The U’ettes won the 3A state championship with a dominating performance in all three events, military, dance and novelty.

Coached by Robin McClellan and Shalyn Searle, the U’ettes won all three categories. The sweep was made complete when Jessie Barton, Janelle Batty and Stephanie Sabin placed first, second and third respectively in the individual drill down competition.

“It was the perfect day,” said Head Coach Robin McClellan. “The team was very focused all day. It was our best performance of the year, by far, and it happened in the biggest competition of the year. The team started out hot and had a really high energy level and danced with a lot of confidence and poise all day long. I could not be more pleased.”

The U’ettes beat a highly polished team from Logan in military capturing four first place votes out of the five judges. The U’ettes were followed by Logan in second, Ogden in third, Bear River in fourth and Cedar in fifth.

In the dance division, the U’ettes took three out of the five first place votes, again finishing ahead of Logan in second, Union in third, Bear River in fourth and Ogden in fifth. In the last event of the day, the novelty division, Uintah’s colorful and fast-paced East Indian routine won three out of the five first place votes. Finishing behind Uintah in novelty were Bear River; Ogden and Logan; and Cedar, respectively.

“We had so much support from the Vernal community at state,” said Coach Shalyn Searle. “It meant a lot to the girls to look into the stands and see all of their families, classmates, administrators and community members behind them … It was also very special for all of the seniors who came so close when they took second last year. It was fun to see them reach their goal and take home the gold this time.”

The U’ettes were also well represented by Kaitlyn Sprouse who was named to the 3A Academic All-State Team, and Janelle Batty and Kadee Pitt, who were honored for making the 3A All-State dance/drill team.

U’ette seniors include Stephanie Sabin, team captain; Macy Young and Tenille Collett, dance captains; Kaitlyn Sprouse and Cora Barton, co-captains; Denise Snider; and Stephanie Richardson. Juniors are Madison Aycock, Melanie Bustos, Jessie Barton, Janelle Batty, Dakota Mecham, Kadee Pitt and Andy Rinderknecht. Sophomores are Katy Bolerjack, Brinli Buckalew, Christy Hughes, Jordan Kearl, Megan Merkley, Lauren Murray, Corri Phillips, Cassie Simmons and Kaylee Ann Woodward. Managers are MaKall Reynolds and Lynette Richardson.