FZN Winter Guard claims the Mid-State Championship!

The FZN Winter Guard recently claimed the first Mid-State Championship in school history for the FZN Winter Guard program at the MCCGA Scholastic A Championships held last weekend (April 7) in Willard, Missouri. The Guard competed against squads from across the state of Missouri, Illinois, and Arkansas at the event. It was local rival, Holt High School, that posed the strongest challenge to the FZN squad. FZN scored a 84.355 to Holt's 84.065 to claim first place while Holt finished as the runner-up. Bentonville, AR finished in 3rd place. The Mid-State event was the second team title captured this season as the FZN Guard also won top honors at the Edwardsville Invitational earlier this season.

Team captain, FZN Senior - Ashley Kues, described the winning feeling as, "Great!' She contributed the team success to all "the hard work and dedication put in over the course of the season." She went on the say, "the team never gave up this season" and that she is "proud of my teammates". Kues hopes to continue on in the Guard as coach in future years.

During the late summer and fall, Guard members compete as part of FZN's renowned Panther Pride Marching Band. During the winter, the Guard competes in several competitions separate from the Marching Band. Band Director Rob Babel established the FZN Winter Guard program several years ago as an avenue for Guard member to compete outside the Marching Band season. The FZN Winter Guard is coached by Brianna Sampson and assisted by Stacey Harrell.

Team members include: Madison Boshert, Emily Bourn, Audrey Brakensiek, Susan Brase, Brittany Broadfield, Makenna Carter, Anna Fergin, Zoie Fife, Ashley Kues, Catherine McPherson, Kaylynn Michael, Mia Millican, Leanna Pastor, Corbin Peters, and Madison Swim

This weekend, the FZN Winter Guard will travel to Dayton, Ohio for the WGI "World Championships". This will be the final event for the 2018 Winter Guard squad.