The Midwest is well known as America’s breadbasket, there’s a lot more to the western plains of Kansas than just rows of wheat. It’s also the home of Dodge City High school, who was chosen to host the 76th annual Tournament of Champions. Although the school’s basketball team made it to the championship game, it was actually the drill team that wowed the crowd with their championship skills! They started to look almost as impressive as the Super Bowl halftime shows, until the lights abruptly went out on the girls mid-song.
Sue Kidd, who is a fan of both the basketball and drill team wrote on the school’s Facebook page:
“A bit of background for Dodge City HS, located on the western plains of KS. Total enrollment is 2000 students, 81% are minority and of that 76% Hispanic, and with low unemployment in the community. The school is focused on academic success AND respect for all students through a strong focus on character development. This is an example of that success. Congratulations!”
A number of groups performed in-between the games and at half time, but for the Dodge City High School Drill Team, making to the finals is a big accomplishment! They worked so hard to make this day’s routine the most perfect one ever, so it seemed like their hearts should have been broken when the lights went out.
Well, that was actually just a clever ruse and all part of the brilliant choreography. After the drill team takes center court, one of the girls beings with a lovely solo performance of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” Although it seems like they’re just another group singing a song that’s been covered a few times, they have some tricks up their sleeve.
Their costumes were something else, too, and the girls wore crowns that lit up and capes that were in fact wings! As soon as the room went dark, the beat changed from a soft ballad to a remix, and that’s when the real light show started. Wow! Whether you want to call them fairies, angels, or butterflies coming out of the cocoon, these girls were absolutely stunning!
After a video of the impressive setup was shared on the school’s Facebook page, Lora White Miller gave a shout out to the drill team’s coach.
“Debbi Conrardy is the Dodge City drill team coach & she definitely deserves to be recognized as an amazing coach! She teaches these young ladies more than just dance, she teaches them life skills & responsibility that will last a lifetime! Thank you coach for your time, love & dedication!!”
That dedication ended in one of the most incredible high school athletics half-time performances we’ve seen! Some might even say it’s Super Bowl worthy.
https://www.facebook.com/sportsinkansas/videos/234237820849159/
