So there is this group of people that I have been apart of only for a short time, but I have known them for almost five years now, and let me tell you, the first time I saw them I was a freshman in high school and had no idea what color guard and winter guard really was at the time. I was so excited to see this group because I had heard a lot of wonderful things about them. They had two groups called The World group and The "A" group. There was a little difference between the two groups but the minute both of them came onto to the floor they performed their beautiful hearts out. I had never experienced something like that in my life. I looked beside me to my best friend Cait and told her that I was completely blown away by both of their performances and it was my dream and goal to one day be able to say that I belonged to that group of wonderfully talented people and to able to spin with such great people. I have watched them for four years religiously, and every year have been blown away by the shows and concepts they have come up with each season.
It is now coming up on four years since that first time I saw them, and I am so lucky to say that this year, for the fifth year, I won't be able to watch them at their first premier show and see how wonderful they are, that I, Rachel Hogan, get to spin with them. This has been a dream and goal of mine since I was a 14-year-old girl. I am now almost 19 and I get to sit here and say that I am a cast member of the 2016 Eklipse Winterguard, and I could not be more happy to say anything else in my life.
I have only been in this wonderful group for a little over a month and I already feel like they are family and it is such a wonderful feeling. I cannot wait for all of the wonderful and crazy memories we will make this year traveling and little jokes that we all have from our long, but fun rehearsals. There are 18 of us and I would do anything for anyone in this Winterguard. They all mean the absolute world to me and the staff are some of the best people that I know. I also know that we won't all always get along and that's completely okay. I know the staff will get frustrated with me and all of us and it's because they know we can all be better and they just want that for us.
I am so ready for all the memories to come this season and hopefully more seasons to come. Thank you to the whole group that is Eklipse, you guys have inspired not only me but countless other people and I cannot wait to do the same.
Lets have a memorable and wonderful season, I love you guys!
Forever, Cc
