High school drill team: Viewmont edges Spanish Fork to clinch repeat 5A state championship

Published: Feb 4, 2023, 3:18 p.m. MST

Viewmont reacts after winning the all around category of the 5A drill state championship at the Utah Community Credit Union Center in Orem on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. Ryan Sun, Deseret News

James has been covering high school sports in Utah for the Deseret News for three decades.

The Viewmont Vykelles won just one of the three categories at the 5A drill state championship at UVU on Saturday, but in the end that’s all they needed.

Viewmont narrowly edged Spanish Fork to claim a repeat 5A state championship, with its lone individual win coming in the how category.

Spanish Fork ended up winning both the military and dance categories, but finished in second place overall behind Viewmont for the second straight year.

Rounding out the top five in 5A were Bountiful, Maple Mountain and Hillcrest.

“This season for the Vykelles was so unique. Coming off our first our state title last year, we knew we would have a lot of eyes on us and there would be an expectation to uphold. To be honest, it got to us a few times. We faced more challenges this year then we ever thought we would,” said Viewmont coach Bailee Hadlock.

“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. We knew the competition would be so fierce today 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. Our show routine is so unique in the sense that it’s never been done before. Our girls really embodied the character. We studied Jafar and tried to bring him to life the best we could. They outdid themselves tonight, they left it all out on the floor and that’s what ended up bringing it home for us. What an incredible end to a crazy season. It was such a special moment that we’ll never forget.”