Competitive Drill Teams

 

The Winston Churchill High School is proud to host two nationally ranked and highly competitive drill teams-the Black Watch Armed Drill Team and the Queens Guard Unarmed Drill Team.  Since the Corps of Cadets was founded in 1968 these two teams have represented the school, the Corps of Cadets, and the community of north San Antonio, proudly.  The Black Watch Drill team has been ranked first in the nation twice in the programs 49 years.  In 2015 the team earned a third place finish at the Army nationals and is looking forward to returning to another national championship in 2016.

 

Important Reminder:  Past incidents of hazing and bullying have made it necessary to remind all students interested in participating in drill that doing so an honor and that service on a drill team must reflect the values of our military.  Incidents of abuse are strictly prohibited, uneffective, and will not be tolerated by students or cadre.  All Cadets are expected to report any such abuses to Chief Gonzales or First Sergeant Parr immediately.

 

Drill Team Season 

 

The drill season lasts from early November to May each year.  Because the skills required to compete at a national level require a tremendous investment of time and resources, students participating in the drill program are encouraged to train and compete year around.  Unofficially, sustainment training begins during the August summer camps held on the Winston Churchill High School Campus and will continue up through the beginning of the official season in November.  

 

Drill Team Training Schedule

 

Off Season Sustainment Training (August through November): Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 0700-0830.

 

In-season training schedule (November-May): Monday through Friday mornings from 0700-0830.  Training may also be scheduled after school from 1615-1800 based on the needs of the program and the teams.       

 

Drill Team Practice and Participation Requirements

 

A temendous amount of effort and dedication is required to prepare a drill team for national level competition.  Becuase drill practices and competitions dominate so much of a students time it is imperitive that they do not fall behind in their academic courses of study.   

 

Participation and try-outs 

 

There are a limited number of slots on the competitive drill teams.  First Sergeant Parr will work with all interested Cadets throughout the fall sustainment season prior to making team selections in early November.  If you want to be on a drill team you need to practice, consistently, throughout the fall sustainment season.   

 

Applicable Regulations and Policies