Less than a point — that’s what kept Enumclaw’s color guard from placing first in their equivalent of their state competition late last month.

The meet, which was held at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo on March 26, was the 12-person teams’ “best run all season”, coach Cheryl Richenburg said.

For those unfamiliar with the sport, color guard resembles high school dance or drill teams in that there are colorful outfits, various props, and complicated routines; it’s probably best known for integrating large, vibrant flags into performances.

“This sport, when performed well, looks easy until you give them a flag, rifle or saber and let them try,” Richenburg contimued. “Not only are you spinning this equipment but you are moving around the floor in a specific drill while dancing and syncing up with your teammates.”

EHS competed against Bainbridge Island and Kennewick in the middle division this year. Richenburg said it’s a difficult division to compete in because it’s a “transition division”, meaning there are less teams to compete against.

“We used to be competing in the entry level but have moved up as our program and students have improved,” she added.

According to the Northwest Pageantry Association, which runs the competitions (as opposed to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, or WIAA), EHS earned silver with 67.170 points, while the gold medal winner, Kennewick, scored 67.990.

Still, Richenburg — who has been coaching the EHS team since 2009 — said this year was “a great way to end my coaching career.”

“It’s been an amazing journey,” she continued. “I’m happy to announce that alumni Cassie Grove and Sage Beinke, graduat[es] from the 2016 class, will be taking over coaching.”

This is not the first time EHS color guard has come close to taking gold — according to Richenburg, the team missed the top placement by one-tenth of a point.