Countryside Winter Guard Starts the Season Strong

Color guard, and its season-appropriate offshoot, winter guard, is often overlooked when it comes to high school organizations.

But according to Countryside High School color guard coach Emilie Beining, the sport requires as much training, effort and instruction as many other physical group activities.

“This is a big sport that no one really talks about,” Beining said. “But we rehearse twice a week, sometimes from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., to prepare for our competitions.” 

“It requires a lot of coordination, precision and preparation. These kids work hard at it.”

According to Beining, a Tarpon Springs High School grad who has been coaching the sport for 10 years, color guard is like a stage play that combines flags, sabers and rifles. 

Five judges critique the expertly timed acts. Teams have six minutes to set up, perform and break down their displays, which incorporate mats, ladders and step stools.

A veteran of the sport herself, Beining knows what it takes to get the kids ready for the intense weekly competitions. 

“You really get wrapped up in the sport when you start doing it,” she said. 

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This year Beining is tasked with blending nine first-time participants to the sport with five returning members of the team. The rebuilding effort made last week’s first place finish at the season-opening FFCC competition all the more special.

“We finished first in the competition in our division, so the girls were really excited about that,” she said. 

“I’m very happy we won considering we’re in a new division and we have a bunch of new members.” 

Going forward Beining hopes to be able to draw more attention to color and winter guard, which relies almost exclusively on support from parents and fundraisers.

“Middle schools are starting to get color guard programs,” she said.

“That really helps, starting kids early, when you’re trying to build a program.” 

To keep track of the Countryside color and winter guard squads, visit and "like" their Facebook page.