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!
No comments:
Post a Comment