The post WGI wrap up

Mayflower ended their season in 8th place in the world scoring 89.55 and most importantly, having their best run of the year in finals.

This has been a special WGI for us for many reasons:

• Firstly, it has been one of the most stress free trips (although it had it moments, including a trip to A&E after semi finals, a mis placed sabre and terrible weather and traffic!) with well organised rehearsals, focused members and supportive parents/support crew.  
• It's been one of the most fun - we are very familiar with the area, rehearsals, the arena etc so got the balance right of rehearsals, relaxation, watching guards (and of course Walmart!)
• We have had more support than ever - from our friends and family back home, to guards coming to every rehearsal to watch to 3 standing ovations at the end of our performances.  It's been magnificent and our members felt like rock stars!
• And of course, it's been our most successful - we were just hoping to make it into finals so to come 8th with our highest scores ever, was the icing on the cake

One of our big moments - the flag roll around toss

The way the guard has stayed focused on getting better every day and not getting over hyped on the score or position really enabled us to improve with every performance.  The way they dealt with the pressure of performing infront of a big audience (when half the guard had never been to Dayton before!) was fantastic.  The staff never put any pressure on the guard nor talked about scores and positions - just focused the members of being their best.

Rifle technique block

Sunday was spent relaxing and shopping.  Since it was our only free day, everyone made the most of it, bagging some bargains at the outlet mall.  Prior to our Sunday evening meal together, our supporters surprised us with cakes in the colour of our costumes.  

The cake was delicious (although I think one cake ended up being worn rather than eaten, in a food fight later that night!).  We then headed over to Smoky Bones for our final celebratory meal together and some welcome cocktails! 

Monday morning we left for one final breakfast in the USA before heading for the airport and the start of our long journey home.  There was much talk of next season and our return to WGI in 3 years time - always a sign of a great season!  

If you want to watch our finals performance it's on our Mayflower Facebook page, so make sure you 'like' it

So that's it for this year's blog.  Thanks for reading and see you all to do it again in 2019!