Friday Night Lights Feature - Gilmer High School

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

We see those stadium lights starting back up, which means it is time again for those Friday Night Lights. Get your bleacher seats and your popcorn, because it is time for another FNL Feature.

This week we get to learn about a remarkable young lady who is doing something amazing at her High School. To meet this twirler we are traveling to East Texas where we will find the Feature Twirler AND Drum Major of Gilmer High School, Mylah Childress-Cain.

Yes, you read that right. Mylah is not only the Gilmer High School Feature Twirler, but during halftime she pulls double duty also serving as the band's Drum Major. Check out the video at the bottom of the post to see how this works. I had to watch it to believe it myself!

When it came to approaching her senior year, Mylah really took the advice from her coach to "never say never" seriously. On top being both the Feature Twirler and the Drum Major, she is also the first Feature Twirler Gilmer High School has ever had. Mylah attributes her ground breaking position to her awesome band director, Mr. Gray. "As long as my whistles/commands are where they are supposed to be, he gives me the freedom to 'do my thing' during the show, and I really appreciate his confidence in me and him giving me this opportunity." We appreciate it too! The Texas Twirling Community always loves supportive band directors, and what a fantastic way to let a twirler show her many abilities.

Mylah has had many great moments as a the Gilmer Feature Twirler including bringing home an SWTA State Title and being named the GHS Band Sweetheart, but says her favorite moment was the first football game last year when she got to perform for the first time as the school's first Feature twirler. We can imagine that was a moment that she will never forget.

Now that we have learned about Mylah's many roles in the Gilmer Band, lets learn a little more about her...

Mylah Childress-Cain, Senior
Competition Level: Beginner
Mylah has been twirling for 6 years with Blair Maxwell of Blair's Elite Twirling Academy (BETA). She is the most proud of winning the SWTA Overall State Champion title. Her favorite competition trick is a four turn, and her favorite field trick is a toss-leap-walk over. After High School Mylah hopes to make a ton of new friends at a University and study to become a psychiatrist. One day she wants to have a big family and lots of cats and dogs.







Fun Facts!
Favorite Color - Purple
Favorite Movie - The Twilight Saga
Favorite Music - Anything by Paramore
Favorite Quote - "Reality is wrong. Dreams are for real" - Tupac Shakur

When she is not twirling she loves to... "Go out to eat, go shopping, go to my dad's house, and I love, love, love to hang out at pet stores and shelters to play with the cats".

Twirler that has most inspired her... Stephanie Lien. "She taught at a feature twirler camp I attended this past summer and she had a great impact on my camp experience. I was fan-girling the whole time."

We had a great time this week learning about Mylah and her positions within the Gilmer High School Band. We love that she has such a great band director, and that she is willing to pursue every opportunity to improve herself. What a great example for future Gilmer twirlers. Congrats Mylah on such a significant accomplishment, and we wish you an amazing senior year.



We hope you have enjoyed this edition of our FNL Feature. Have a favorite High School or Collegiate Twirler that you would like to see interviewed? Please contact us with their name and email address at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com so that we can reach out! 

Twirler for a Day 2017: University of Houston

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Welcome to the last week of September. So many great twirling events coming up, and competitions begin in only 7 weeks. We are loving all the awesome pictures and videos of our field twirlers.

Today we have an amazing opportunity for our 8th to 12th grade twirlers... Join the University of Houston Feature Twirlers on Saturday, October 7th, for their 2nd Annual Twirler Day! Rebekah, Morgan, Abby, and Jassandra can't wait to meet all of this year's performers!

This is a great opportunity for 8th to 12th graders to learn what it is like to twirl on a Collegiate field at the TCEDU Stadium. Twirlers will participate in a morning practice, have lunch together, and then get to twirl on the field at half time during the U of H vs. SMU game.

Those interested in participating can visit the U of H Twirler Day Info Link. The deadline for registration and ticket payment is when the game sells out, or Monday, October 2nd at 5:00 pm (whichever comes first), so get signed up quickly!

The cost for each performer is only $40, which includes the practice, a t-shirt, meal, and game ticket. Additional tickets purchased for guest (parents, friends, etc) are $25 each.

If you have any questions about the Twirler Day, please reach out to the U of H Twirler Coach, Jennifer Zuber-Garrison, at coach@uhtwirlers.com, or check out the U of H Twirlers Facebook Page.

We can't wait to see the game day pics from this awesome event. Go Coogs!

We hope you have enjoyed this blog post. We are always looking for great new stories about Texas twirlers. Do you have an idea or some information we could use to help highlight our sport? Contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com and we would love to hear more about it.

Friday Night Lights Feature - Reagan High School Twirlers

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Have you checked the contest calendar recently? All of the dates for the upcoming season have been submitted. Want to check those out so you can start planning your contest schedule? Visit texastwirl.com/contests.html. It is going to be a great competition season!

Now, lets get back to our favorite time of year, football season! This week for our Friday Night Lights Feature, we are down in San Antonio meeting the twirlers from Ronald Reagan High School – Ashlyn Morris, Lily See, and Halle Burton!

In order to be a Ronald Reagan Feature Twirler, these ladies must re-audtion every year. Tryouts include an interview, doing the fight song, and a routine of their choice that usually includes 1, 2, and 3 baton. This process is fully worth it to these twirlers, as they love being a part of the Reagan community.

From being able to lead the band on the field during the halftime show, to spending time with each other every day, these three twirlers find lots of joy in their organization. "Being in each other's company always makes our day better". One of their favorite traditions in the band helps them to find this joy, even when things get hard. "Before each competition, each section gets in a circle. We go around saying our favorite memories from band and we encourage each other. This gets us mentally prepared". 

Not only has twirling in high school been a great experience for them, they all attribute field twirling with improving their confidence in everything they do, even off the field or competition floor. What advice do they have for twirlers wanting to one day twirl in High School? Of course discipline and hard work. "Keep practicing, and know that there is a huge payoff for twirling for your high school". That there is!

Lets take a moment and meet each of these three Rattler Twirlers...

Ashlyn Morris, Senior, Competition Level: Beginner

Ashlyn has been twirling for 9 years with Coach Pat Montgomery. She is the most proud of winning her 2017 Texas State X-Strut. Her favorite competition trick is a three spin, and her favorite field trick is a two spin catch blind. In baton twirling, she is most inspired by Baylor Feature Twirler, Adaline Bebo. Ashlyn’s favorite individual twirling moment was when she caught her three spin at the State Championship. After High School, Ashlyn will attend Abilene Christian University where she hope to twirl and will major in psychology.

Lily See, Sophomore, Competition Level: Intermediate

Lily has been twirling for 8 years with Coach Pat Montgomery. She is the most proud of winning the Beginner Southwest Regional Pageant title when she was in the Pre-Teen division. Her favorite competition trick is a double illusion, and her favorite field trick is a toss, kick, illusion. In baton twirling, she is most inspired by 2016 Miss Texas, Caroline Carothers. Lily’s favorite individual twirling moments occur when she gets to perform at AYOP at Notre Dame University. After High School, Lily hopes to twirl for a University and then attend medical school.

Halle Burton, Freshman, Competition Level: Intermediate

Halle just recently moved to Texas, but has been twirling for 8 years with Coaches Debbie Salem and Shaylie Fawcett. She is the most proud of winning the All West Regional Beginner Pageant when she was in the Pre-Teen division. Her favorite competition trick is an illusion into three baton, and her favorite field trick is a toss cartwheel. In baton twirling, she is most inspired by her Fantasia teammate and former College Miss Majorette of America, Rebecca Lantz. Halle’s favorite individual twirling moment happened at AYOP when she was competing in the Beginner Pre-Teen pageant. She not only caught her four spin in her solo, but she also won the modeling portion of the event and ended up placing top ten overall. After High School, Halle hopes to become a Gatorette at the University of Florida.

Fun Facts!

Favorite Color = Mint Green (Ashlyn), Orange (Lily), Turquoise (Halle)

Favorite Music = They like a wide variety. “Anything from musicals to pop”

Favorite Movie: Wizard of Oz (Halle)

When they are not twirling they love to…

Ashlyn & Lily – “Hang out with my friends”

Halle – “Curl up and read a good book”

Something people might not know about them is…

Ashlyn – “I play the flute”

Lily – “I don’t have an appendix anymore”

Halle – “I also play competitive club lacrosse”

Favorite quote:

Ashlyn – “Be proactive, not reactive”

Lily – “Just because my path is different, doesn’t mean I am lost”

Halle – “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take a moment and make it perfect”

Most Memorable Tip From their Coach:

• Ashlyn – “When I was younger I broke my arm twirling. After not twirling for almost a month I had a lesson. I was still getting used to being able to use my arm, and even holding a baton hurt. My coach told me in order to become a better twirler I had to push through even if I was a little bit uncomfortable. When I finally got through that injury my twirling got exponentially better
• Lily – “Getting nervous at competition is never fun. (My Coach) is always there next to me to calm me down and get me through each performance and inspire me every time.
• Halle – “Perfect practice makes perfect” or “You perform how you practice”

Best School Tradition: "At the end of the game all of the football players, cheerleaders, and the twirlers go in front of the band while the band plays the alma mater". 

Funniest Twirl Moment: "When we were preparing for our annual pep rally, Rattler Round-Up, it was very windy. We were trying to practice our exchange and our batons were flying everywhere because the wind was so bad"

Thank you ladies for taking the time to answer our questions. You all look amazing, and we wish the Ronald Reagan twirlers a great season. Go Rattlers!

Photo Credit: Denise Morris - denisetakesphotos.smugmug.com. 

We hope you have enjoyed another edition of our Friday Night Lights Feature. Have a favorite High School or Collegiate Twirler that you would like to see interviewed? Please contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com so that we can reach out to them! 

Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - the Texas State University Feature Twirlers

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

These Collegiate Twirler Spotlights and the Friday Night Light Features are some of my favorite posts to do as we all love learning more about our amazing Texas Twirlers. Have a High School or Collegiate Twirler you would like to see interviewed? Email us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com.

This week we had a very special start to our Collegiate Twirler Spotlight by broadcasting a part of the interview LIVE on our Twirling is Catching - Texas Edition Blog Facebook Page from the Texas State University game at Bobcat Stadium. If you missed it, you can check out the video here...



It was such a pleasure to meet the Bobcat Feature Twirlers, Denise Arriaga and Jillian Romaguera! These two young ladies were so fun to chat with and did an amazing job on the field. Being a Bobcat myself,  I was proud to have these two representing not only my school, but the sport we all love.

During the live interview, I asked the girls what they think is the best thing about being a Bobcat. Jillian immediately mentioned the river. To those not familiar with San Marcos (also known as San Marvelous by those residing there), right outside the Strahan Arena is Sewell Park. Running in the middle of this park is the San Marcos river. This Park has become a hub for all things that make Texas State an amazing place. The view is beautiful, there is always people there studying, sunbathing, playing frisbee or volleyball, or kayaking. Plus, many student groups do organized activities there so you can regularly find free food, live music, or other fun programs. The river is such a staple of life for Texas State students, that it is a well known school tradition to jump in the river in full cap and gown immediately after crossing the stage for graduation.

Denise also mentioned in the live interview that one of the best things about game days is the people. The vibe of community that you can find at Sewell Park continues into the spirit of Bobcat game days. Everyone is cheering for everyone, and it is so easy to make a new Bobcat friend. Even though the University has yet to be known for its football program, the student spirit still runs strong through the extensive tailgating, student organization involvement, and growing alumni support.

When not on camera, we asked these young ladies what advice they would pass on to those wanting to be a collegiate twirler one day. Denise mentioned putting in hard work, and Jillian emphatically agreed. They both talked about how much they practiced to earn their positions, which they will have to re-audition for annually, and how active they have to be in order to keep up with the pace the band moves in terms of learning shows and moving around the field. Denise also said that you have to love what you do.

Now, lets that some time to learn a little more about these young ladies individually...

Denise Arriaga, Senior, Competition Level: Intermediate
Denise is from San Antonio, Texas and is currently a Senior Exercise Sports Science Major. She has been twirling for 7 years with Coach Pat Montgomery. The competition twirling title she is the most proud of is winning her Texas State Senior Beginner Solo title. Denise's favorite competition trick is a two spin blind, and her favorite field trick is a one spin illusion. In the baton twirling world, Denise has been the most inspired by Baylor Golden Girl and World Medalist, Adeline Bebo. When Denise graduates, she plans to work for her Masters Degree to help her earn a position in Recreation Therapy where she can help those with mental illnesses.

Jillian Romaguera, Freshman, Competition Level: Intermediate
Jillian is from the Woodlands, Texas and is currently a Freshman Nursing Major. She has been twirling on and off since she was a kid, but says she has been twirling seriously for 4 years. She is a member of the Mickey's Majorettes and coached by Patti Mickey. The competition twirling title she is most proud of winning was the 2017 Miss Magnolia title. Jillian's favorite competition trick is a back neck roll, and her favorite field trick is a roll into the splits. In the baton twirling world, Jillian says she has been most inspired by Mickey's Majorette teammate and assistant Coach, Kayli Mickey-Mcintosh. When Jillian graduates she wants to work in Pediatric Rheumatology where she can help children with immune disorders.

Fun Facts!
Favorite Color = Pink (Denise), Purple (Jillian)
Favorite Movie = Forrest Gump (Denise), Aladdin (Jillian)
Favorite Quote = "If it doesn't help you grow, let it go" (Denise)
       
Favorite Twirling Moment:

• Denise: When she caught her first toss illusion and realized how much she loved illusion tricks. 
• Jillian: When she earned a position as a twirler at her High School, which opened the door to much bigger things for her as a twirler. 

Funniest Twirling Moment:

• Denise: When she did a toss cartwheel at a game in High School and caught the baton on her face giving her a black eye. She kept right on twirling through it!
• Jillian: She was at a competition and was doing the best three baton routine she had ever done. She was at the very end ready to do her salute after a "no drop" and threw her salute baton. 

We want to send a special thank you to Denise and Jillian for being great hosts, and for being willing to be the first live interview for this Blog. We enjoyed getting to be a part of their game day experience, and we can't wait to see these ladies continue to represent the Bobcats. Eat Em Up!

We hope you have enjoyed another edition of our Collegiate Spotlight. Have a favorite High School or Collegiate Twirler that you would like to see interviewed? Please contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com so that we can reach out to them!

Friday Night Lights Feature - Glen Rose High School

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Those Friday Night Lights are back and in full swing. We know a good portion of our Texas Twirling Community is either getting ready or on their way to a game right now! So exciting to see all the pics of our Texas Twirlers rocking it on those football fields. If you post a pic on social media of yourself or your feature twirler doing what they do at football games and pep rallies, please tag us and we will share the pics with our community. You can tag the Twirling is Catching TX Edition FB Page or on Instagram @twirlingiscatchingtx. Don't forget to use the hashtag #twirlingiscatchingtx as well!

To kick off our feature twirler coverage we are re-starting our Friday Night Lights Feature with a twirler that is brand new to high school twirling. Coming from Glen Rose, Texas, let's learn more about the new freshman Glen Rose Feature Twirler, Laney Whitefield!

Coached by Vicki Ray from Fort Worth, Laney started twirling when she was in 1st grade. Keeping true with her Coach's Advice to "Never Say I Can't", this young lady does a little bit of everything while still showing off her twirling skills to the Glen Rose community. Lane attributes her ability to be involved in many activities to the lessons she has taken from baton twirling. "I have learned to work very hard and that practice at anything takes commitment and time to get better. Also, I believe that twirlers are very versatile and learn to juggle not only batons, but many hats as well".

In order to earn her spot, Laney had to audition in front of the High School Band Director and the Glen Rose Colorguard. While this was a big moment for her, she was prepared after her many years of competition, and nailed it at her first appearance as the GRHS Feature Twirler. Performing at the first Pep Rally of the season, "Meet the Tigers", was an extra special opportunity for her because GRHS takes their Pep Rallies and their football seriously! "Nearly the entire town attends pep rallies and football games in Glen Rose, and we have the best pep rallies with the best fans! Our town is full of Tiger Pride!"

Laney Whitefield, Freshman, Competition Level: Beginner
Laney has been twirling for 9 years. She is the most proud of winning her Sportsmanship Award. Her favorite competition trick is the long arm roll and her favorite field trick is a high toss cart wheel. After High School, Laney wants to twirl for a Major University as well as study to become a Doctor.











Who is she most inspired by? "I currently love watching Ansley Cartee, who is the Clemson Feature Twirler. I also admire the SMU Feature Twirler, Alex Bridges, because she is always so sweet and takes time out to visit with the younger twirlers at Competitions. When I was little, I loved watching former Texas Tech Feature Twirler, Amanda Tolley, because she made it look so easy".

Fun Facts! 
Color: "I like a lot of colors!"
Movie: Mamma Mia, "I love Musicals"
Musician: Arcade Fire, "I really like their music"
Favorite Quote: "You have got to kick fear to the side because the payoff is huge"
Best GRHS Band Tradition: "Doing the drum cadences"

What does she do when she isn't twirling? "I love being on the GRHS Tennis Team, swimming on the Granbury Seals Swim Team, going to gymnastics, drawing, and hanging out with my friends". Wow! SO many hobbies and teams! Busy girl!

Something you may not know about her: "I love airport security and hotel stays... but I hate getting my feet dirty (which is silly considering I live in jazz shoes)." Ugh! Jazz Shoes and dirty feet! So true!

Funniest Twirl Moment: "I had a costume strap come undone at a pep rally, and had to grab my top during an illusion." Yikes! Glad you caught the strap and the baton!

Favorite Individual Twirling Moment: "Moving up out of novice, and winning at Oklahoma's State competition this year. I hope to move out of Beginner soon too. It is always great to move up!"

Advice for future HS Twirlers: "There will always be people (kids and adults) that do not believe in you or what you do, but always keep your head up high and continue to practice and work toward your goals."

Such great advice from this freshman twirler. We wish Laney an amazing first year representing our sport in the Glen Rose Community. We know she will do a great job and we can't wait to see all that she will accomplish from here. Go Tigers!

We hope you have enjoyed this edition of our FNL Feature. Have a favorite High School or Collegiate Twirler that you would like to see interviewed? Please contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com with their name and email address so that we can reach out!