Fort Wayne Midseason Rankings

By AJ Prentice and Justin Ternet, Fort Wayne contributors

With the Homestead Classic Showcase now behind us, the Fort Wayne season is over halfway done. The Fort Wayne writers have deliberated on a new set of rankings for both mixed and unisex. This season has seen lots of shakeups. While the small division has always seen a more volatile playing field, this season has been different for all divisions.

Mixed Rankings

2024 End-of-Season Rankings

1. Huntington North "Varsity Singers"

2. Carroll "Magic"

3. Northridge "Northern Lights"

4. Homestead "Class Royale"

5. Northrop "Charisma"

6. Churubusco "New Era"

7. Jay County "Patriot Edition"

8. DeKalb "Classic Connection"

9. Columbia City "City Heat"

10. Norwell "Knight Moves"

2025 Midseason Rankings

1. Carroll “Magic” (+1)

2. Huntington North “Varsity Singers” (-1)

3. Northrop “Charisma” (+2)

4. Northridge “Northern Lights” (-1)

5. Homestead “Class Royale” (-1)

6. DeKalb “Classic Connection (+2)

7. Churubusco “New Era” (-1)

8. Columbia City “City Heat” (+1)

9. Jay County “Patriot Edition” (-2)

10. East Noble “Knight Rhythms” (Not Ranked)

    
    

    News and Notes

    Carroll/Huntington North Switch

    Carroll has pulled off major victories this season, especially at Chesterton against groups like Mt. Zion Swingsations and Brandon Brio. Huntington North has beaten Brownsburg this season but does not seem to pack quite the same punch they did last year.

    
    

    Northrop’s Climb

    Northrop Charisma, long considered the weakest of the three Fort Wayne large groups, has put on their strongest show in a long time. They’ve managed to beat Homestead Class Royale for the first time since 2018.

    
    

    DeKalb’s Climb

    DeKalb hasn’t quite been the powerhouse they were since before the 2018 director change, however that changed this year. DeKalb has brought amazing vocals to the stage, winning small mixed Grand Champion with Best Vocals at Ball State against New Castle and Edgewood.

    
    

    Jay County’s Slip

    Jay County had started their season strong with wins over Churubusco and Columbia City at Northrop, but they began to plateau and placed fifth at Homestead, behind Columbia City, Churubusco, and Anderson.

    
    

    East Noble Makes Top 10

    Despite everything this group has gone through this year, they’ve emerged stronger than they ever have. While Fairfield’s vocals shot them up to second in DeKalb’s finals, East Noble had beaten them in the day show. Additionally, they’ve been able to beat Beech Grove, who beat them to state last year.

Unisex Rankings

2024 End-of-Season Rankings

1. Carroll "Select Sound"

2. Huntington North "Viking Volume"

3. Northridge "Starlights"

4. Jay County "Just Treble"

5. Norwell "Knight Stars"

6. Northrop "Allure"

7. Homestead "Elite"

8. Columbia City "City Lights"

9. East Noble "Premiere Edition"

10. Fairfield "Expressions"

This Season

1. Carroll “Select Sound” (No Change)

2. Jay County “Just Treble” (+2)

3. Northridge “Starlights” (NC)

4. Huntington North “Viking Volume” (-2)

5. Homestead “Elite” (+2)

6. Columbia City “City Lights” (+2)

7. Northrop “Allure” (-1)

8. Norwell “Knight stars” (-3)

9. East Noble “Premiere Edition” (NC)

10. Fairfield “Expressions” (NC)

News and Notes

Jay County/Huntington North Switch

While Jay County’s mixed group hasn’t been able to keep up with the other Fort Wayne small groups, Jay County Just Treble managed a win over Huntington North Viking Volume at Kenton. Just Treble also placed in womens finals at Northrop.

Norwell Falls Three Spots

Norwell Knight Stars has had trouble against other small groups this season. While they were able to beat East Noble Premiere Edition and Fairfield Expressions, they’ve been unable to compete with Columbia City and haven't pulled off any wins significant enough to justify being ranked any higher.