Masuk Winter Guard Show Thrills Crowd

There was plenty of love in the air just in time for Valentine's Day Saturday — the romantic kind that comes with a box of chocolates.

Masuk High School held its 10th Masuk Classic Musical Arts Conference winter guard show, hosting 22 colorguard teams from around the state, tossing and spinning flags, rifles and sabers.

Masuk's show was a romantic one, with a giant heart motif and pink costumes, perfect for Cupid's day.

"The theme was 'one more chance.' It's kind of, you know you upset someone and you are looking for them to forgive you and let you come back into their life," said Coach Karyn Knapik. "It's a nice Valentine's show so it matches quite nicely."

A large heart changed positions on the floor as the girls performed their precision routines. The crowd thrilled when rifles were tossed high in the air and caught, even from behind the back.

It takes a lot of work.

"The Masuk Colorguard team is comprised of dedicated, passionate students who practice several hours each week perfecting their skills," said Cathy Deely, a color guard parent, before the event.

The guard has 14 members, including four seniors, four sophomores, four freshmen, and two eighth graders.

The show demands their dedication. Winter guard has been called the sport of the arts, requiring a combination of athletic skills, creative interpretation of music and theatrical performance.

It's all leading up to something, said Bernadette Gross, a co-captain.

"We keep adding on until the championships in April," Gross said.

The show is an evolving one.

"We spend maybe like a month putting it together, then the rest of it is fine tuning," said co-captain Sophia Todessa.

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