Beyond bringing spirit and celebrating the success of the school at football games, basketball games, and assemblies, the drill team has wins of their own to bring home. Beginning in November, the drill team’s competition season kicks into gear. 

“Spirit season is really upbeat and high energy. We learn routines every week and get to perform them for our school,” junior captain Taylor Bligh said.

However, during competition season, their goal shifts. 

Drill’s competition season isn’t what first comes to mind when the sport was mentioned. When asked, students guessed the team dedicated around 10 hours a week during competition weeks.

“When I think of the drill team, the first thing that comes to mind is just a lot of energy throughout,” freshman football player Dylan Hawkins said.

In reality, they practice almost double the estimate with 6 hours of practice per week and a 10 hour minimum competition day to gain that perceived energy.

“We are working six hours minimum every single week, doing the dance over and over again until it’s perfect,” senior captain Alivia Piha said. “Drill is one of the only sports at the school that doesn’t have an off season. We’re always dancing somewhere.”

Due to the long hours, the drill team has faced certain challenges. 

“The hardest part of competition season is the monotony of it. We’re working on the same routines for five months and by the end, you’re ready for a break,” Piha said.

Because of this, injuries are common among the drill team members.

“Unfortunately, it is the truth that the drill team gets very injured by competition season. Some of the things we do are very cool, but they are incredibly hard on your body,” Piha said.

Attending the long competition days have also had an impact on students.

“On Saturdays, I wake up at 5:30 or 6 a.m. and get done sometime between four to eight,” Bligh said.

The girls meet to get ready together and have breakfast, a team bonding tradition. Then, the team arrives at the school at 8 a.m. to drive to the high school where competitions are held. By the end of the day, the team has done everything– floor time, awards, cheering on others, and dancing their hearts out.

“There’s a girl community in drill,” Bligh said. “We’re seeing each other in all these stages of trying and failing.”

In the end, despite the difficulties, the drill team has always pulled through.

“The hard work we put in ensures that the drill team has always been winning,” Piha said. “We’ve always delivered on time.”