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by Abby Bench
Section Editor
The NS Drill Team added another trophy to their case when they took first at region for the third time in a row on Jan. 21, as the team was able to defend their title as the top team in their region.
The team had a clean sweep, taking first in every category. Once they heard they got first in dance and military they knew they had won. Getting first in show as well made it even better.
“Obviously, we all were pumped because we had just swept it,” said junior team member Kallie Mellor. “After, it was just a lot of excitement, relief, and gratitude, I think. We were all so proud of ourselves and each other.”
There were some individual wins as well. Jordan Hilton and Cambree Pehrson earned Academic All-Region. They also won All-Region and All-State along with Karissa Vogt.
As the girls celebrated, not only did the team’s coaches run to congratulate the girls, so did the other teams. Despite being competitors, everyone showed support and sportsmanship for each other. It creates a really great moment for them all.
“It is a special experience that will always be with me,” said sophomore Lexi Booher. “This being my first year I got to make some great friendships with my team. Sitting there holding hands while hearing our name called over the microphone for first is one of the best experiences I have ever had.”
To the first-year girls, winning region for the first time is an amazing accomplishment and experience. But for the older girls, it means something a little different.
“We were defending our title,” Mellor said. “And when we’d say that you could tell it gave motivation to the seniors, juniors, and sophomores but the freshman it didn’t do much for because they weren’t defending anything. They hadn’t had a chance to win that yet.”
Regardless of the amount of time on the team, each girl had worked hard for that moment. They were finally able to see it pay off when they performed.
“I was very impressed with how our girls performed at region,” said head coach Kiersten Wheeler. “They spend hours upon hours practicing for the six minutes they get to spend on that floor so it’s always a great feeling when they have a really spectacular performance.”
Performing is hard and exhausting. But, for some of the girls, the moments before they walk out are just as stressful.
“I’m not gonna lie, it is a lot of pressure knowing that one girl can make or break the whole competition for your team,” Booher said. “And I don’t know about the other girls, but I had a lot of butterflies in my stomach for that reason. But instead of letting the nerves take control, we would encourage each other and just keep a positive environment.”
Staying positive and coming together as a team has been important for the girls lately. As region approached, practice became harder and more crucial. Now that state is next, it’s even more so.
“I know these next weeks are going to be hard on us but, no matter what comes at us, we will be ready,” Booher said. “With our win at region I am really excited to see what is waiting for us and I am looking forward to being on the floor again with my team.”
State drill is going to be different than it has been the past few years. Schools such as South Sevier, one of NS Drill Team’s main competitors, have moved out of 3A into 2A. There have also been schools moving down from 4A.
“It’s interesting having new competition this year since Canyon View came to 3A from 4A and South Sevier is gone,” Mellor said. “We have a real shot, but it’s honestly in anyone’s ballpark. It makes it exciting and it adds a little more pressure which makes us better.”
State will take place Feb. 3-4, with semis on the first day and finals on Feb. 4. The coaches and girls have to physically and mentally prepare. After three years of getting second, they hope to finally take state.
“Winning state or not, this team is so talented, dedicated, and strong,” Wheeler said. “I absolutely think they can win state. It’s anybody’s ballgame but I have no doubt that this is a champion team, with or without the state trophy.”
No matter the outcome, each of the girls has worked hard and done their best. They’ve improved and grown both as individuals and as a team throughout the good times and their struggles.
“I can’t imagine my life without these girls,” Booher said. “We have grown stronger as a team but, more importantly, they are like my family now. Even through everything that hit us, we have thickened our skin and I am proud to be a part of the North Sanpete Drill Team.”
