The Eagle Mountain Independent Flag team made history when they took 2nd place at the North Texas Color Guard Competition in early April. From there they went to the Color Guard World Championships and advanced all the way to the semifinals, making it the first time that the combined team has ever competed in a national competition. The team, led by director Molly Owen, started last year and consists of the most elite performers from Chisholm Trail, Boswell, and Saginaw High School. 

The national competition was based in Dayton, Ohio and is one of the largest gatherings of color guard, percussion and winds competitors in the world. 

“The competition was really cool because it was my first time going and it was a great experience,”captain of the CT color guard team, Jessica Jensen, said. “You’re surrounded by color guard for four days and performing at the arena was awesome. Everyone was laughing at our show because it’s really funny-it’s a humorous show and we got an awesome crowd response.” 

Director Molly Owen said the team was very close to making it to the finals and that their performance, which was imitating a busy construction site on a highway, was appreciated by many of the people watching them.

“The students get an opportunity to not only watch the best of the best from around the world but compete with them as well,” Owen said. “It was a 3-day competition and they made it to semi-finals and weren’t too far from getting on the big stage for finals. Our score and placement went up from last year and the audience LOVED their show. They had people from everywhere coming up to congratulate them and tell them how great they were.” 

The team may be a combination of three different schools, but they work together to represent their district. 

“We (the team) got along really well,” Jessica said. “At first, we were all separated into our own little groups in our schools, then throughout the season we got together, and we still all miss each other. We still text in our group chat and I think that we had a really great team this year.” 

Director Molly Owen said that she was proud to call herself the director of the EMI team.

“Being an independent guard, they compete against all college age color guards. They completely hold their own,” Owen said. “Your CTHS kids held themselves with pride and dignity. I’m looking forward to another great year.”