Vykelles repeat as state drill champs

By Catherine Garrett c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

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.

Members of the Viewmont High Vykelles pose together after winning the 5A drill state championship.

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