definitely changed my life for the better,” Pope said. “Because of the leadership skills I’ve acquired, I’ve been able to take up a coaching job at Benton High School, and now I’m going to be transferring to Maryville High School. That’s something I never would have been able to accomplish without this experience.”
Pope explained that their performance included a lantern prop symbolizing light as happy memories or thoughts helping them overcome darkness. “In the guard and dance world,” she said,”the emotions you show on your face throughout the performance are extremely important to telling your story.” Vice President Brooke O’Donnell highlighted team camaraderie: “Just being with all my friends and such a great team full of accomplished and very talented people…that’s what makes Bearcat Winter Guard shine.”
Dr. Rose Blanchard joined Northwest last fall as an assistant professor of biology before becoming advisor for Bearcat Winter Guard after students learned about her color guard background.”It was great to be exposed to something that was such a large part of my high school experience,” Blanchard said.”I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to watch the tryouts and the growth of the team from tryouts through their showcase.”
Northwest Missouri State University enrolls over 8,500 students with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1 according to its official website. The university offers more than 150 clubs and organizations designed to enhance cultural and social experiences according to its official website. Facilities like Bearcat Arena support athletics according to its official website, while national rankings recognize award-winning faculty according to its official website. The institution emphasizes practical education with strong value according to its official website.
