The Bearcadets drill team returned their first competition of the year this weekend with two superior ratings and two choreography awards on their group dances and two division one rankings on solos. Freshman Zoe Sweany won fourth runner up on her solo.

“It was exciting and surprising when they called my name,” Sweany said.

The dance team drove to Tyler to attend a Marching Auxiliaries Regional Championship, where they were joined by many other schools and studios.

“Not only did we see dances, but we saw Color Guard performances and twirlers,” junior Alexa Martin said.

At this contest, the dancers gained experience from performing in front of judges and watching other teams’ routines.

“It was really interesting to see the abundance of different styles and routines at competition,” Martin said.

The drill team will go to three more competitions this year: next weekend in Celina at the Danceline Regional Championship, and later in Weatherford for the Danceline State Championship and in Fort Worth for the Marching Auxiliaries National Championship.

“I had an amazing time at the first competition,” freshman Elise Poling said. “I hope the rest of the competitions are just as amazing.”

Much of the team was pleased with the contest and ready for the rest of the season.

“It was a very fun experience that cannot be matched until the next competition,” Martin said.