Hello Texas Twirl Fans!
The weather is finally beginning to change, and it is starting to almost feel like Fall here in Texas! We love this part of the season, and we are once again excited to feature another set of our wonderful Texas Twirlers. We really enjoyed following these twirlers during their Instastory Takeover this past weekend, and we are happy to share more about these amazing representatives of our sport.
Each season this blog likes to get to know many of our awesome Texas twirlers a little better by learning about their experiences. We will be meeting many High School twirlers throughout the season with the Friday Night Lights Features and discovering more about our Texas Collegians with the Collegiate Twirler Spotlights. We will also be having many of our High School and Collegiate twirlers take over our Social Media Story for their Game Days! Make sure to follow us on Instagram @twirlingiscatchingtx or at facebook.com/twirlingiscatchingtx so you don't miss a thing!
Our next Collegiate Twirler Spotlight is on the Stephen F Austin State University Twirl-O-Jacks!
Stephen F Austin State University, located in Nacogdoches, TX, has a "timeless" reputation regarding baton twirlers thanks to their Twirl-O-Jack twirling line and Feature Twirler. The TOJ's are known for their "Grace...Poise...Style!" They perform at football games and many events representing their university. For lots of twirlers, especially in East Texas, the Twirl-O-Jacks are a twirling institution. This year’s Twirl-O-Jacks include
Feature Twirler - Kellen Coke, Head Twirl-O-Jack Clair Hunter, Assistant Head Twirl-O-Jacks Avery Bryan & Reese Richardson, and Twirlers Amairanie Banuelos, Ashlyn Vest, Caitlin Drennan, Elizabeth Bruwer, Elizabeth Smith, Maddie Minter, Natalie Joseph, and Sarah Woodworth.The SFA Twirl-O-Jacks were established in 1956 under the band directorship of Jimmie Hudgins. “Our band is one of few collegiate bands that march both military and corp style. While Mr. Hudgins coined the name “Twirl-O-Jacks,” the group’s unique style was created by then head T-O-J, Pat (Griffin) Bridges. The unique twirling style of the T-O-J’s continued throughout the years under Twirl-O-Jack Coordinator, Joan (Griffin) Bridges until 2007, when she passed the torch to one of her very own students [and current TOJ coach] Candice (Pelzl) Curbow.”
We asked the TOJ’s what their audition process looked like to earn one of these prestigious spots. “Twirl-O-Jack line auditions consist of learning and performing a group routine. Purple Team Twirl-O-Jack Auditions (the competitive team) require both the group routine and a prepared solo as well as demonstration of advanced skills. Feature Twirler candidates must submit a head shot, resume and audition video to the band directors and twirling coach. Candidates that receive an in-person audition invitation will be asked to perform a prepared solo and a self-choreographed solo to music given to candidates at auditions.”
There are many reasons someone selects their college, so we had to know what brought these twirlers to SFA! While the overwhelming response was the amazing twirling program, the campus community, family legacy, and academic programs were all factors as well.
- Claire - “I chose to go to SFA because I wanted to be a Twirl-O-Jack! I have always attended their Timeless Twirl-O-Jack summer camps and all I wanted to be was a TOJ!”
- Avery - “I chose to attend SFA because I liked the twirling program and my family has been going to SFA for generations!”
- Reese - “I chose SFA because I wanted to be a SFA Twirl-O-Jacks! I’ve always loved the unique dance twirl style, and have many mentors that were past TOJ’s!”
- Caitlin - “I chose to attend SFA because of the music program and the closeness to home.”
- Elizabeth S. - “I chose to attend SFAafter visiting a showcase Saturday and completely falling in love with the campus!! This place was home the moment I stepped in!”
- Elizabeth B - “I chose to attend SFA because they offer good STEM programs, and I wanted to continue my twirling career around talented individuals and be a part of a good team.”
With such a great history, and a great location, we wanted to know what their favorite thing was about attending SFA. Avery, Reese, and Caitlin all love the campus. “The pretty scenery and the people, the beautiful pine trees, and the atmosphere! The campus is so beautiful.” Elizabeth B also agrees with the beauty of the campus, but also enjoys the food and campus energy. “The trees around the campus make me feel at home, the food at the dining hall is delicious, and the band has a bold sound that keeps the energy up!” The Band is also a big one for Elizabeth S. “My favorite thing about SFA is definitely the band!! I’ve made lasting friendships and memories in my short time with the LMB and I can’t wait to make even more!”
Traditions are a big part of campus life at SFA. Whether they are school traditions, or band traditions, you know these twirlers love being a part of them!
- Avery - “One of the best traditions at SFA is that the school provides axe handles for all of the freshmen so they can use them in the student section! We also have the purple lights that shine over the whole campus after a lumberjack win!”
- Reese - “One of my favorite traditions is that classic Wabash Cannonball! The Lumberjack Marching Band plays it at pregame and Twirl-O-Jacks have been performing it for centuries.”
- Caitlin - “One of my favorite traditions is receiving an axe handle that can be decorated how you choose.”
- Elizabeth S. - “My favorite SFA tradition is the ring dip!! I will be getting my class ring and participating in the ring dip this December and I can’t wait to join in on it!”
- Elizabeth B - “Decorating our axe handles, homecoming parade, the enthusiastic Purple Haze student section, and the LMB taking the field for pregame and halftime. We also got to teach the band how to line dance for our recent halftime show which was fun!”
- Caitlin - “A running joke within the band is calling our assistant band director, Dr. Kaatz, “Mighty Mouse”.
Finally, we wanted to know what these twirlers are looking forward to the most this season! Reese told us she loves the end of season events. “I’m most looking forward to a potential play-off game and our annual band banquet!” Caitlin is also excited about the band banquet, while Avery is looking forward to all the lasts with Kellen and Clair. “I am happy to have one last season with our seniors!” Elizabeth can’t wait for the weather to change. “I love halftime during the cold football games!"
Now that we have learned about the Twirl-O-Jacks, let’s learn more about the Twirlers!
Kellen Coke, Senior - Feature TwirlerKellen has been twirling since she was 3 years old. She is a member of the Mickey’s Majorettes where she is coached by Patti Mickey and Kayli Mickey-McIntosh. Her favorite competition trick is a toss under leg calypso, and her favorite field trick is a toss illusion walkover. In baton twirling she has been most inspired by her coaches! After SFA she hopes to secure a job and teach lessons.
Favorite Color – Blue or Green
Favorite TV Show or Movie – When Harry Met Sally
Favorite Book – The Song of Achilles or Throne of Glass
Must have Game Day Snack/Drink… “Nerd Gummy Clusters.”
Favorite Quote or Life Motto… “Heart on fire, mind on ice.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Clean and watch TV.”
Something people might not know about her… “I actually like metal!”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… “Natural ability is often wasted on a lack of persistence and dedication.”
The most memorable advice from her coach… “Never stop pushing to be your best.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers… “Once you earn your position, never stop training and improving!”
Funniest memory as a baton twirler… “Definitely when I hopped on the wrong podium to accept a medal at AAU Nationals and was in the winner’s way! Or, when I was working on a consistent 4-baton skill and they all collided and I dropped all of them… right as my band director introduced me in front of the entire band. I got a lot of laughs, but not the greatest first impression.”
Favorite thing about marching season… “Learning drill with the band.”
Clair Hunter, Senior - Head TOJClair has been twirling for 12 years. She is a member of Purple Team, a competitive team within the Twirl-O-Jacks, where she is coached by Candice Curbow. “I also take individual lessons from Jeri Coke.” Her favorite competition trick is a three turn, and her favorite field trick is a toss press leap. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her coach, Jeri Coke. After SFA she hopes to pursue a career in clinical athletic training and work at a children’s hospital.
Favorite Color – Pink
Favorite TV Show or Movie – New Girl
Favorite Book – Hunger Games series
Must have Game Day Snack/Drink… “Ice cold water and purple skittles.”
Favorite Quote or Life Motto… “Life is what you make it, so let’s make it rock”- Hannah Montana
When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Go dancing!”
Something people might not know about her… “I know how to waltz.”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… “Making very detailed itineraries for performances.”
The most memorable advice from her coach… “Right before my first TOJ audition, Jeri Coke told me to ‘leave it all out on the floor’.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers… “Look for a team that you could see yourself be part of a family.”
Funniest memory as a baton twirler… “Running in the pouring rain with all of our game day gear on at the home opener for SFA.”
Favorite thing about marching season… “The tan we get from practicing outside!”
What she will miss most when marching season is over… “Twirling with my teammates!”
Avery Bryan, Sophomore - Assistant Head TOJAvery has been twirling for 12 years. She is coached by Candice Curbow as a Twirl-O-Jack and is also a member of Precision Twirl where she is coached by Mrs. Paige Keitt. The competition title she is the proudest of was when she won the 2024 Senior Beginner Southwest Regional Pageant title. Her favorite competition trick is a double illusion, and her favorite field trick is a toss front walkover. After SFA she hopes to continue teaching twirling.
Favorite Color – Pink
Favorite TV Show or Movie – The Parent Trap
Favorite Book – If He Had Been With me
Must have Game Day Snack/Drink… “Gatorade and grapes!”
Favorite Quote or Life Motto… “What you're not changing, you're choosing.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Tan, yap, and spend time with my friends.”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“The value of hard work and showing up for people who are depending on you.”
The most memorable advice from her coach… “Mrs. Paige instilled in me the importance of having clean and correct fundamentals! A good twirler is nothing without her basic baton fundamentals.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers… “Have fun, but work hard and show up for your team!”
Funniest memory as a baton twirler… “When I was feature in high school I was working on my spins and hit myself in the eye and ended up with the black eye on picture day.”
Favorite thing about marching season… “I like the pressure of marching season.”
What she will miss most when marching season is over… “I will miss rehearsals with the band.”
Reese Richardson, Sophomore - Asst Head TOJReese has been twirling since 7th grade and is coached by Candice Curbow. The competition title she is the proudest of earning was when she was named the Beginner 16+ Southwest Regional Solo Winner. Her favorite competition trick is a three turn, and her favorite field trick is a toss press leap. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Chelsey Brewer. “She was my high school coach that got me into twirling.” After SFA she hopes to attend Graduate School and become a Speech Language Pathologist.
Favorite Color – Navy Blue
Favorite TV Show or Movie – Brooklyn 99
Favorite Book – Can’t choose just one!
Must have Game Day Snack/Drink… “Gatorade and goldfish.”
Favorite Quote or Life Motto… “Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Workout.”
Something people might not know about her… “I was a competitive dancer before I started twirling!”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… “Confidence!!”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers… “You train your thoughts! Say positive things enough and you’ll start to automatically do it!”
Funniest memory as a baton twirler… “When a bag started blowing across the field during halftime this year! Our head twirler picked it up before coming off the field!”
Favorite thing about marching season… “The football games!”
What she will miss most when marching season is over… “I’ll miss performing in Homer Bryce stadium!”
Caitlin Drennan, SophomoreCaitlin has been twirling for 6 years and is coached by Candice Curbow through the TOJs. The competition placement she is the proudest of was when she placed Top 5 for the 13-15 soloists at MA Nationals when she was a freshman in high school. Her favorite competition trick is anything with fishtails, and her favorite field trick is the TOJ Big Trick. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Asst. Head TOJ Reese Richardson. “We have looked forward to twirling together since our Junior year of high school and she pushes me to be the best I can be, in and out of twirling.” After SFA she hopes to be a music teacher at a school and give private lessons to students.
Favorite Color – Yellow
Favorite TV Show or Movie – Tangled
Favorite Book – Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Must have Game Day Snack/Drink… “Cold fruit!”
Favorite Quote or Life Motto…“God is within her; she will not be moved. He will help her at break of day” Psalms 46:5
When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Sing country music.”
Something people might not know about her… “I am both a singer and an alto saxophonist.”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… “The importance of hard work and drive.”
The most memorable advice from her coach… “Be kind to everyone no matter what they have been through or come from.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers… “Soak up the good times and use them to get you through the tough moments. You are a student getting a degree and twirling can be a little bit of an escape if you let it.”
Funniest memory as a baton twirler… “When we had to do the thriller dance for our pop bops show last year.”
Favorite thing about marching season… “The atmosphere. It’s something to behold.”
What she will miss most when marching season is over… “It’s the time when all of the twirl-o-jacks get to be together, I'll miss being with my girls.”
Natalie Joseph, SophomoreNatalie has been twirling for 8 years. She is a member of the SFA Twirl-O-Jacks and is coached by Candice Curbow and BreiAnn Gee. The competition placement she is the proudest of is when she placed 2nd in the Beginner 16+ Solo at the 2025 Bayou City Classic. Her favorite competition trick is anything 2-baton, and her favorite field trick is a toss illusion. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Asst Head TOJ, Avery Bryan. After SFA, she plans to become an English teacher and hopefully one day go back to school to become an English professor.
Favorite Color – Navy Blue
Favorite TV Show or Movie – Pitch Perfect
Favorite Book – The Hunger Games
Must have Game Day Snack/Drink… “Cold grapes!”
Favorite Quote or Life Motto… “Hard work always pays off in the end.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Sleep!”
Something people might not know about her… “I have 8 siblings.”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… “Having patience is the key to everything.”
The most memorable advice from her coach… “Practice like you perform!”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers… “Practice, practice, and practice!”
Funniest memory as a baton twirler… “Probably our Thriller routine as a whole… IYKYK.”
Favorite thing about marching season… “Learning so many different routines for each show.”
What she will miss most when marching season is over… “Seeing my friends every day at practice.”
Sarah Woodworth, SophomoreSarah has been twirling for 5 years. She is part of the SFA Twirl-O-Jacks and the purple team and is coached by Candice Curbow and Abby Banko. Her favorite competition trick is anything with illusions, and her favorite field tricks are partner exchanges. In baton twirling she has been most inspired by her coach, Abby Banko. After SFA she hopes to own and operate an accounting firm.
Favorite Color – Pink
Favorite TV Show or Movie – Suits
Favorite Book – “My Bible.”
Must have Game Day Snack/Drink… “Grapes/watermelon and electrolyte water.”
Favorite Quote or Life Motto… “Everything happens for a reason, trust in God’s plan and timing.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Dress up and line dance.”
Something people might not know about her… “I have never been out of the country.”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… “There is always room for growth!”
The most memorable advice from her coach… “Let twirling be your escape from the chaos. You may not be able to control the situation that are laid before you, but you can control the outcome of your performances.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers… “Twirling in college is very time and energy consuming but it’s every bit of worth it. The memories you make are priceless.”
Funniest memory as a baton twirler… “Definitely “Thriller” freshman year of college.”
Favorite thing about marching season… “Performing to a stadium full of people, lights, music, and fireworks.”
What she will miss most when marching season is over… “Football Games!”
Amairanie Bañuelos, Freshman Amairanie has been twirling for 7 years and is coached by Candice Curbow through the TOJs. Her favorite competition trick is 3 baton juggles, and her favorite field trick is a 2 turn. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her high school coach. “She inspired me by encouraging me to push myself and never give up.” After SFA she hopes to become a NICU nurse.
Favorite Color – Light Pink
Favorite TV Show or Movie – The Notebook
Favorite Book – Hunger Games
Must have Game Day Snack/Drink… “Electrolyte drinks.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Bake!”
Something people might not know about her…
“I was mainly self-taught before joining the team.”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… “Time management.”
The most memorable advice from her coach… “Results don’t define you.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers… “Practice consistently, stay passionate, and always support your teammates!”
Funniest memory as a baton twirler… “The baton landing on my cheekbone gave me a bump that made it look like I had filler.”
Favorite thing about marching season… “The energy and excitement of performing in front of a crowd on the field.”
What she will miss most when marching season is over… “Performing and marching with the Lumberjack Marching Band.”
Ashlyn Vest, FreshmanAshlyn has been twirling for 7 years and is coached by Candice Curbow through the TOJs. Her favorite competition trick is a toss cartwheel, and her favorite field trick is a toss press leap. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Chelsey Brewer. After SFA she hopes to work as a nurse.
Favorite Color – Blue
Favorite TV Show or Movie – Good Will Hunting
Favorite Book – Where the Crawdads Sing
Must have Game Day Snack/Drink… “LMNT.”
Favorite Quote or Life Motto…“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24
When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Work out and play pickleball.”
Something people might not know about her… “I was in a band in high school for Beta club and we went to nationals 3 years in a row.”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… “Hard work and discipline.”
The most memorable advice from her coach… “Do YOUR job!”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers… “Go in with no expectations in order to make the most out of and appreciate every aspect.”
Funniest memory as a baton twirler… “Learning to march choro for the first time at my first college band camp.”
Favorite thing about marching season… “Making fun memories.”
What she will miss most when marching season is over… “Being around the band and hearing them play at practice.”
Elizabeth Bruwer, FreshmanElizbeth has been twirling for 7 years and is coached by Candice Curbow through the TOJs. The competition title she is the proudest of earning was when she was named Miss TPU at the 2024 SFA TPU Competition. Her favorite competition trick is either fishtails or a toss triple grand jete jump, and her favorite field trick is any toss leap! In baton twirling she has been most inspired by her coaches and teammates. After SFA she plans to work in the aerospace or biomedical field as a mechanical engineer.
Favorite Color – Green
Favorite TV Show or Movie – Freaky Friday (2003) & Event Horizon (1997)
Favorite Book – Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Must have Game Day Snack/Drink… “Electrolytes/hydrating drinks!”
Favorite Quote or Life Motto… “Progress over perfection.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Play Skyrim or study.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I drink hot chocolate almost every day during the holidays.”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… “Communication skills!”
The most memorable advice from her coach… “Spot the baton when you spin!”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers…
“Take care of your physical and mental health! Remember you need to rest and recover after a practice or performance.”
Funniest memory as a baton twirler… “During the end of a solo, I flung my baton out of my
hand mid back bend! (I held my ending pose without a baton...)”
Favorite thing about marching season… “The jokes to keep are spirits up during rehearsal.”
What she will miss most when marching season is over… “The energy from the band!”
Elizabeth Smith, FreshmanElizabeth has been twirling for 5 years. She is a member of the Twirl O’ Jacks as well as Precision Twirl and is coached by Paige Keitt and Candice Curbow. The competition titles she is the proudest of earning are the pageants! “I love winning crowns and sashes the most!” Her favorite competition trick is any and all rolls, and her favorite field trick is any toss sit roll variation! “Leap sit roll, sit roll split, ect.” In baton twirling she has been most inspired by her coach, Paige Keitt! “She has always believed in me and continues to push me to be the very best I can be. She’s taught me the value of hard work and is one of the kindest people I know. I am so grateful God placed her in my path!” After SFA she hopes to one day become a psychologist.
Favorite Color – Light Blue
Favorite TV Show or Movie – The Jurassic Park series
Favorite Book – The Hunger Games
Must have Game Day Snack/Drink… “Peanut butter crackers and a Dr. Pepper.”
Favorite Quote or Life Motto…Philippians 4:7: “and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”.
When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Read! You can almost always find me with a book in my hand, especially a good romance novel!”
Something people might not know about her… “I love to travel and hope to study abroad one day!”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… “The value of perseverance and working hard. The ability to keep on trying even when it’s difficult or you don’t want to miss something I will always value about being a baton twirler.”
The most memorable advice from her coach… “‘Hard work beats skill when skill doesn't work hard’. She told me that my very first year twirling with her and I have carried it through every moment that I feel discouraged or not where I want to be.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers… “Find what makes you YOU. Every performer has their own unique style and it most likely will be different from other twirlers you know. Find what makes YOU shine on the floor and field and bring it into every performance you do!”
Funniest memory as a baton twirler… “During the practice days with my twirling trio leading up to UIL state my senior year. Between two-person cartwheel fails, exchange catastrophes, and far too many hits on the head (and back, and nose, and shoulder), it was never ending laughter and joy. Ending the season with a first division was the icing on the cake!”
Favorite thing about marching season… “The energy on gamedays!”
What she will miss most when marching season is over… “The memories that our team has made and the time we spend together!”
Maddie Minter, FreshmanMaddie has been twirling for 8 years and is coached by Candice Curbow through the TOJs. Her favorite field trick is the TOJ Big Trick. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her coach Megan. After SFA she hopes to become a teacher.
Favorite Color – Purple
Favorite TV Show or Movie – New Girl
Favorite Book – The Great Gatsby
Must have Game Day Snack/Drink… “Gatorade.”
Favorite Quote or Life Motto… “This too shall pass.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Hangout with my friends.”
Something people might not know about her… “I have two different sized thumbs.”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… “Time management.”
The most memorable advice from her coach… “To do your best always.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers… “The hard work pays off.”
Funniest memory as a baton twirler… “Kicking my baton across the room in an illusion.”
Favorite thing about marching season… “Performing at halftime!”
What she will miss most when marching season is over… “Gamedays!”
Thanks to the Twirl-O-Jacks for sharing their Game Day with us. We really enjoyed learning more about SFA and seeing these wonderful twirlers shine on the field (even if it was rainy!) We wish them all a great remainder of their season!
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.
Kinsey Simeon, Senior
Joslyn Rodriguez, Sophomore
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