Sunday, April 10, 2011

Flags In A Gym


"Flags In A Gym" is an easy way to picture what the competitors in the sport of winterguard do. In no way, however, does this simplistic label even begin to describe the complexity and beauty, the dedication and hard work, and the sheer amount of time that high school and college age students and their coaches put into winterguard activities.

My son, Peter Eichler, coaches Winterguard for Michigan State and has just finished another season of bringing a group of performers to the peak of what it is that they do best. Working with a talented team of professionals -- all the way from makeup and costume to physical training experts -- his group, State of Art, placed 7th in a field of 34 competitors in Independent Open competition at this week's Winterguard International finals held in Dayton, Ohio.

The composite photo shows State of Art at the start of its show (top), during one of the circle formations (center), and midway in a flag toss (bottom.) These photos are from the Friday night semifinals. The guard performed at 9:45 pm, not an easy time of the day to be at your best, and then went into final competition at 11:30 am on Saturday. It's a tough schedule all through the season and these fine performers are to be congratulated. Well done, Peter and State of Art!

Composite by Wanda Hayes Eichler

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