Drum roll to national champs – St Dominic’s

The St Dominic’s drum majorettes – senior team – secured the trophy at the the Samca (South African Majorette and Cheerleading Association) 2014 National Championship hosted in Cape Town, where they were also crowned as the national champions.

The team was up against some very stiff competition, but managed to outperform and hold onto their title for a second successive year.

There were 14 teams who qualified to compete in the Elite League at the nationals from across the country.

Various skills were tested whilst taking part in different categories, such as non prop, throwing prop, flag, small drill display, and large drill display.

According to St Dominic’s headmaster, Roger Loring, the Nationals week is always a frenzy of excitement and anticipation for the girls.

This year provided again its fair share of excitement and challenges.

During the heat rounds the team was penalised with major penalties for two of their events, resulting in some nail-biting moments before the results were announced, however, they advanced to the final rounds.

During the final rounds the wind picked up and resulted in a few testing moments for the girls and their props, with many of the Saints supporters holding their breath.

“Possibly the most challenging moment was, unbeknown to most of us watching, in the final event of the competition.

“During the large drill march the music skipped eight beats, thus, resulting in the girls not being able to perform a whole piece of the display; the girls reacted quickly, efficiently and professionally leaving out that section and completing the march.

“A sign of a team that works together as one – one team, one heartbeat – which is also the Saints’ motto. To chase a win is always easier, as you know what the goal is, but to retain a win is harder.

“Many a team and coach will verify that in order to stay at the top, you have to work twice as hard.”

The squad comprises of 48 girls ranging from Grade 8 to 12. The girls are trained by Allan Donaldson, who has been the coach since 1976, and are led by Alexia Papadopoulos.

The drummies are very dedicated to their training and practice every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. On Saturdays they normally take part in competitions.

This year marked the 38th Samca National Championship.

“Congratulations and a huge thank you to Donaldson for being the visionary of the team and for never giving up on the Saints; for sacrificing many hours and sometimes sanity and the patience to ensure that 48 individuals appear as a united team on a very large field,” says Loring.

“Drummies is part of St Dominic’s School’s rich heritage and a legacy. This year will most definitely be added to that heritage.

“We are world, provincials and nationals champions, so 2014 is a year to be remember and to be savoured for many years to come.” – @IschkeBoksburg