Central Mountain Color Guard Dazzles at Atlantic Coast Championships in Wildwood, Claiming Third Place in Class
By Emily Wright
WILDWOOD, N.J — The Central Mountain High School Color Guard team capped off an unforgettable season with a standout performance at the Tournament Indoor Association’s (TIA) Atlantic Coast Championships held in Wildwood, N.J., from May 1-4, 2025. Led by coaches Sunshine Kustaborder and Stephanie Wilson, who together bring 14 years of dedication and expertise to the program, the team demonstrated skill, unity, and heart on one of the region’s biggest stages.
This year, the color guard team was made up of eight talented students in grades 9 to 12, each contributing their own unique personality and energy to the group. Their championship performance, titled “Love is a Compass,” conveyed a meaningful message. Earlier in the season, Coach Kustaborder explained that the routine was “designed to remind you that when you are having personal struggles, there are always people there to help you through.” The emotional performance left a strong impression on both the audience and the judges.
The Central Mountain Color Guard’s 2025 season began on a high note when they were promoted to the Scholastic A classification at their season preview show on February 1st—a significant milestone for the team. This advancement set the stage for a challenging and rewarding season. Throughout the season, the team competed at numerous venues, including Tyrone Area High School, their own Central Mountain H.S. Home Show, Williamson H.S., Hershey, Lake Lehman, Jersey Shore, Bald Eagle Area, Greater Latrobe, and Bellefonte, meeting every challenge with determination and enthusiasm.
Their hard work paid off on the Atlantic Coast stage, where, under the bright lights and watchful eyes of judges and supporters, they finished an impressive third in their class. The final performance, described by Coach Sunshine as an “AMAZING run!” left a lasting impression: “They left the whole convention center knowing exactly who Central Mountain Color guard was that Sunday!”
While achieving third place was rewarding, Coach Sunshine emphasized the experience’s deeper value: “Championships is about so much more than just winning. The memories these kids make during the four days we are there are priceless,” she said.
Endless hours of practice built not just technical excellence but also unity and mutual support. “Mentally, they pull their strength from each other as a team. The support they all receive from parents, families, and other teams is also a huge factor in mentally preparing.”
The coaches acknowledge the unwavering support from parents, families, friends, the booster club, CM’s majorette team, fellow competing teams, and the team’s Chapter 4 Coordinator for their roles in the team’s success.
As the program looks ahead, official sign-ups for the CM Color Guard team will take place in the fall. However, students interested in joining early to develop their skills are invited to participate in summer practices. For more information, parents and students can email Coach Kustaborder at sunshinerey01@yahoo.com.
With a season marked by growth, camaraderie, and a memorable finals performance, the Central Mountain Color Guard left Wildwood not only with accolades but also with memories and ambition for the future.
