Flag Line shines on Friday nights

You see them every Friday night, performing under the lights with the marching band. You can marvel at the flowing silks in the wind, and wonder how they catch their insanely high tosses. You can admire how their routines fit with the music, and how they manage to stay in sync.

What you don’t know is how much work the flag line puts in each week to give a stellar performance.

Each of the 13 girls on the line work tirelessly to make sure their execution of the routines is flawless. “I do not think people truly know how hard it is to flag and make it look natural,” says flag line advisor Amy Groth. “There is really no prior experience you could have that would make you a shoo-in for the team. Everyone starts from level zero and you have to learn everything.”

The girls practice three days a week after school for two hours, and also join the rest of the band for three-hour Wednesday night rehearsals. Practices start at the end of June to prepare for the Fourth of July parade, and continue until the end of the football season. The last week of July is spent with the entire band at band camp in Transfer, PA.

Practices typically consist of learning new routines, while perfecting their show for the week. Show captains will help captains write and teach routines, while captains are in charge of watching the line, correcting mistakes and helping clarify how to do specific moves.

Captain Michelle Guan says, “We spend a lot of time to make sure the line looks perfect! It's a lot harder than it looks.”

Despite all the hard work, the relationships that form between the flags are extraordinary. Before every home game the girls gather at a member’s house for dinner and to exchange gifts with their big or little sis. The flags also spend time with each other outside of practice. As they spend more than 10 hours a week with each other, they truly develop a deep connection.

“You are part of a group that depends on each other to make shows successful and entertaining, and that requires a lot of support and guidance from each other. I believe the girls become an extended family to one another,” says Groth.

Guan echoes this statement, saying, “It's difficult at times and is a huge time commitment, especially during your first year. However, it's a lot of fun. . .The line has an amazing bond with one another, and we treat each other like family.”

While tryouts are typically held in February, Guan has some tips for anyone who wishes to try out. “Just go for it and don't be scared! It's something people don't regularly do so of course it's going to be difficult. Once you get past the initial awkwardness it's a lot of fun.”

Even though a lot of hard work goes into being a member of the line, you truly get to be a part of something bigger than yourself. The connections made between the girls last for years, and the memories made performing under the lights last a lifetime.