Former JCHS coach, Vicki Watkins, inducted into IDTA Hall of Fame
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
By Steven Spencer
Submitted photo
Vicki Watkins was inducted into the Illinois Drill Team Association Hall of Fame at the IDTA State Championships in Springfield. During her time as a coach at JCHS Watkins led the Panthers in five state championships in 1991, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998.
Jersey’s Vicki Watkins was inducted into the Illinois Drill Team Association Hall of Fame last week.
From 1986 to 1999 Watkins served as Panthers Poms coach earning five state championships and continues to judge for the IHSA, the Illinois Drill Team Association, and Missouri Dance Team Associations.
“This year’s inductee served as an IDTA coach from 1986 thru 1999,” Alex Foster with the IDTA said during Watkin’s induction. “Under her tutelage, her teams were awarded five IDTA state championships, of which four were consecutive from 1995 thru 1998. After retiring from coaching, she continued to serve as an IDTA General Effect judge, treasurer, regional rep, officer, and committee member. She continues to serve IDTA 37 years later, still on the competition floor with all of you while wearing her enthusiastic smile and contagious positive attitude as both a General Effect and Legality judge.”
“She has inspired dancers, coaches, adjudicators and board members to provide a tournament for dancers/athletes and scholars,” Foster added. “I am so immensely proud as both a member of this organization and a direct benefactor of her contributions as my first dance teacher and mentor to introduce you to our 2023 IDTA Hall of Fame Inductee.”
Watkins said the honor was more than amazing and deeply humbling.
“To say that yesterday’s 44th annual Illinois Drill Team Association Dance Championship was amazing would truly be an understatement,” Watkins stated. “I am deeply humbled and honored to have been inducted into the IDTA Hall of Fame last night. I cannot fully explain how meaningful it is to me to be included in this group of exceptional dance colleagues for whom I have immeasurable respect and admiration. My heart is full of gratitude.”
