This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Just when it seemed that Bountiful High School's drill team had garnered every possible accolade the sport has to offer, the Mandonelles outdid themselves.
This year, they were perfect.
As expected, Bountiful sailed to its 13th state title under Coach Jan Whittaker at Friday's Drill Team State Championships at Utah Valley University.
This year, however, the Mandonelles were more dominating than ever in Class 4A.
Drill teams perform three styles: military, dance and kick. Bountiful took first place in all three categories in every competition it entered all year long. It was a first, even for a storied program like Bountiful.
"It was really exciting to sweep every competition," said Whittaker, who added she relies on help from assistant coaches Ricci Phillips and Mallorie Allred to keep Bountiful on top.
"It feels awesome," said senior Katelyn Murdock. "This is what we've been wanting all year: a perfect season, and we got it."
Asked if it becomes routine to be crowned state champs every year, a chorus of Bountiful dancers insisted "Not at all!"
"It's always a challenge," Murdock said. "We have to work really hard."
While the team's goal was to post a flawless season, Whittaker knew it was a long shot.
"The reality of that happening is very slim," she said.
This year, everything fell into place, and as Whittaker summed it up, "We really nailed it."
Why was this team so special?
"We all just bonded," said sophomore Emily Bryson. "We just meshed."
Whittaker acknowledged the 2010-11 Mandonelles are the most tight-knit group Bountiful has had in a long time.
At the state championships, Bountiful beat 15 of the top drill teams in 4A, wowing judges and a raucous, red-clad, pro-Bountiful cheering section with crisp performances that included ballet moves and hair-whipping.
One other Davis County team heard its name announced at the awards ceremony: Northridge High School finished fourth in the 5A kick category.
4A Drill Team State Championship results
Overall
1st • Bountiful
2nd • Bonneville
3rd • Maple Mountain
4th • Mountain Crest
5th • Dixie
Military
1st • Bountiful
2nd • Maple Mountain
3rd • Bonneville
4th • Mountain Crest
5th • Dixie
Dance
1st • Bountiful
2nd • Bonneville
3rd • Maple Mountain
4th • Dixie
5th • Mountain Crest
Kick
1st • Bountiful
2nd • Bonneville
3rd • Maple Mountain
4th • Mountain Crest
5th • Dixie