Before Illinois had a formal organization for dance/drill teams and coaches, there were some clinics and contests that were being hosted throughout the state. These functions were usually sponsored by outside organizations. In 1977, after hosting 5 annual contests, Pat Lester organized a group of drill team directors to formulate and propose a state contest series for drill/pom teams to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). The proposal committee believed that Illinois needed to unify the contests in the state. Pat Lester, Steve Oracko and Kathy Swan presented the proposal to the IHSA in the spring on 1977. The answer from the IHSA was positive, but no action was taken. Two years later, Pat Lester and a new committee presented a second proposal in the spring of 1979 to the IHSA after a state-wide survey showed there was strong support for a state contest series. This proposal was rejected by the IHSA; however, the board gave the committee "its blessing" to begin an organization to serve the coaches and teams in Illinois. Thus, the Illinois Drill Team Association was organized to create an association which could encourage interest in poms, dance and flag activities within Illinois schools.

The organizational structure was designed, competition rules were formulated and membership was offered. The founding officers were Kathy Swan - President, Pat Leaf - Contest Director, and Pat Lester - Judging Coordinator. The first State Contest was held at Oak Park River Forest High School on March 15, 1980.

Since those first years, IDTA has grown in many ways. The organization has a charter with the State of Illinois and we are a legal non-profit organization. The Executive Board now includes a representative from 16 regions across the state and nine officers. There is also a Board of Directors. The Association has expanded the programs to include clinics, workshops, judging seminars, coach seminars, scholarships, special events and a newsletter, "Heartbeats." The number of IDTA sanctioned contests has grown from 2 in 1979-80 to over 30 for the current school-calendar year.

The Super-Sectional Contests and the State contest are approved by the Illinois High School Association. Membership has grown to approximately 315 squads representing 200 schools. Total student participation in IDTA activities is well over 5000 members. IDTA is still expanding its programs and, with everyone's help, interest and support, IDTA will continue to grow.

Hall of Fame

IDTA Founding Members
Pat Lester		Pat Leaf		Kathy Swan
Hall Of Fame
Barbara Bobrich Sheri Greenfield Barbara Walker Donna Steinmann Lynn Carneghi Richard Benzik Kari Batka Orella Gansmann Bill King Nicki Alander Kathy Dartt Susan Dierker Melissa Sirtak Paula Novak Rita Damhorst Cyndi Kraemer Eugenia Scavone			Dawn Cosman Joan Stevens Patricia McGee Melsa Bobrich Janice Ryan Katherine Guither Brenda Harris Joni May Jane Richards Mary Buchar Toni Royster Christine Chiavola Craig Wilson Candace Gadomski Lisa Moore Kristen Staver Deb BradshawDee Lenzi LuAnne Navarra

• IDTA Membership in good standing for a minimum of 10 years
• Given service to IDTA in the capacity of:
  • Officer
  • Regional Representative
  • Contest/Clinic Host
  • Judge
  • Committee Member
• Promote IDTA in a positive and constructive manner.
• Demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities.
• Contribute to IDTA in a significant manner (in excess of regular membership).