As the fall season comes to an end the lady spartans are back for the 2024-2025 Colorguard season. The 2024 roster consists of a total of 22 members as well as 2 coaches, Angel Flores and Juan Hernandez which consist of 10 vets and 12 rookies. The Head Coach, Hernandez, has built the Color Guard Team . Although, the season has had his performers practicing nonstop to ensure a successful competition season.
Recently, they competed in their first two events at Baldwin Park, where they earned 2nd place, just 4 points behind Downey High School. They also competed at All Valley College, where they took 1st place. Downey is known as one of the biggest colorguard programs in Southern California and being compared to them is a huge accomplishment.
“Each year keeps getting harder and harder because we keep moving up a division and this year we are in a 4A division where we compete against programs that have been here for a while. For example downey is one of the biggest colorguard programs in Southern California and us being compared to them is a huge accomplishment because people know we can be just as good as them.” stated by Coach Flores.
Colorguard is a year-round visual arts performance activity with two seasons, fall and winter. During the fall they perform alongside the marching band on the field. In the winter season known as Winterguard they perform indoors on their own showcasing routines set to music where they can express themselves and tell a story through movement. This season’s choreography is inspired by Ancient Egypt, featuring three types of equipment rifle, sabre, and flag.
This year, the team is focused on securing high auxiliary LAUSD championships. They practice four times a week, dedicating 3-4 hours each day. Returning captain Giselle Sanchez and co-captain Xiomara Garcia believe that the extra practice time pays off, but it also has its drawbacks. The late practices and early competitions are taking an impact. Xiomara, who is a first-year co-captain feels the added pressure of her new role. She has more responsibilities including following the coach’s instructions and ensuring that the team stays focused and on track.
“It’s hard, we practice everyday until 8 but whenever I have free time or days off I try to get my homework done. Balancing school work and Colorguard is hard but I think what works best is finding a schedule to do everything” mentioned Garcia.
Color Guard takes up a lot of time and effort as well, and sometimes that can be nerve racking Wendy Sanchez, second year returner believes something that helps is a ritual her coach Angel does before a competition.
”I feel nervous before a competition but our coach Angel does a really good job at calming us down, we do this ritual where we go in a circle and hold hands while he gives a speech & has us say why we’re doing this and why we’re here which helps a lot.” Wendy, second year returner.
As for the rookies, Maria Villalobos is having a blast meeting new people and surrounding herself in an inclusive environment.
”I enjoy the company of the people in colorguard, the seniors are fun to be around and the atmosphere.” mentioned Villalobos
Although the schedule can be quite difficult she believes that it is important to have fun. There are no required skills to join all they ask is that you come with a great attitude and ready to learn.
Written by: Melanie Escalera, Sports Editor