SBHS Winter Guard Number One in the Country

Heading into this weekend's Winter Guard International regional tournament at , the SBHS squad will have a target on their backs. That's what happens when you're ranked number one in the United States.

After winning a regional competition in Pennsylvania last weekend, the South Brunswick girls climbed from number four in the national rankings to the top spot in the country. The team recently took first in two other qualifying competitions in New York and Connecticut for the Winter Guard International Championships, held in Dayton, Ohio April 12-14.

It is very exciting, but at the same time you know that everyone is chasing you," said Coach Ginny Kraft. "It will really come down to seeing all these guards in person at the Championship."

for earning the designation as best in the U.S.

"We are blessed to have a great group of people working with the guard. Our staff cares about the members and the activity beyond it being a job," Kraft said. "They are completely dedicated and very talented. As for the girls, as I have said before, it all comes down to work ethic. They are willing to do what it takes to move the team forward - they are amazing."

This weekend, winter guards from all over the U.S. and Canada will perform at the 2012 WGI South Brunswick Regional on March 24 and 25 at South Brunswick High School. Doors open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, with preliminary performances starting at 10 a.m. 

On Sunday, Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. for the final competition. Tickets are $12 for the preliminary round, and $15 for the finals. A $25 combo ticket for both days is also available at the box office on the day of the event. 

Though Kraft and her crew are elated at being recognized as the top team in the country, the work has just begun as the team hopes to bring its first national championship home to South Brunswick. SBHS finished 9th overall at the Winter Guard International Championships last year, and has finished in third place twice.

"While we are happy about the ranking, it is always nice to be recognized, in our sport you are only as good as your last performance," she said. "We are already looking forward to the weekend. For me, having done this for over 30 years, I do take the time to appreciate the moment. They are few and far between. For the girls, it is the performance, the travel, and the friendships that will be their memories, even above a ranking."