For the first time in nearly three decades, the Marcus Whitman Marching Wildcat Winterguard has claimed top honors at the North East Color Guard Circuit Championships.
The team took first place in the Regional A Class with a season-high score of 83.93 for its 2025 production, Tightrope. The event was held Saturday, March 29, at Gates Chili High School.
Set to the title track from The Greatest Showman, the performance centers on themes of trust and collaboration, reminding audiences that life’s hardest moments are best faced together. The victory marks a milestone for the group, which has not won the championship in nearly 30 years.
“It has been incredible watching this group grow together over the past six months and ultimately achieve their goal,” said Director Amelia Rasmussen. “I can’t wait to see what’s next for these outstanding young people!”
The Marching Wildcat Winterguard is directed by Rasmussen, with instructional support from Sandra Herman and Michelle Boylan. The show was designed by Rasmussen and Austin Kephart. The team includes students from grades 6–12 across the Marcus Whitman and Penn Yan Central School Districts.
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