She loves the Prop category, which alternates each year with Novelty, because it pushes coaches and dancers to be as creative and original as possible.

And while it may not be a traditional sport, she said the athletes involved get very similar benefits from participating in drill.

"They get so much out of it," Lago, whose been at Granger for 17 years. "It gets them connected to their school; it teaches them to be committed to something; it teaches them how to be motivated and how to work hard."

She said her drill team athletes are usually among the school's best students.

"It gives them confidence, builds self-esteem," she said.

Granger High and its administration are very supportive of the program, she said. "Society doesn't realize what a cool thing it is," she said. "It's underrated by those who are not involved ... . Our school loves it. It's fun to have something to cheer about it."

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com