Community over Competition: BNL Winter Guard assists Mitchell at Terre Haute competition

TERRE HAUTE – A spirit of camaraderie was on display this past Saturday at the Terre Haute South winter guard competition, as the Bedford North Lawrence (BNL) Winter Guard lent a helping hand to their counterparts from Mitchell High School.

Both schools competed in the same class at the event. The “Pit Crew,” responsible for setting up and removing equipment and props before and after performances, plays a crucial role in a successful routine. Timely setup and teardown are essential to avoid penalties. When Mitchell Winter Guard found they were short-handed with their Pit Crew, Mitchell Winter Guard Coach Corrina Hayes offered assistance. Immediately after their performance, the BNL team jumped in to help Mitchell, ensuring their performance could go on without a hitch.

The collaborative spirit wasn’t lost on the audience. One parent in attendance overheard several spectators noting the proximity of the two schools and expressing admiration for BNL’s willingness to help a fellow competitor. Mitchell Winter Guard has also offered to return the favor should BNL need assistance in the future.

In the competition, BNL Winter Guard earned a third-place finish in their group. Mitchell Winter Guard, while not placing, saw improvement in their scores from their previous competition, a positive sign considering recent snow cancellations had hampered their practice schedule.

The day’s events highlighted that community and sportsmanship can take center stage even amidst competition.