Mansfield High School Winter Guard Places Second in Division Title

The Winter Guard competed at the New England Winter Guard Championship at the Reading Memorial High School. They placed second, with a score of 84.3, beating both Dedham and Malden. 

They lost the division championship title to the Reading High School Winter Guard. Coach Tommy Lee said he was extremely impressed with the team regardless, saying that they improved themselves every day since the start of training in November.

The Guard performed an intricate dance routine, which is linked to this story, to the music of Alanis Morissette's cover of the Police classic, King of Pain.

Last year, the team won their division, and therefore moved up to a higher level of competition. This year, experienced dance instructor Tommy Lee took over coaching responsibilities for the team.

"When you move into a higher class there's a different expectation," Lee said."The skill set is a bit more difficult, it's a bit more challenging."

Lee is a veteran of dance troops, with over 30 years of experience, including , Dartmouth High School and various other independent guards around the region. Last year at Feehan, he led his team to the championship title in their division. He said he had nothing but respect and admiration for his team, and that they had been giving their all and more each week.

"This group of young ladies, I can tell you are the hardest working group I have ever worked with," he said. "They raised the bar themselves on a weekly basis. I am extremely pleased."

He said that this year was instructive, and added that he felt that since they placed second in their first year of this division, they could easily take the championship next year.

He said that right now he and the team is now recruiting for next year for Mansfield students grades 6-12.