The Bayfield High School Wolverine Winter Guard team has just wrapped up an exciting and inspiring season, continuing to build on the momentum they’ve created over the past three years.
Though relatively new—this being only the third year for the winter guard—the team has already made its mark in competition. Last year marked the Wolverines’ debut at two winter guard competitions in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they proudly earned fourth place in both events. This season, they returned even stronger, taking second place in their first competition and third in their second.
While there is currently no Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) state competition for winter guard, the team has found a welcoming and competitive home in Albuquerque, where they’ve been embraced by the local schools and winter guard community.
“Our season begins in November and runs through April,” said Coach Tessa Harrmann, a Bayfield High School alum and lifelong color guard enthusiast. “Most of our training starts with the field guard in the marching band, where students learn the basics and build a strong foundation. Winter guard tryouts are open to encourage new members, and after winter break we shift our focus entirely to choreographing and refining our competitive performance.”
The show choreography is a collaborative effort. While Coach Harrmann takes the lead, team members are encouraged to contribute their own ideas and technique moves, making each performance a unique reflection of the group’s talent and creativity.
Much of Coach Harrmann’s choreographic expertise comes from years of experience and mentorship under Sharon Hunter, former field guard coach and founder of the La Plata Independent Performing Arts group. Several current team members got their start through that group, and two have been part of the color guard world for nearly a decade.
The Wolverine Winter Guard is a non-profit organization, and Harrmann is a volunteer coach. The team is able to pay for competitions and cover the cost of their shows through fundraising done over the course of the year, with the most significant contributions coming from an annual silent auction they hold during Frosty’s Craft Fair.
“Color guard has always been my passion,” Harrmann shared. “I started in high school at BHS, and I dreamed of one day creating a team here. For me, guard was a place where I felt like I truly belonged. I didn’t fit into the traditional sports scene, but guard gave me a team, a purpose, and a family. That’s what I want to provide for these students—a safe, creative space where they can be themselves.”
The team’s spirit and camaraderie were echoed by the students themselves:
- LaeLena Price: “I really like winter guard because of all the friendships I’ve made, and with the girls on the team I have felt seen and heard!”
- Alexis Nawrocki: “Try guard! You make deep friendships and it teaches you grace and poise within your movements.”
- Aspen Vocke: “I love guard because you are surrounded by fun, caring, loving people and you can come across many different opportunities.”
- Sandy Guich: “The thrill of guard is captured in the audience, the joy is in the toss, the smile is in a job well done, the love is in the performance and the family is in the team.”
- Dorothy Farr: “Guard is a place where you can make many amazing friendships and learn a cool new skill.”
- Autumn Schulz: “The Guard is a fantastic program in any school, as it combines the physicality of sports with the elegance of dance and theater. I have been involved in guard since I was young, and it's always something I return to because there is no other community like it in any sport.”
- Brooklyn Orendorff: “I like guard because it is a safe place to have a lot of fun and be yourself, and the other guard girls are always there for you!”
- Lydia Schurman: “Guard is such a supportive community. Every time I was going through something this year they were there for me, whether I needed comfort or advice they were always there. I love dance and I'm so glad Bayfield has a guard where dance is combined with flags. It was an amazing season!”
“A heartfelt thank you also goes out to Derek Smith, whose continued support of color guard within the Bayfield band program has helped make this dream a reality,” Harmann noted. “His belief in the program and encouragement has been instrumental in its growth and success.”
