OREM — Snow Canyon and Desert Hills, Region 9’s top two high school drill teams, both made a strong showing at the state 4A championships, with each taking first place in one of the three competition events.
Snow Canyon Eshelles drill team members compete at 4A state championships, Orem, Utah, Feb. 1, 2024 | Photo by Devin Dixon, St. George News
The Snow Canyon Eshelles won the Show category with their popular Medusa-themed routine, helping them to a second-place overall finish. The Eshelles also finished second in the Dance category and fourth in Military.
Meanwhile, the Desert Hills Tempest Line placed first in Military and fourth in both Dance and Show to earn fourth place overall.
The overall winner was Midvale’s Hillcrest High School, which won its eighth state title in drill and the Huskies’ first since 2016. Hillcrest placed first in Dance and second in the other two categories. Cache County’s Ridgeline High placed third in all three events and third overall.
The state 4A competition was staged at Utah Valley University’s UCCU Center on Wednesday and Thursday. A total of 16 teams competed in Wednesday’s semifinals, with the top nine advancing to Thursday morning’s finals.
Also from Region 9, Cedar High School’s Mohey Tawa competed in Friday’s finals. Cedar head coach Brittney Corry was named 4A coach of the year.
Region 9’s Dixie and Crimson Cliffs also competed on Thursday but didn’t advance.
Additionally, the 2A and 3A drill team state competitions are being staged concurrently with the 4A event at UVU. Several smaller schools from Southern Utah have also been competing at state, with Enterprise, Parowan, Beaver and Kanab all advancing to the 2A finals and the two-time defending state champion Canyon View Talons advancing in 3A. The 2A/3A finals are scheduled to take place Thursday afternoon and evening, with the results expected after 8:30 p.m.
4A drill team state championship top 5 results
Utah Valley University, Orem
Military
Desert Hills
Hillcrest
Ridgeline
Snow Canyon
Sky View
Desert Hills Tempest Line drill team members and coaches pose with awards at 4A state championships, Orem, Utah, Feb. 1, 2024 | Photo by Devin Dixon, St. George News
Dance
Hillcrest
Snow Canyon
Ridgeline
Desert Hills
Stansbury
Show
Snow Canyon
Hillcrest
Ridgeline
Desert Hills
Sky View
Overall
Hillcrest
Snow Canyon
Ridgeline
Desert Hills
Sky View
Photo Gallery
Desert Hills Tempest Line drill team members compete in Dance category at 4A state championships, Orem, Utah, Feb. 1, 2024 | Photo by Devin Dixon, St. George News
Snow Canyon drill team members and coaches pose with runner-up trophy and other awards at 4A state championships, Orem, Utah, Feb. 1, 2024 | Photo by Devin Dixon, St. George News
Snow Canyon Eshelles drill team members compete at 4A state championships, Orem, Utah, Feb. 1, 2024 | Photo by Devin Dixon, St. George News
Desert Hills Tempest Line drill team members and coaches pose with awards at 4A state championships, Orem, Utah, Feb. 1, 2024 | Photo by Devin Dixon, St. George News
Cedar High Mohey Tawa drill team members prepare to compete in Military category at 4A state championships, Orem, Utah, Feb. 1, 2024 | Photo by Devin Dixon, St. George News
Desert Hills Tempest Line drill team members compete in Military category at 4A state championships, Orem, Utah, Feb. 1, 2024 | Photo by Devin Dixon, St. George News
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