Color Guard: Stepping into the Season and Turning to Each Other
By Kenzee Hampton
Going into a season like no other, the Owasso colorguard is here to inspire our fellow classmates. Just like all of us, this year has been full of ups, downs and unknowns for guard. Yet, they still strive for success through this unpredictable year.
Junior Annallely Kistler said, “right now we are taking it step by step... we are just taking precautions. So far, we are working on a half time show to perform [at home football games].”
As our colorguard goes through this year's season dauntlessly, they try their absolute best to perform in spite of the hardships awaiting them.
Coach Adrienne Gaddy explains that, “Covid has affected everything. Our competitive season was cancelled, so our fall season looks much different than normal. We have had to work really hard to make our daily rehearsals and then performances fit guidelines for safety.”
Kistler, known for looking on the brighter side of things says, “I'm just excited that we’re still trying to be safe ... I’m glad we are able to put something out on the field for everybody to see. Obviously, we have taken our precautions and everything, and lots of things have gone on, so I’m just really excited to perform.”
Each and every day, they show up and show out. Gaddy said, “Even with every hurdle, our kids have risen to the challenge. They show up every day ready to work, ready to grow and ready to get better. They are always ready to take on what's next with a great attitude.”
For the Owasso Color Guard, each day they must be ready to work hard—especially on game days.
“Game days for us are pretty busy,” Gaddy mulls. “[There’s] first hour rehearsal, then they have a school day, rehearsal after school, pregame performance and warm up for the halftime performance.”
Every single teammate has their own way of physically and mentally preparing for game day.
Kistler’s routine follows as such: “First, I like to be in a zone. I zone out everybody else; I listen to, obviously, the coaches, but I have to keep to myself. I run through all of my work, and obviously we practice before we go on the field. You just have to have a solid run right before everyone goes out, and that makes me a lot more confident about my performance.”
Even though everyone prepares in their own way, they still find ways to help each other and be a team.
“I know it is just a weird season, so I just want to make sure they [the freshmen] are not too stressed out … [we] just [need to] be there for eachother,” stressed Kistler.
The guard is not just a team— but a family. They look out for each other and do what's best for the team. They are not only patient when it comes to precautions with Covid-19; they are patient with each other.
“My favorite part is probably just working with all the girls,” said Kistler. “You know, just working with the freshmen and making sure they feel comfortable with the sport.”
As our colorguard inspires and cheers on our athletes to work their hardest, they are also inspiring us during these trying times to be patient and support each other. On October 30 and November 6, there will be a home football game. Come out and watch the colorguard perform during pregame and the half time show!