For senior Bri Manning, this year’s Chesterton Winter Guard season was more than just a final chapter, it was a statement. As a member of the Gold Guard, Manning helped lead the team through one of its most memorable and competitive seasons to date, taking 10th at the IHSCGA Finals, with their show, “Exit Wounds.”
“This winter guard season was absolutely amazing,” Manning said. “We were placed into a more challenging class, and although it pushed us, we rose to the occasion.”
That challenge came with stronger competition. Chesterton divided their winter guard into two teams, maroon and gold, and moved into a tougher classification this season, and their gold team faced off against powerhouse programs like Carroll and Avon, teams known for dominant performances on the circuit. Rather than focusing on placement alone, the team shifted its mindset. “Our biggest challenge was focusing on our scores rather than placements,” Manning explained. “Once we realized that improvement in performance would raise our scores, everything started to click.”
At finals, Chesterton’s Gold Guard delivered what Manning described as a “nearly perfect” performance, one that propelled them up three places in the final standings, an impressive jump at that level of competition. “We were the only team to move up like that,” she said. “Being our first year in that round, we truly made a statement.” She continued, “The team was incredible, and I’m so proud of everything we accomplished together.”
Beyond the scores, Manning emphasized the bond winter guard members share. “The energy and chemistry felt like a second family,” she said. “Color guard has always been my second home.” That connection is something Manning believes sets the Chesterton teams apart. “No one has a team like we do. Being apart of the Chesterton Color Guard doesn’t mean just being apart of another team. It means joining something greater than yourselves. It’s special and unique because once you join you realize how amazing the bond of the team truly is.”
Gold Squard: Ava Garland, Madison Jackson, Brianna Manning, Addison Mason, Samantha Mills, Natalie Newman, Kaylin O’Daniel, Kenzie O’Daniel, Baylee Parrott, Lucy Rutkowski, Caryss Vandiver, and Caprie Wilson.
Winter Guard is more than tossing rifles and flags. Through long rehearsals, bus rides and competitions, she developed skills that will carry with her after graduation. “Resilience, leadership, teamwork, those are things I’ll take into the real world,” Manning said. But it wasn’t all just skill-building. “I love performing. My favorite thing has always been getting able to throw super high tosses and being able to see the reaction of the crowd when we catch them. The joy I get from a crowd cheering at our performance is like no other.”
Reflecting on her senior season and her path ahead, Manning will carry this lesson with her: “Even though rehearsals are hard, tiring, and sometimes you don’t want to be there, it could be your last, so cherish every moment and live in the present, as if its YOUR last.” Manning is holding on to those moments, the big wins at state and the Taco Bell stop on the way home, each one unforgettable. ” Being together in those moments, celebrating what we achieved, is something I’ll always remember.”
