Orem • It was a colorful scene at the Drill Team State Championships Friday, Feb. 4, at Utah Valley University. The competitors danced in camouflage tutus, peacock feathers, platinum wigs and dramatic makeup.
Dolled up as they were, these athletes take their sport as seriously as any mud-encrusted football player.
Reigning champion Bingham High School secured a second consecutive title in Class 5A, and did so in dominant fashion.
Dancers competed in three categories: military, dance and kick. The Bingham drill team, nicknamed the Minerettes, finished first in dance and kick, and second in military.
"It's so unreal," said Bingham dancer Brooke Diamond. "It's fun to go back-to-back."
Fellow Minerette Kaytlin Bangerter struggled to articulate her elation shortly after her team was handed the trophy.
"Oh my gosh, it's the best feeling of my life. I can't believe it," she gushed. "It feels so awesome. It's so hard to put into words."
The Minerettes jumped for joy, screamed and wept as a large pro-Bingham, royal-blue-clad cheering section poured out of the stands to mob and congratulate the dancers. They had plans to be escorted by police back to South Jordan as the celebration continued.
"This is the best feeling I've ever had in my life," said Bingham's Melody Clyde. "It's been the best experience ever."
Copper Hills High School made a strong showing, cracking the top five overall. Copper Hills placed second in dance and third in military.
Hunter High School finished fourth in military.
4A and 5A Drill Team Championship scores
Overall
1st • Bingham
2nd • Cottonwood
3rd • Copper Hills
4th • Brighton
5th • Lone Peak
Military
1st • Brighton
2nd • Bingham
3rd • Copper Hills
4th • Hunter
5th • Cottonwood
Dance
1st • Bingham
2nd • Copper Hills
3rd • Lone Peak
4th • Cottonwood
5th •Hillcrest
Kick
1st • Bingham
2nd • Cottonwood
3rd • Brighton
4th • Northridge
5th • Lone Peak
