The Utah High School State Drill Team Competition was held at UVU in Orem on February 2-3. Kanab Larriettes went into the tournament ranked number two behind South Sevier. After making it through the semifinal day, Kanab competed against nine other 2A teams for the state title. They won the overall second-place trophy! They were edged out of first place by a slim margin of points to South Sevier. Every year, drill teams compete three routines: Military, Dance, and Show. They receive a placement in each routine. Those scores are combined for an overall state champion. Kanab won first in Show, second in the Dance, and third in Military.
The 2A division of drill team is highly competitive with many talented teams. The KHS Larriettes represented Kanab very well. They fought for every point and left everything out on the floor. The magic they created from their dancing brought many to tears. “Something in the Water” is the title of their Dance routine and the squad’s theme this year, and there was definitely something in the Larriette water!
The drill team program at KHS is very well respected in the state. The program has always been strong with a history of hard-working, excellent athletes. The successful culture and legacy established early on has been amplified by the recent coaching staff, Shellie Stewart, Emily Koelliker, Mikkel Glazier, and Ashley Jackson. In the past five years, Kanab has won three state championships (2019, 2020, 2022) and two second place finishes (2021, 2023) at the state championships. The team this year has fourteen members: five seniors, one junior, four sophomores, four freshmen, and one awesome manager (Aici Button). They are outstanding athletes, artists, and true competitors.
“The world is a better place because of these courageous ladies,” Coach Stewart said. “I am extremely proud of my team and all they accomplished this year. We set the bar high and strive for excellence and the success follows. I am so grateful for all the hands that helped throughout the season, especially my assistant coaches and the parents of the girls who support us so much. Our seniors led the team with grit and grace, and they will definitely be missed!”
The 2022-2023 drill team will showcase their state routines one more time at the Larriette Review held on March 15 in the KHS Gym.
