Deer Park Winter Guard Takes Home Milford Title
CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Deer Park color guard has been an integral part of the Deer Park Marching Wildcats for dozens of years, participating in football halftime shows and with the band during the OMEA State Finals, receiving plenty of awards along the way.
However, a new feature this year is the Deer Park Winter Guard, a competitive version of the performance, which takes place indoors. It did not take long for the squad to become competitive, as the Wildcats took home first place at Milford High School this weekend, in just their third-ever competitive indoor performance.
Color guard coach Brenda Livingston said Winter Guard creates unique challenges to the squad.
“Winter Guard is extremely difficult and challenges any color guard,” she said. “You have to write drill, formation and do movement on a portion of a basketball court. We rehearsed sometimes at 6:45 a.m. on Saturday mornings to find a way to get gym time.”
According to Livingston, the team—comprised of 11 Deer Park High School students—have shown the dedication necessary to become successful.
“These girls give 100% at all practices and they want to strive for excellence,” Livingston said. “They accept changes in the routine and no one fights to be the star. They all work together to be the best they can be. If someone else is struggling with a move, they all jump in to help each other. They never miss practices and they just make me proud to be their coach."
Livingston dedicates an impressive amount of effort into the program as well. Like many sports, youth squads start with students as young as 6-years-old. Unlike many others though, there are not age-dedicated coaches at different levels. She is the coach for every single level.
Livingston also said she is fortunate to have the tremendous support of parents throughout the program to help aide in the success.
They drove 2 hours to a competition in January and of course, they came to Milford,” she said. “They never get upset about the early mornings and they never get upset if we run over practice a few minutes. The parents treat me with such kindness and were always excited about our show. I am extremely lucky to have this kind of support.”
Deer Park Schools and the community are extremely proud of the Winter Guard, Coach Livingston and all of the participating students. We look forward to much continued success in the future!
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