by Emily Koelliker
The Kanab High School Larriettes danced with great energy and heart at the State Drill Team Competition on Saturday, February 6 at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield. Despite Covid-19 restrictions limiting spectators, the Larriettes had an energetic crowd cheering them on and many supporters tuned in via the internet live stream.
In the two weeks between region and state, the dancers’ routines improved immensely and by Saturday they were feeling ready to compete for a third state title. After very strong performances in each category (Military, Dance and Show) it was time to wait for the judges’ results.
The Larriettes were announced second place for both the Military and Dance categories. They unanimously received first place in the Show category from all five judges! Their show piece is a dynamic and touching tribute to all the Armed Forces who have served or are currently serving our country. These three placements earned the drill team second place overall for the 2A state championship! Enterprise was awarded first place.
Captain Caroline Giddings made the 2A All-State Drill Team. The following is her description of the state competition: “This season has been anything but normal, and to be able to compete at all was a blessing itself. Our team has fought long and hard to get where we are today, and we wouldn’t trade it for the world."
“Going up to state on Saturday had us all feeling emotional, prepared, nervous, but most importantly, we felt united. After each dance, we walked off with a feeling of peacefulness. We knew that no matter what was going to happen at awards we left everything out on the floor and had no regrets.
“After hearing our name called for second place, it was heartbreaking. I looked up and saw tears in the eyes of girls who have worked so many hours to get to this point and said, ‘I know that this isn’t what we wanted, but no matter what, we did our best and that’s all that matters.’
“Our coaches reminded us that three years ago when we placed first in our dance routine at state for the first time we were on cloud nine, so to be able to bring home a first and two seconds is amazing! This really opened my eyes to how grateful I am to be able to have competed and accomplished what we did, especially through such hard circumstances. I know none of this would’ve been possible without our coaches. They put in all of their time to make us the best versions of ourselves, and we could never thank them enough for that.
“We are also so grateful for all of the people that have supported us through this journey. It wouldn’t be the same without our amazing fan club! This team is truly unbelievable and can work through anything. The journey of being a Larriette is an experience of a lifetime, and I will cherish it forever.”
