Worthington High School Drill Team Members

The Thomas Worthington Cardinal Cadet's Drill Team was initiated in 1969 by Leslie J. Epps (second from left) and Kristy Woodward (second from right), two African American students who wanted to be included in the varsity life of high school. The only other girls' sports were basketball and field hockey. The Worthington High School Cheerleader Squad was the major varsity activity for girls during football seasons. The squad was small in number and the odds of being selected were small. African American students were overlooked and excluded during the selection process.

Adding a drill team to the varsity roster would provide an activity for more girls to participate during football season. With parental support and assistance from their parents, discussions with the school administration began in 1968. Consultation with other drill teams provided assistance. An advisor was chosen and the team began.

Twenty-four students were selected after the audition process. A Parents Booster Organization was formed. Uniforms were designed by Helen Epps, mother of Leslie. After a summer of practice, the team performed with the marching band during half time of the first game of the 1969-1970 football season. Subsequently, the team attended camps and entered competitions. The Parent Booster Organization hosted a Drill Team Association Competition in the winter of each school year with twenty to twenty five teams competing for trophies.

The drill team has evolved into a larger group called the Color Guards. The Color Guards consists of two teams, one for the fall football season and one for the winter competition season. Separate auditions are held for each team. The fall team performs during the fall football season with the marching band. The winter team performs in competitions throughout the state approved by the Mid East Performance Association (MEPA).