Drill teams compete for state tournament spot

Susan Crumpler stood with her husband along the wall of the Evans High gymnasium and waited patiently for it to be her daughters turn.

"She's coming up next," she said in anticipation. "I love watching her."

With that, Tiffany Crumpler and the rest of the Hephzibah Female Drill Squad made their way to center court, sounded off and began their routine.

The girls were one of several CSRA schools participating in the Are 4 Drill Team Championship on Saturday at Evans High.

The teams were originally scheduled to perform on the Evans Football field but were moved indoors due to the rain.

The top three finishers in each event qualified for the state championships on March 23 at Macon Central High School. Drill Sergeants of the 15th Signal Brigade from Fort Gordon served as judges for the event.

Tiffany, who was marching in only her second competition, said her quad was satisfied with their third place finish.

"We didn't place as high as we wanted," Tiffany said afterwards, "but we did good."

Event coordinator Lt. Col. Patrick Rivette said the most of the school have been practicing since August and the competition season runs from January to March. He is also the ROTC director for Evans High School.

Tiffany, 13, said her squad began practicing more often as the competition approached and expects her drill instructor to add a few new wrinkles to their routine for the state championships.

"We'll probably step it up a little bit," said Tiffany, a freshman at Hephzibah High School. "Make it a little more difficult."

Susan said Tiffany being in the drill team has brought about changes in her daughter's character. She said Tiffany seems more stable and is turning into a leader.

Tiffany said she hopes to continue competing and enlist in the Army after graduation.

"I've always wanted to be in the Army," Tiffany said. "I want to get a scholarship for college."

First Place Finishers in the team categories

Female Squad: Evans

Male Squad: Lakeside

Female Platoon: Cedar Shoals (Athens)

Male Platoon: Evans