Color guard. One may have seen their flags waving alongside the marching band this football season, or their fun outfit change during the halftime show, but what is not commonly seen is the amount of dedication it takes to “just throw flags around”. 

Taylor Malkames, 11, is a captain on the color guard team and they talked about how their perspective on guard has changed since their freshman year.  

“Freshman year I thought that my skill level had been pretty good compared to some of the other freshmen… then my sophomore year I was named a junior captain,” Malkames said. 

Being named a junior captain prompted Malkames to apply for the captain position prior to their junior season. 

“I applied for the [captain position] because I believed that since last year I was a junior captain, I would have the most experience in the position. I also did go into [the application} feeling very confident I would get the poison,” Malkames explained,

“being captain has made me see how much hard work my previous captains have done for me and the precious teams.” 

Malkames explained that captainship “had its ups and downs” but, has also allowed for them to become more confident and excited for the future. 

“This year winter guard is different because we are competing… my freshman year we had three different routines during basketball season…once basketball was over we stopped doing everything,” Malkames said, “[next color guard season] I am expecting for there to be lots of props lots of equipment changes and lots of thing we’ve seen this year but stepped up to a next level.” 

Malkames has found success and a home on the guard teams, and hopes that anyone who wants to join in the future takes the chance but understands that there is a higher level of dedication than just “throwing flags around”.