Photos Provided Pictured is The ST. Clairsville High School Red Devil Indoor Color Guard A

THE ST. CLAIRSVILLE High School Red Devil Indoor Color Guard A made school history, placing first in Scholastic Regional A at the Winter Guard International Pittsburgh Regional Championships on March 4.

This was the team’s first time ever at the event.

Started in 2022, the indoor guard program completed its inaugural season, finishing in the top five of their division for the state of Ohio last year.

For the 2023 season, the team has already placed third, second and first in various competitions. Members will compete again in OIPA events at Warren Local High School on March 11, Hilliard Darby on March 19 and at states in Wapakoneta, Ohio, on April 1.

The team practices four days a week.

“I am so proud of these girls! They put in countless hours of rehearsal and training to perform under pressure at the highest level,” said color guard Director Becca Schwertfeger. “Their work ethic, determination, teamwork and self-confidence will carry them far beyond color guard.”

Their 2023 program “Not Your Girl” is directed by Schwertfeger with Caton Kadylak.

The 13-member Scholastic Regional A team includes Rowan Flanagan, Olivia Meager, Leandra Hastings, Audrey Dias, Elissa Goudy, Kady Morgan, Hannah Hodorowski, Kane Flanagan, Kimber St. Clair, Eriana Botizan, Devin Balog, Casey Kadylak and Garrett Sirbaugh.

Many members of the team are in the National Honor Society and on the honor roll. In their free time, they volunteer to mentor younger guard members. Several members also participate in show choir, musical, softball, track, Destination Imagination and have jobs.

Students in the St. Clairsville Middle School fifth grade can begin participating in color guard. During their first two years, members are taught basic flag and dance technique. In the seventh grade, students have an opportunity to join “Red Devil B,” which is the training ground group for competitions. Once they hit high school, students can audition for “Red Devil A.”

Residents from the Ohio Valley are invited to come out and see “Not Your Girl” and other performances from Red Devil B and the Indoor Percussion team at the Performer’s Showcase on from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. A pulled pork/chicken dinner will be offered at St. Clairsville High School, dine-in or take-out.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling the St. Clairsville Middle School office at 740-695-1591.

Businesses or individuals interested in donating to the St. Clairsville Indoor Guard, Indoor Percussion, Color Guard or Marching Band, can reach out to Justin Schwertfeger at justin.schwertfeger@stcschools.com or Becca Schwertfeger at rebecca.schwertfeger@stcschools.com.