A sport not known to many around campus, winter guard combines the beauty of dance with the skill of equipment.
Rifles, sabers and flags were twirled, thrown and caught, as the women of Penn State’s Eclipse winter guard performed their silver medal routine at the All Chapter Championships in Wildwood, N.J. this winter.
The team competes with 16 girls, moving gracefully around the floor, showing off their skills and talents in front of a panel of five judges. The judges calculate scores based on the strengths of the teams.
“[Winter guard] takes hard work and determination that any good athletic team strives for, in addition to the showmanship and talent that any great artist or performer aims to embody with every piece they create,” said club president Julia Ferraiolo.
From registering for competitions, to holding meetings and practices, Ferraiolo has many responsibilities as the head of club.
The junior double majors in food science and nutrition, and has been a part of the silk’s section of the Blue Band since her freshman year.
Well rounded, she is also a member of the food science club and plays the piccolo for the fall athletic band.
The winter guard club is completely student-run, a difficult task for the already busy student athletes.
Ferraiolo said operating the club takes a team effort.
“It’s amazing the ideas that the officers create,” Ferraiolo said.
Vice president Katie Plain, treasurer Melissa Ricciutto and secretary Nicole Mapp, give it their all to help make sure the team runs properly.”
Eclipse has played an important role in the community running food drives throughout the year as well as holding a bake sale for THON.
The team also looks forward to participating in Relay for Life on April 13.
The club’s goals are to get students interested and teach the art of winter guard.
Ferraiolo said the club is always looking for new members no matter their previous experience.
