Pierce Boyd-Bagby is in flight with the junior varsity drill team at Oak Park and River Forest High School. The junior is the first boy to ever go out for drill. He is the subject of this week’s “Friends and Neighbors” feature on Page 20. (David Pierini/staff photographer)
Flexibility is key and Boyd-Bagby’s experience with ballet prepared him well for the rigors of drill. (David Pierini/staff photographer)
Boyd-Bagby helps teammate Dale Johannesson with her hair bow before a recent football game. (David Pierini/staff photographer)
Being the first boy on drill team is noteworthy but Boyd-Bagby says it’s no big deal. (David Pierini/staff photographer)
Boyd-Bagby in line and ready to go through a cheer. (David Pierini/staff photographer)
Boyd-Bagby loves being part of a team and was already friends with many members of drill before trying out. (David Pierini/staff photographer)
Boyd-Bagby thought about trying out for cheerleading but liked the drill team because the routines incorporated more dance. (David Pierini/staff photographer)
Boyd-Bagby gets a hug and face full of pom pom. (David Pierini/staff photographer)
Andrea Neuman frequently has to correct herself when giving instructions to the junior varsity drill team she coaches at Oak Park and River Forest High School.
“Face the field, ladies … and gentleman.”
Still, there is nothing awkward about Pierce Boyd-Bagby being the first-ever boy on the drill team at OPRF. It fact, it’s not even remarkable, if you ask the 16-year-old junior.
“The school environment is so diverse, it’s not a big deal,” he said. “I was talking to a friend about it and he said, ‘You’re trying out for drill team? That’s great. Do you want to go to Chipotle later?’ It wasn’t even a thing.”
A background in dance and friendships with several members of the drill team — which performs during halftime at football and basketball games — made for a smooth transition. He brings added humor to practices but also a discipline to the workouts, often helping his coach to shush excessive talking.
“I love my team,” he said. “I’ve done theater, but it was always so competitive because you’re fighting for the role. But this is a team, so you’re all working together to get the best results.”
