San Saba ISD Dilloettes

The San Saba Drill Team originated in 1959-60 with 34 high school and junior high girls. Miss Billie Phillips was their sponsor. The group was known as the Drill Squad that year. In 1960-61 the 44 members were known as the Dillo Dolls, but finally, in 1961-62 the name Dilloettes was assumed. Also, that same year 13 members of high school age were selected. In the years since then, the largest number was 18 and the smallest was eight.

Sponsors have included Mrs. Phillips-6 years, Band Director-Russell Lewis-2 years, Jeannean Thornton-8 years, Mikie Bishop-11 years, Sherry Miller-2 years, Marsha Smart-5 years, Colleen Womack-7 years, Kristie Messer 2 years and Suzy Brown for 1 year and is the current sponsor.

The Dilloettes wore purple and white until 1985-86 when gold was added. The officers have always dressed the same as the rest of the line; and the "Can Can" is always performed at Homecoming.

Uniforms have come and gone but for several years during the '70's wigs were worn by all members. The wig colors varied but all were a shoulder-length "flip" style.

For many years prior to 1975 the drill team was scheduled at the same time as Band but not all members played instruments. Beginning in 1976-77, Mr. Bishop, the band director, asked the girls to learn to play an instrument and really become a part of the band. From 1976 until 1998 the drill team was required to play an instrument and be a part of the band after football season. This requirement was dropped in 1998 and then went back into effect in 2006.

General Information

The San Saba Dilloettes consist of 12 to 18 young ladies who put forth an extreme amount of time and effort. These young ladies begin working in the summer and do not stop until December.

Tryouts

Tryouts are held each year around March-April. Everyone must tryout every year, and 18 is the maximum number that can be on the team. Tryouts consist of several days of after school practices. Dilloettes are chosen by out of town judges, and are graded on teacher evaluation, dancing ability, and grades.

Summer Activities

The Dilloettes usually participate in the Annual Rodeo Parade in June. This activity is very strenuous on the girls being that the temperature is usually around 100 degrees.

The Community Birthday Calendar is a tradition that has been sponsored by the Dilloettes for around 35 years. This is a fundraiser which helps the Dilloettes buy uniforms, and pay for expenses throughout the year. The Dilloettes spend a lot of time selling ads and birthdays during the summer.

Camp is another event in which the Dilloettes participate in during the summer months. The week prior to camp is used to get in to shape and practice for camp. In the last 6 years the Drill Team has participated in many different camps and have brought home many awards. Some of the girls have qualified to perform in Bowl games and parades in Hawaii, Florida, Georgia and New York.

Football Season

Football season is where the Dilloettes really shine. They practice after school every day so they can make San Saba proud. Their hard work pays off when they get on the field on Friday nights. The Dilloettes also perform at every pep rally. The girls have to learn a total of 10 dances for football season.

Competitions

Competition is when the Dilloettes can compare themselves to other Drill Teams. The Dilloettes have been very successful competing against 2A-5A schools. The Dilloettes have won Several Grand Champion awards and always receive a Division I rating. On several occasions they have qualified to perform at Texas Stadium during halftime of a Dallas Cowboy game. This was an experience that these girls will never forget in their lifetime.

Dilloette Booster Club

The Dilloette Booster club is made up of all current drill team parents and any ex-Dilloette who would like to join. Membership fee is five dollars a year and the money is used to award senior scholarships and to help the girls pay for competitions and uniforms. The Dilloette Booster club is very active. They have hamburger sales, car washes, kick-a-thons and many other fundraisers. To become a member you may call the High School or e-mail us at the e-mail address on the home page.

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