For the 11th year in a row, Utah Military Academy’s drill team has seized the state trophy. On March 1st at West High School, 12 teams attended and competed in the Utah State High School Joint JROTC State Invitational Drill Meet. Riverdale’s Utah Military Academy – Hill Field earned first place overall; Dixie High School from St. George placed second.
The competition was close throughout as in the previous years, but the UMA teams pulled through and gave Utah Military Academy its proper justification for school pride. “During the competitions, I just want to make sure to remain steadfast and level-headed. I don’t want to stress because the cadets are already stressed.” Sgt. Ricardo Jimenez, who is the faculty member in charge of the Drill teams, said, “I want to make sure to get them where they need to be at the right time and when they ask me a question, I need to be ready.”
Utah Military Academy’s top soloist, 11th grader Kaycie Payne earned 1st Place as Solo Armed champion this year. “I feel very relieved and happy about getting first. I have been working towards achieving that for 4 years now. I am happy with it, but I know where I need to improve and where I messed up.”
The Unarmed team also had a duo with cadets Kate Santiago and Lily Phan, both 11th graders, who claimed their spot as the 1st Place Unarmed Duo.
All three teams, Unarmed Drill, Armed Drill, and Color Guard had all placed high amongst the rank. All three of the main teams had placed first with their secondary counterparts not far behind in the ranks.
The biggest accomplishment for Utah Military Academy’s drill regiment, however, was the placement of both Color Guard teams. This year, they took 1st and 3rd, led by their Commander Parker Gillard. “My team did outstanding; our practices paid 100 times over the amount I expected!” Gillard said.
“The Armed and Unarmed teams have been constant throughout the years, but the one team that I was so proud of was the Color Guard Team.” Sgt Jimenez said. “They definitely have improved. In the four years I have been here, I have not seen the color guard win the top 3. So both of our color guard teams placed this year at state. Wow!”
The Unarmed team had won 1st Place in Unarmed Regulation and Unarmed Exhibition, with Cadet Lily Phan at the head (who gained 6th Place for Unarmed Commander). Phan said, “We had a few hiccups where things didn’t go as planned, but for that, it is admirable for what was pulled off at the competition.” During the competition, they had to replace two primary members due to medical issues, but the backups filled in those spots with stride and gave them their 11th consecutive win.
The Armed Team had also gained their streak of wins, with 1st Place Armed Inspection, 2nd Place Armed Regulation, and 1st Place Armed Exhibition. Commander Julius Zamora (who earned 1st Place as Armed Commander) said, “I believe my team did the best that we could and I’m extremely proud of them. Our next goal for the team is that they can place first in all sections in the future.”
The teams and soloists all did outstanding within their sections, but some issues could have been easily ironed out beforehand. Sgt Jimenez said, “Communication within the team and with the parents is a major issue within our program. Grades in between terms as well. We just need to do a better job of keeping our grades at a C or above.”
Sgt Jimenez has worked with the Utah Military Academy’s drill team for four years now and has seen the many ups and downs all the members face. However, even in moments of hardship, he is proud to have stuck with the teams.
“Every year is different, but with the same result, State Champions. Each year the team has a different dynamic (strengths and weaknesses), and at the end, we can bring it together making it possible to secure the win.” Sgt Jimenez said. “This year the Color Guard has been the best that I have ever seen in 4 years. I am also very proud of our Commanders and Deputies for the unarmed and armed teams. Each year we see our cadets develop their leadership skills right before our eyes. It’s always great to see them grow.”
Unfortunately, the teams will not be likely to compete at Nationals this year unless they can secure enough funding to make the trip. However, they plan on using the time to ramp up their practices and start preparing for next year’s competition, as the team memorably chants, “Fly, Fight, Win!”
