The Viewmont High Vykelles repeated as 5A drill state champions, this time Feb. 3 at Utah Valley University, capped off by a first-place finish in Show after a second-place showing in Military and third in Dance.

“What an incredible end to a crazy season!” said head coach Bailee Hadlock. “We knew the competition would be so fierce, but the girls stepped up and brought an energy to their routines that they’ve never felt before. At the end of the day, they knew what they needed to do and it all came together at the perfect moment. I’m so proud of them! It was such a special moment that we’ll never forget.”

After top-three finishes in Military and Dance, the Vykelles were trailing frontrunner Spanish Fork until they stepped up and delivered their Show routine which was a play on the Disney villain Jafar. “It is so unique,” Hadlock said. “We studied Jafar and tried to bring him to life the best we could and really embody the character. Our girls outdid themselves and left it all out on the floor and that’s what ended up bringing it home for us.”

Viewmont’s Katelyn Lindsey and Sarah Pitt were named All-State while Aliza Hammond was the 5A scholarship recipient.

Other officers and leaders this season for the Vykelles were Hailey Williams, Myah Coombs, Breezy Hayman, Macey Kohutek, Avery Cook, Ashlyn Thompson, Sierra Funk and Tessa Pitt.

Also on the VHS squad were Libby Allred, Allie Andrew, Gracie Boardman, Savanna Cutler, Kenadee Eskelson, River Farrell, Addie Fenton, Xandra Gee, Isabel Jorgensen, Macey Kurtz, Kate Lauder, Emily Neilsen, Kylee Nielson, Mia Peterson, Sophia Preston, Belle Russon, Lauren Salimbene, Adee Walton, Eliza Ward and Ava Wright.

“Coming off our first state title last year, we knew we would have a lot of eyes on us and there would be an expectation to uphold,” Hadlock said. “To be honest, it got to us a few times. We faced more challenges this year than we ever thought we would, but this team is made up of the most resilient, hard-working group of girls. They had to overcome so much to get to where they are today and I’m so proud of their performances.”

Hadlock was assisted by Brooke Hadlock and Sierra Edmunds on the coaching staff this season.

Bountiful

The Bountiful High Mandonelles placed third at the 5A drill state championships Feb. 4, taking second in Dance, third, in Show and fourth in Military.

“A highlight of our season was ending the season as the number one seed in RPI due to their hard work and wins at every competition and being region champions,” said head coach Alba Butler, noting that Region 5 is one of the most competitive regions in the state.

The BHS squad was led this year by President Eirelyn Wood, Vice President Armani Haslam, Secretary Lizzy Hess, Historian Addi Morton, Dance Captains Jayci Malmore and Jasmine Icasiano, Performance Manager Kari Wersland, Senior Representative Aspen Gehring, Junior Representative Leigha Ozminski and Sophomore Representative Bella Oborn.

Others on the Mandonelles this season were Rainee Allred, Liberty Biesinger, Ava Box, Helle Braun, Jorden Day, Kate Derrick, Mylie Frazier, McKinley Gilchrist, Stasya Hansen, Elsa Harper, Kennedy Hendricks, Kiley Ingles, Kayla Larsen, Cambree LeBaron, Ady Lillywhite, Bella Madsen, Charlotte Murray, Jessica Nielsen, Camryn Page,Lily Ray,  Paige Robinson and McKinley Tidwell.

Butler was assisted on the coaching staff by McKenzie Kasteler this year.