People whip out their Bison t-shirts, smear on body paint and cheer in full force to support our football team. But there are several other teams on the field that are also working hard to represent the school, and who may not get as much attention — one of these is the drill team.

Drill team participants gain a number of important skills.

“Drill team is multifaceted… girls have to have dance skills, must be able to relate to others, and learn choreography for dance sections,” adviser Carolyn Farley said.

Drill team members also get the experience of honing their marching skills, learning field commands and listening drills that come with performing alongside the band. According to Farley, this increases their ability to cooperate and communicate with others.

“It teaches you a lot about being on a team. I think it gives you a lot of skills in life for working with people,” said senior captain Jessica Angel.

Team members also feel a strong sense of camaraderie.

“Right away, you have friends to guide you in high school,” Angel said. “I came from a private school [as a freshman]. I had already met girls [on the drill team], and I stayed friends with them.”

Yet, members also face challenges.

Some have expressed frustration that drill team did not earn gym credit in previous years, but according to Principal Ed Klein, the new program of studies approved by the School Board in August states that physical education credit is given for participation in drill team.

Nonetheless, drill team has recently seen a decrease in members.

“I think a lot of the girls were too busy to do it,” Angel said.

Angel said the smaller number sometimes puts limits on the choreography because there aren’t as many positions. However, she does not see this as a major obstacle. “It’s been smaller before. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. I think it will survive,” Angel said.

Some drill team members feel they do not get as much support as students involved in other activities.

“I just don’t think people realize how hard we work. They think all we do is dance,” she said. According to Angel, there was a more positive attitude toward drill team when her sister was a member five years ago.

Despite these setbacks, Angel is not worried. “I just keep a positive outlook,” she said.

(Photo by Chad Tindel)