Because this is the first year that winter guard has been split into varsity and junior varsity, they weren’t exactly sure what to expect in terms of success and placement.

However, the first competitive performance for both teams of the season ended with success. The competition took place at Cedar Park High School Feb. 2.

The JV team made a good first impression on the judges with their show entitled “Feel Again,” a continuation of the fall marching show, and took fourth place. This was the first winter guard performance for every member of the team, so nerves were high, but they still kept their confidence and had an excellent performance.

Varsity had a good run as well with their show “Esther Williams: Bathing Beauty.”Judges were impressed with the unique and clever concept of a 1940s synchronized swimming show and rewarded the team with a third place trophy.

This is the first year McNeil has been a part of the Scholastic National A Class, a step up from last year due to the success of that season.

Now that the first performance is out of the way, both teams have optimistic thoughts for the rest of the season. Considering that neither of the shows are complete, the scores and placements they received are impressive this early in the season.