The Shadow Ridge High School Color Guard is more than just waving flags around, tossing rifles, and marching with the band. Color Guard is a blend of artistic expression that demonstrates teamwork, includes dance features, and leaves students with unforgettable memories. 

For sophomore, Dylan Eecklor, Color Guard is something she really looks forward to. While Eecklor is involved in many different activities around Shadow, she plays a big role in the Color Guard. Eecklor is one of the head captains on the team and has been doing it for one year. 

The old captain, Layla Carlos, who is now an alumni, influenced Eecklor to join because she saw that Eecklor was a fast learner as well as having a passion for dance. Carlos was not wrong because Eecklor caught on very quickly and now loves what she does. 

Many people might think that Color Guard is easy because it’s just twirling/tossing flags and rifles but it’s so much more than that. The choreo the team gets is not always easy since it’s built around the marching band. Students can quickly lose confidence if they are unable to master something as simple as a single toss because they’ll begin to feel like they’re not good enough. The truth about Color Guard is that anyone can do it but like many things in life, it just takes consistent practice. 

Eecklor stated, “My advice would be to always try your hardest. Color Guard definitely is not easy and it takes practice and patience. Trying and giving it your best shot is a great way to know if something you would like to look into doing.”

To have a good season even if students are new to the team, students need to have the right motivation, focus, and the right supporters on their side or else there might be a lack of consistency which doesn’t just affect one person, but the entire team. 

Although this year’s season for Color Guard has come to an end, Eecklor will keep practicing. During the winter season, students have the opportunity to join something called Winter Guard which is the same concept as regular Color Guard but there is no marching band and it is held indoors. Winter Guard runs from December until late March. Winter Guard is something Eecklor plans on doing this year and looks forward to joining while she waits for the next marching band season to start again in 2026. 

Gallery • 8 Photos

Jam Davis

Dylan Eecklor at Competition