This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

Orem • It was a colorful scene at the Drill Team State Championships Friday at Utah Valley University. The competitors danced in camouflage tutus, peacock feathers, platinum wigs and dramatic makeup.

Dolled up as they were, these athletes take their sport as seriously as any mud-crusted football player.

Reigning champion Bingham High School secured a second consecutive title in Class 5A, and did so in dominant fashion.

Dancers competed in three categories: military, dance and kick. The Bingham drill team, nicknamed the Minerettes, finished first in both dance and kick, and second in military.

"It's so unreal," said Bingham dancer Brooke Diamond. "It's fun to go back-to-back."

Fellow Minerette Kaytlin Bangerter struggled to articulate her elation shortly after her team was handed the trophy.

"Oh my gosh, it's the best feeling of my life. I can't believe it," she gushed. "It feels so awesome. It's so hard to put into words."

The Minerettes jumped for joy, screamed and wept as a large pro-Bingham, royal-blue-clad cheering section poured out of the stands to mob and congratulate the dancers. They had plans to be escorted by police back to South Jordan as the celebration continued.

"This is the best feeling I've ever had in my life," said Bingham's Melody Clyde. "It's been the best experience ever."

Copper Hills High School made a strong showing, cracking the top five overall. Copper Hills placed second in dance and third in military.

Hunter High School finished fourth in military.

ndicou@sltrib.com —

Drill team results

Overall

1st • Bingham

2nd • Cottonwood

3rd • Copper Hills

4th • Brighton

5th • Lone Peak

Military

1st • Brighton

2nd • Bingham

3rd • Copper Hills

4th • Hunter

5th • Cottonwood

Dance

1st • Bingham

2nd • Copper Hills

3rd • Lone Peak

4th • Cottonwood

5th • Hillcrest

Kick

1st • Bingham

2nd • Cottonwood

3rd • Brighton

4th • Northridge

5th • Lone Peak