By Jennifer Gustavson

| Special to The Tribune

Orem • It was a day full of color, costumes and creativity. During the final round of competition, troops of geishas, robots, Lady Gagas and everything in between fought for the title of the best drill team in the state.

The frivolity was matched by precision, skill and athleticism. And ultimately, three teams out-danced and out-kicked all others during the Class 1A/2A/3A state drill team competition at Utah Valley University’s UCCU Center on Saturday.

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Uintah used a graceful-turned-edgy Japanese geisha character routine, ending a streak of southern Utah 3A champions. Though the Uettes didn’t place in dance, their first-place performances in military and character were enough to edge out Cedar for the crown. Union danced as dueling cards en pointe in an Alice in Wonderland-themed character routine to secure third place.

With her squad still in tears after hoisting its trophy, Uintah’s Hailey Sprouse said what the rest of the Uettes couldn’t.

"That was the most intense feeling ever," Sprouse said. "This is what we’ve all been hoping for." After finishing second to Millard last year, South Sevier was eager for some redemption and lassoed in the 2A title with a glittery cowgirl first-place character routine that brought the crowd to its feet. The Ramettes also placed first in military and second in dance to round out a dominant performance.

"We came to win," said dancer Dakota Banks. "We really pulled together as a team. To win and to do that — it’s the best feeling ever."

Manti, anchored by third-place finishes in both military and dance, placed a solid second. Richfield, North Summit and South Summit rounded out the top five 2A teams.

Duchesne was the familiar and dominant winner in Class 1A, sweeping all three categories to earn its ninth consecutive state title. Piute was a close second, sweeping each of the second-place category trophies.