They used to be called the flag line, but now they are the Red Rubies Drill Team. And with a new name, coach, culture, and approach – and new uniforms and poms to boot – the team is now much more as well. “We spin flags and batons, dance in a jazz/pom style and run drills on the field along with the Mighty Marching Red Wolves Band,” explains Director and Coach Chelsey Kovar. “As an extension of the band, the Red Rubies are part of the big picture on the field and we love adding that extra flare to the marching band.”
This year’s drill team includes 10 students including two majorettes. They perform pregame and halftime with the band and at pep rallies and school events. “Having a team including six seniors who exemplify leadership has made this transition extremely smooth,” Kovar noted. “I’m grateful for my team, Noah Hamrick (band director), and Grace Brown (assistant director) for supporting the adjustments that have been made.”
A Brooklyn Heights resident who has danced since she was three years old, Kovar was trained in multiple styles throughout her formative years (she was a member of the Color Guard/Dance Team at Parma Senior High School), and through college. She has been dancing with the Cleveland Dance Project for the last 10 seasons.
Kovar is hopeful the drill team will continue through winter to support Cuyahoga Heights Schools’ sports and to strengthen and grow their skill set. In addition, the Red Rubies plan to host a Meet and Greet/Fall Clinic for incoming 9-12th graders who might be interested in joining the team next fall. A date will be announced soon.