St Dom’s ready for Knight of Champions

For decades, the rhythmic march of drum majorettes and the buzz of excited supporters has signalled the start of a new season at St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls.

The annual Knight of Champions drum majorette competition on April 18, one of the biggest drum majorette events in Gauteng, is more than just a contest for the school, it is a proud tradition deeply woven into its sporting culture.

The event was established many years ago in honour of Norman Knight, a respected adjudicator who played an important role in the Gauteng and South African drum majorette associations.

After his passing, the competition was named in his memory and St Dominic’s has hosted it ever since.

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Over the years, Knight of Champions has grown into a marquee event that attracts teams from across the province. In its early days, the atmosphere was festival-like, with a market set up on the field and judges seated on top of a large bus to watch the performances.

“It was always such a special competition. Schools loved coming to this competition because of the feel and the vibe” said St Dominic’s drummies coach Alisha Venter, who has been involved in the sport for more than two decades.

The competition has evolved alongside the school’s facilities, with grandstands now providing spectators with a clear view of the action. Today, it remains one of the most anticipated events on the drum majorette calendar.

A highlight of the event is the large drill display, where every member of a team participates in a co-ordinated routine. Unlike smaller sections such as pom, flag, mace, baton and small drill – which are limited to a maximum of 24 participants – the large drill allows the entire squad to take the field together.

“That’s the main display where every single member of your team gets to march. It’s special because it gives all our girls the chance to perform,” Venter explained.

For St Dominic’s, the competition also serves as a reunion of sorts. Because the school has hosted the event for so many years, former pupils, parents and supporters often return to watch the performances and celebrate the start of the season.

Venter’s journey in the sport began long before she became a coach. She was a drum majorette herself during her primary school years and later marched for St Dominic’s while in high school.
Transitioning from performer to coach has brought a different kind of pressure.

“When you’re performing, you worry about making mistakes. But as a coach it’s different. You can prepare the girls as much as possible, but once they step onto the field and the music starts, it’s out of your hands. That can be even more nerve-wracking.”
With the Knight of Champions approaching in April, the team is currently focusing on smaller routines in league competitions as they build toward the showpiece event.

Despite the challenges of integrating new members into the squad, Venter believes the team’s growth and enthusiasm will shine through when they take to the field on home soil once again.