Colorguard is spending 15 to 20 hours a week marching up and down a 50 by 70 foot area, dancing your heart out, or spinning a 3 1/2 pound rifle. It's using your free time to strive for perfection and hearing; "That's wrong! Pay attention! Try harder!" over and over. It is riding countless hours on cold bumpy buses and eating in more fast food restaurants than you care to remember. Sometimes you march with blisters on your feet, splints on your fingers, when you're sick or when every muscle in your body aches. It means being willing to try again even though you have just suffered a defeat, tears are streaming down your face and your heart is breaking. Then another Saturday night comes! Judges, instructors, other guards, and hundreds spectators are waiting for your performance. For those few minutes, every ounce of your strength and concentration are dedicated to making our family, friends, school, and town proud of your competitive unit. The demanding, endless hours of practice have been a prelude to this moment. This is your moment. Nothing else matters. There is the hope in your heart, "Please, let this one be ours!" But color guard is much more than work and intense competition. It is closeness between young people that cannot be described. It is doing your best and knowing that you have your very own group of "fans" who you will always encourage and support you, Whether you win or lose.