EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville High School Color Guard brought home the school’s first Winter Guard International regional championship Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, winning at the WGI Kansas City Regional after advancing from prelims to finals in a field of more than 20 teams from eight states.
Edwardsville competed with both A and AA teams at the WGI Regional+ event. In the preliminary round, the EHS A group earned first place in its division and advanced to finals, where it won its first-ever WGI Regional Championship.
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“Every student poured in dedication, grit and heart,” said Director Brady Eaton. “We are incredibly proud of this truly amazing achievement.”
The group is scheduled to host the Mid-Continent Color Guard Association at Edwardsville High School on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Students and parents of the EHS team, along with marching band students and parents, will support the event, handling duties including registration, concessions and logistics. The event is described as a major fundraiser that helps sustain the groups’ activities throughout the year, with 50 teams currently registered.
The Edwardsville High School Winter Guard is directed by Eaton. Additional staff include Zachary Barber, Kate Bender, Cal Laguna, Mack Groh, Helen Tolcoue, Zoe Miller, Jacob Javier, Lex Holland-Albaugh, and Eryn Boone.
The Edwardsville High School Band is under the direction of Ryan Lipscomb, director of bands, and Dean Anderson, associate director of bands. The band program includes Marching Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Pep Band, Color Guard, and Winter Guard.
