Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - University of Hawaii at Manoa

AlohaTexas Twirl Fans!

The month of November is here, and that means so is competition season! We are only 17 days from the Fall Twirling Festival and 31 days from the ATX Holiday Twirl Fest. The mail-in deadline for the ATX Twirl Fest is November 16th, so make sure to get your entries in!

The month of November is also going to be a special one for our Collegiate Twirler interviews. While we all LOVE the Lonestar State, there are only so many Feature Twirler position within state lines. There are tons of amazing Universities all over the country that offer fantastic opportunities as well, so for November, all of our spotlights this month will be from Texas Twirlers that have chosen to twirl out of State.

To kick things off, we are going to a state soooo far from Texas that you have to cross part of an ocean to get there! This twirler chose to attend a college over 3,700 miles from home, and she is loving every minute.

This week’s Collegiate Twirler Spotlight is the University of Hawaii at Manoa Feature Twirler!

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is located on the beautiful island of Honolulu. Home of the Rainbow Warriors, this paradise offers an amazing educational opportunity, as well as the ability to twirl alongside the UH Marching Band. This year, the University of Hawaii at Manoa Feature Twirler is Callyn Marvell!

How did this Texas girl end up all the way in Hawaii? “In the fall of my senior year I decided to apply to the University of Hawaii mostly because I have always wanted to go to Hawaii, and I thought 'what an experience that it would be'. I then learned that their twirler was graduating. My mom encouraged me to follow my dreams and to send in my twirling resume and audition video. I learned I was a finalist, and the last hurdle was a Skype interview. After what seemed like forever, I was offered the position. By the next day I decided to accept and become the 2019 University of Hawaii Rainbow Warrior Feature Twirler!”

After experiencing several months in Hawaii, we asked Callyn if she would suggest an out of state experience for other twirlers. “I would encourage other high school twirlers to consider going out of state, because with today’s technology you are able to keep in touch easily by phone, FaceTime, text, or snap chat, and that has helped homesickness. I do miss my family (A LOT) but keeping up with my studies, and twirling at football and volleyball games has kept me busy.”

Going to Hawaii was a big decision for Callyn. She had actually never visited Hawaii before accepting the position. “It was quite a leap of faith going across the ocean 3,700 miles from home, to a University I had only taken a virtual tour of, but I knew it was the right thing to do.”

A place like Hawaii, with such a rich culture full of tradition, could have created quite the culture shock for a Texas girl, but Callyn has had nothing but a welcoming experience. “I had heard rumors that maybe the local people would not be as accepting of me coming from Texas, but that has been totally not true! Everyone I have had any interaction with has been so kind and welcoming, especially the band! The directors and drum majors have been so supportive, the color guard has included me in their family, and the rest of the band members have become my friends.”

We love hearing that Callyn is having a wonderful time in Hawaii, but being so far from home has to have its downside. “The hardest part was probably having to make all new friends here, but thankfully that part was easier than I thought. Plus, thanks to technology, I can keep in touch with my twirling friends and my friends still in Texas with no issues. Probably the biggest difference in Hawaii is the more laid back approach to life that I’m still getting used to.”

The hardest part for any twirler who chooses to go out of state is knowing if they made the right decision. “The MOMENT that I knew I made the right decision was at the first game when I stepped out on the field, it was the greatest twirling experience of my life! I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Thank you God for leading me here.”

Now that we have learned about what brought her to Hawaii, let’s learn more about Callyn!

Callyn Marvell
Competition Level: Collegiate/Advanced
Callyn is a freshman pre-nursing major from San Antonio, Texas. At UH, Callyn is a member of the Phi Mu Sorority. She has been twirling for 12 years and works with Coaches Melinda Mann White and Major Margaret Mann. The competition titles she is the proudest of winning were the 2017 & 2019 Texas Intermediate Pageants. Her favorite competition tricks are rolls, two baton, and a three baton stack, toss illusion, and her favorite field trick is a toss leap. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Olivia Ebersole. After college she hopes to work as a registered nurse.








Fun Facts!
Favorite Color – Pink
Favorite Movie – Star Wars
Favorite Drink – Starbucks! Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte or Carmel Macchiato
Favorite Bible Verse – Phillippians 4:13

When she is not twirling she loves to…
“Go to the beach and explore the island of Oahu (I am living in paradise!), and spend time with my friends and family.”

Something people might not know about her is… 
“I have Spina Bifida and have had two spinal surgeries. I also enjoy calligraphy.”

Most memorable advice from her coach… 
“When she had me read the book ‘Mental Combat’.”

Favorite Moment as a Baton Twirler… 
“AYOP 2019 when I got to represent the University of Hawaii in the Collegiate Downfield Strut and Collegiate Night!”

Funniest Moment as a Baton Twirler… 
“At the 2017 Texas State competition, during the final trick in my State solo, a four spin came down on my forehead giving me a goose egg. I then went to perform my three baton routine and realized while twirling that I couldn’t see over the goose egg to be able to catch anything!”

Getting to be a part of the University of Hawaii band means Callyn is front and center for Game Day. We asked Callyn what is the best part of that experience and she said “singing the alma mater all together after the football game.” She also really loves when she get to twirl to the band playing Hawaii 5 O as the football team runs out on the field.

In her many years of baton twirling, Callyn has learned many amazing skills, but she considers her interview skills to be the one that will take her the farthest in life. “Learning interview skills from twirling helped me to achieve my goal of being named a Collegiate Twirler at the University of Hawaii!”

Finally we asked Callyn what her best advice was for any twirler also hoping to one day twirl on a college field, and she told us, “start working on your multiple baton work as early as possible—it is a crowd pleaser!!” So true!

We want to say thank you to Callyn for being this week’s spotlight, and tell her Texas is so proud of how well she is representing #teamtexas and baton twirling in Hawaii. Go Bows!

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 - Arp High School Twirlers

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Happy November! With the second to last week of the football regular season in the books, we are starting to see which teams are continuing in to playoffs and who only has one more game left. Also, this week is the big Bands of America Super Regional in San Antonio! If you are a twirler (or the parent of a twirler) and are performing in BOA SA this weekend, please email us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com.

Each season this blog likes to get to know our awesome Texas twirlers a little better by learning about them and their experiences. We will be meeting a new High School twirler each Friday and discovering more about our Texas Collegians during the week. Make sure to follow us at facebook.com/twirlingiscatchingtx or on Instagram @twirlingiscatchingtx for live content and Insta-story take overs by some of your favorites.

This week’s Friday Night Lights Feature is the Arp High School Twirlers!

Arp High School, located in Arp, Texas (Southeast of Tyler), is the home of the Tigers, and these eight awesome twirlers, who also double as their school’s colorguard! Coach Tiffany Ellis tells us, “We like to say we are twirlers who play with accessories.” The Arp Twirlers not only learn all the twirling sideline routines that they perform at the end of the show, but they also perform with flags, parasols, double flags....whatever the band director wants... during the marching show.”

We wanted to know how this multi-talented group came to be at AHS. “We are a small school and it was hard getting enough girls to have both a twirling line and a colorguard, so I had the great idea to combine them and just let the twirlers ‘twirl’ the flags. When I first started teaching in Arp, we were down to one twirler and there was talk of doing away with twirl, and instead, going with just Color Guard. As an alumni twirler, and a teacher there, I just couldn't stand to see such a strong tradition of twirling just die like that. I started recruiting off the playground. We started with 4, and now nearly 19 years later, our line is full with the max our band director will allow, which is 8.”

In order to select these 8 twirlers, the audition process is pretty specific. “Girls must perform fundamentals and then a solo in front of 3 judges. Highest score is head majorette. You have to be a returner to be eligible to get head twirler. The lowest two scores are the alternates for regionals. We take 8 twirlers on the line, but only 6 perform for regionals. This can change if someone works hard. All twirlers do a solo at Regionals.”

Now that we have learned how they got on the team, let's learn about the talented AHS eight!

Macy Maxwell, Junior
“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations!”
Macy has been twirling for 8 years with Coaches Michele Fuller and Tiffany Ellis. Her favorite trick is anything three baton and “I also love floor work!” In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Karissa Wimberley. After High School she plans to go to Kilgore College and try out for the KCT. After two years there she “would love to finish my studies at Florida State University, while also twirling on their line! I want to one day have my own studio and teach young girls to twirl in my free time.”

Emily Stiles, Junior
Isaiah 41:10
Emily has been twirling for 5 years with Coach Tiffany Ellis. Her favorite tricks are anything that includes a back catch. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Liana Cabe, a former AHS Twirler, “because of her determination and diligence.” After High School, she hopes to attend college to become a forensic pathologist.

Jasmin Cavazos, Junior
“Don’t let your past mistakes rob you from your future successes.”
Jasmine has been twirling for 6 years with Coaches Paige Keitt and Tiffany Ellis. Her favorite trick is a toss cartwheel. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Adaline Bebo and Savanah Miller. After High School she plans to go to Texas A&M to become an orthopedic nurse practitioner.

Meagan Mace, Junior
1 John 4:18
Meagan has been twirling for 6 years with Coach Tiffany Ellis. Her favorite trick is a front walk over. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by the twirler that introduced her to twirling. “An A&M twirler first showed me how to twirl and I fell in love with the sport. Her name is Taylor.” After High School she plans to join the Navy.

Sophia Robinson, Freshman
“Make today the day to learn something new!”
Sophia has been twirling for 4 years with Coach Tiffany Ellis. Her favorite trick is her salute. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Savan Wilson. After High School she plans to study to be a hair dresser.

Dakota Garrison, Freshman
“I’ve failed over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed!” – Michael Jordan
Dakota has been twirling for 4 years with Coaches Mitzi Bowie and Tiffany Ellis. Her favorite trick is a toss layout, or splits and leaps. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Macy Maxwell. “She inspired me by just being herself - having everything balanced while still pushing herself to be able to do different tricks.” After High School she plans to attend Baylor to become a NICU nurse.

Brianna Hammack, Freshman
“Don’t die”
Brianna has been twirling for 2 years with Coaches Mitzi Bowie and Tiffany Ellis. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Macy Maxwell. After High School she would like to attend college and major in psychology and human behavior.

Kyleigh Pawlik, Freshman
“Better an hour early than a minute late.”
Kyleigh has been twirling for three years with Coaches Mitzi Bowie and Tiffany Ellis. Her favorite trick is two batons with a backward illusion. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Macy Maxwell. After High School she hopes to continue her twirling in college and become a math teacher.

Fun Facts!

Favorite Color – Blue (Macy), Black (Emily), Yellow (Jasmin), Red (Sophia), Any type of blue (Dakota), Lavendar (Meagan), Light Turquoise (Kyleigh)

Favorite Movie – “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (Macy), “Sweeny Todd:The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (Emily), “Coco” or “Aladdin” (Jasmine), “Creed” (Sophia), “Aquaman” (Dakota), “The Breakfast Club” (Meagan), “The Maze Runner” (Kyleigh)

Favorite Music – Blackbear and Twenty One Pilots (Emily), Blackbear (Jasmin), Hip Hop (Sophia), Halsey (Meagan), Rock, rap, or HM (Brianna), “100 bad days” by AJR (Dakota), Panic! At The Disco (Kyleigh & Macy)

Favorite Book – The Book Thief (Macy), Lolita (Emily), The Serpents Shadow (Kyleigh)

When they are not twirling, they love to…

• Emily – “Eat and spend time with my friends and family.”
• Jasmin – “Play sports and hang out with my friends.”
• Meagan – “Rollerblade.”
• Sophia – “Shop, practice volleyball, and spend time with friends and family.”
• Dakota – “Shop, eat food, play sports, sleep, be involved, and hang out with friends.”
• Brianna – “Go running or going outside.”
• Kyleigh – “Hang out with friends and go to the movies.”
• Macy – “Work at the Haunted House, Corpse Groove. I’ve worked there for two years now and it’s one of my favorite things to do! I also very much enjoy talking and doing homework on the phone with my boyfriend. On weekends im either at the Haunt or at the movies with friends.

Something you might not know about them is…

• Emily – “My natural hair is curly but I straighten it every day. My mother was also a twirler.”
• Jasmin – “My mom twirled at the same high school I twirl at.”
• Meagan – “Most people do not think I like to take photographs.”
• Sophia – “I play the trumpet.”
• Dakota – “I am Native American and I do events and do tribal dances.”
• Brianna – “I love making things.”
• Kyleigh – “I don’t really wear make-up.”
• Macy – “I am really into scary things! I love scary movies, haunted houses, ghost stories, serial killers, really just anything creepy! On the outside I’m all calm and sweet but I love anything weird!”

Most memorable advice from their coach…

• Macy – “Mrs. Ellis always calms me down when I mess up and to square up and toss from my belly button.”
• Emily – “Anytime I am dropping a trick, she reminds me to square up and toss from my belly button.”
• Jasmine – “Mrs. Ellis always reminds us to square up when we drop a trick.”
• Meagan – “Square up, and throw from your belly button.”
• Sophia – “Practice, practice, practice!”
• Dakota – “Practice and stay focused.”
• Brianna – “PRACTICE!”
• Kyleigh – “Don’t give up because if you do, you won't find out if you could have done it.”

Being a part of the Tiger Spirit Community, the twirlers get to enjoy many great AHS traditions. Their favorite occurs at the annual Homecoming game. “Every year at homecoming, the alumni twirlers perform on the track to the fight song and Eye of the Tiger.  Those two routines have been the same for over 20 years!”

The Tiger Marching Band has its own memorable moments. The twirlers say the Leadership Pool Party is a tradition they love, and their favorite band inside joke is “your plume is on backwards.” As a twirling line, they have their own experiences that they will never forget. One of their best experiences is when they get bundt cakes as a reward for no drop routines. Yum! They also have their fair share of funny moments. One that sticks with them is when Jasmin was trying to learn a front walkover. “It didn’t turn out so well!”

With the many, many hours they spend together practicing, we asked them what life lessons they have learned, and they had several to share, including dealing with pain, not saying “cant”, and time management. But overall, the best thing they have learned from twirling is that “if you want something bad enough you have to work for it.”

We want to say thank you to these ladies, and congrats on a great season! Go Tigers!

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.

Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - Southern Methodist University

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Can you believe this is the last post of October? This year, and football season, are flying by. We have one more Collegiate post before this month comes to an end. You may have seen the Insta-story take-over on Thursday when today's Spotlight twirler took us from "High on the Hilltop", to Houston, and back.

Today’s Collegiate Twirler Spotlight is on the Southern Methodist University Feature Twirler!

Southern Methodist University is located in the heart of Dallas, Texas, and is the home of the Best Dressed Band in the Land, and their centerpiece, “The Doll”. The position of the SMU Feature Twirler, known as “the Doll”, has been held by a long history of amazing Texas twirlers. Many State, Regional, and National titles have come home to SMU. Continuing the legacy of excellence is the current “Doll”, Rachel Hutchinson!

We were very interested in why SMU calls their Feature Twirler “The Doll”, so Rachel gave us a little overview of the position. “One of the historic nicknames of the band is “96 Guys and a Doll,” which is where the Doll title for the Feature Twirler originated. In the pregame show, the Twirler and Drum Major traditionally do a duet. In the halftime show, the role of the feature twirler is to be a focal point for the show, complementing the band movements and musical selection. The finale of halftime is called “Waring,” where the band stretches the last note of music to match the height the twirler’s high toss.”

Making the decision of where to go to college was an easy one for Rachel. “To reach my career goal, I was looking for a school that could provide a quality education in both STEM and Pre-law, which SMU is known for. I wanted to stay in Texas and graduate without debt. I got to the point in my college search where I would always come back to SMU, and when my scholarships (academic and twirling) came through, my college choice was undoubtedly SMU.”

While the choice was obviously SMU academically, for her freshman year of College, the Feature Twirler position was already filled, and when a twirler is named “The Doll”, they are awarded their spot for a set amount of time without re-auditioning. For example, Rachel will hold the position through her Senior year. This meant she as she was entering college she would have to wait a year as the Freshman Twirler. “For the freshman twirler position, the band director chose the spot based on video submissions. That position was designed to expose the twirler to the band but was a non-performance role. With the opportunity to audition for the Feature Twirler position opening her sophomore year, this required a live performance. Preparation-wise, the audition process was the biggest difference. It was also great preparation for field movements and feature skills.”

We know all that hard work was totally worth it in the end. “Since becoming the Feature Twirler, the greatest feeling is that it is rewarding and motivating to be able to share what I have been working on and contribute to school spirit.”

Now that we have learned a little more about her journey, let’s learn more about Rachel!

Rachel Hutchinson
Competition Level: Advanced
Rachel is a Sophomore Majoring in Engineering and Mathematics and Minoring in Pre-Law, from Houston, Texas. At SMU she is also in the Society of Professional Engineers and Executive Board. She has been twirling for ten years and is currently working with Ashley Moss. The competition title she is the proudest of winning is the 2018 Miss Majorette of the Southwest and Southwest Regional Rhythmic Champion. She was also honored to be a World Open Strut Finalist at AYOP. Her favorite competition trick is a double leg hold spin and her favorite field tricks are leap walkovers and two baton walkover combos. “Anything walkover!” In baton twirling she has been most inspired by Shaelynn Albretch. After she graduates from Undergrad, she hopes to attend Law School. “I want to work in International Law, specifically globally-sensitive engineering developments (biological weaponry, nuclear power, contamination).”

Fun Facts!

Favorite TV Shows – “The Good Place” and “Mindhunters”
Favorite Music – “Anything the SMU Band Plays!”
Favorite Quote – “When life gives you more than you bargained for, you’re usually glad you got it!”

When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Spend time with friends.”

Something people might not know about her is…
“I love the outdoors, hiking, and going to the beach.”

Most memorable advice from her Coach… 
“Don’t drop and have fun!”

Funniest thing that has happened to her in twirling….
“Just last week I took a baton to the face in rehearsal, which was already such a clumsy sight! The best part is that it resulted in a huge busted lip for band picture day!”

Most fun experience she gets to have as a twirler….
“Camps! Seeing new styles, skills, and nuances always helps me grow. I find that learning is fresh and exciting… and there’s no competition at camp!”

The SMU Marching Band, known as the Best Dressed Band in the Land, is an amazing family away from home for its members. They get to be a part of so many SMU traditions, including Rachel’s favorite tradition, “Boulevarding.” “The boulevard is central to campus and looks out to Dallas Hall. Students and alumni dress in Sunday best and tailgate. Spirit, Band, and the mascot, Peruna the Stallion, parade football players into the stadium.”

With spending so much time together, the BDBITL has many of its own inside jokes and stories. One of their favorites is when they get to use the term HUBBA! “Anytime the band is celebrating a success, good news, or a person, we chant “hubba hubba hubba.” It is best used when an alumnus speaks, because the tradition has gone back to the very beginning of Mustang Band history.”

Over the last ten years of twirling, Rachel has learned many lessons, but considers inclusivity to be one of the most important. “Twirling is highly competitive, and often focused on individual performance. If we step back from the whirlwind, these are the people who share our values and goals. My twirling friends have been some of my strongest friendships because when you are practicing everyday all summer, you get close. My experiences have made me value inclusivity and made me conscious of including others.”

Finally, we asked Rachel what advice she would give to any twirlers wanting to one day twirl on a Collegiate Field, and she told us, “Keep good posture and believe in yourself, body language can make or break your performance.”

We want to say thank you to Rachel and we wish her an amazing rest of the season. Pony Up!

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.

Camp Calendar Series - 2019 Dallas Twirling Clinic!

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

With only a couple weeks left of football season, it is time to start getting those competition routines ready! Today for our Camp Calendar Series we have the 2019 Dallas Twirling Clinic!

DEADLINE IS THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST!
Registration is $80.00 per attendee. Payment can be made via Cashier’s Check or Money Order sent to Diamond Productions, PO Box 140924, Dallas, TX 75214-0924. Click here to open the registration form and liability waiver to mail in with payment. Need more information? Please contact Miss Shirley at 214-364-9272 or email texastouchofclass@gmail.com.

Who? What? When? Where? Why?
Who: Camp Directors Shirley Payne and Sheila Payne Rigelsky
What: 2019 Dallas Twirling Clinic
When: Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 9am to 1 pm
Where: Ridgewood/Belcher Recreation Center, 6818 Fisher Dr, Dallas, TX 75214

Why: Join the amazing twirlers from Texas Touch of Class at their annual Twirling Clinic! With amazing instructors, twirlers of all levels have a chance to learn some new material and perfect their skills as they prepare for the upcoming competition season.

Clinic Instructors:
This event has four awesome instructors including
* Former Mizzou Feature Twirler and AYOP WOW Award Winner, Halie Hart
* Multi-Grand National Men’s USTA & NBTA Champion and World Gold Medalist, Michael Lopez
* Top 6 USTA Men’s National Soloist and TJC & Fullerton Feature Twirler, Emmanuel Espinoza
* Award winning competitive gymnast and Level 6 USA Gymnastics Judge, Wendy Davidson

Class Sessions:
Each attendee will have the opportunity to learn rolls, feature tricks, and acrobatic elements used in twirling. Novice twirlers will learn new twirling technique tricks, and beginner-advanced twirlers will do multi-baton. 

Want to attend this event?
To register, please download the registration form and liability waiver and mail it in with your $80.00 camp fee before Friday, November 1st. You can also contact Miss Shirley at 214-364-9272 or email texastouchofclass@gmail.com with any questions!

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.

Contest Calendar Series - USTA Twirl Clinic & Compulsory Meet

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

What a crazy change in the weather. We hope everyone is enjoying the cooler temperatures today. We are finally here at the last weekend of October. UIL Area Weekend for many twirlers around the State with their marching bands. After this weekend, many twirlers will turn their focus from the field to the competition floor, and this upcoming Clinic is the perfect way to make that transition.

Today our Contest/Camp Calendar Series is on the USTA Twirling Clinic & Compulsory Meet!

Registration is $35.00 if you pre-register or $40.00 at the door!
Click here visit the online registration form or check out the TSTC Twirling Clinic & Compulsory Meet Flyer for details and clinician bios. Need more information? Please contact Erica Osgood at (409) 853-0967 or email her at insideouttwirl@gmail.com.

Who? What? When? Where? Why?
Who: Organized by the USTA Texas State Twirling Council (TSTC)
What: November 2019 TSTC Twirling Clinic & USTA Compulsory Meet
When: Saturday, November 2. Doors open at 8:30 am for Clinic. Compulsory Evals start at 1:00 pm.
Where: Hillcrest Baptist Church, 3324 Park Drive, Nederland, Texas 77627
Why: This is a great way to kick off your season for those working on their USTA Compulsories. Enjoy a clinic with some great instructors before working to achieve the next level on your USTA Compulsories all in the same day.

Clinicians:

This event has four awesome instructors including

• USTA Collegiate National Champion and University of Oklahoma Feature Twirler, Emily Perkins
• Multi-Grand National Men’s USTA & NBTA Champion and World Gold Medalist, Michael Lopez
• Former University of Houston Feature Twirler and TSTC Board Member, Morgan Bull
• Former Round Rock High School Feature Twirler and TSTC Board Member, McKenzie Gomez

Class Sessions:
Class sessions for this event include Exchanges & Fun Tricks, Compulsories, Movement Technique, All Levels of 2 & 3 Baton, All Levels of contact material and rolls, and All Levels of Strut (NBTA/USTA).

Private Lessons with Emily Perkins, Michael Lopez, and Morgan Bull are also available for $50.00/hour. Contact Erica to schedule.

Want to attend this event? 
PRE-REGISTER through the online Google form! Cost is $35 with pre-registration and $40.00 at the door. Fee includes a sandwich lunch. Compulsory meet is sanctioned with USTA. Cost is $10 per level tested, max two levels.

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.

Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - Sam Houston State University

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

The countdown is on! We are only a little over a week away from November, which means we are only 1.5 weeks away from the USTA Twirling Clinic and Compulsory Meet in Nederland, Texas, 2.5 weeks from the UT Twirler Day & Clinic, a month from the first Contest of the Season! Are you ready?

On Saturday you might have had a chance to see this week’s Feature Twirlers on our Instagram Story Takeover (@twirlingiscatchingtx). We got to see them twirl on and off the field while looking amazing rocking the orange and blue!

Today’s Collegiate Twirler Spotlight is the Sam Houston State University Feature Twirlers!

Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, is the home of the Bearkats, and these two awesome Twirlers. Coached by Kelly McCormick, the SHSU Feature Twirlers Sara Wleczyk and Kasey Strouse, are a centerpiece on the field with the Famous Bearkat Marching Band (BMB).

We asked Sara and Kasey what brought them to SHSU, and they both said that family was a key factor in their decisions, but that they also felt like it was home. Sara told us, “When I toured the university with my mom and aunt, who both attended SHSU, I instantly felt comfortable with the campus. SHSU is not a big campus, but it’s just the perfect size for me, so it felt like home.” Kasey also felt the family connection. “For generations my family has attended and graduated from SHSU and I wanted to continue that tradition”.

With choosing to follow in the footsteps of their family members attending SHSU, we knew the school had to be rich in traditions, so we wanted to know which ones were their favorites. Kasey told us she just loves Fire Fest! “It is a huge bonfire and all SHSU Student come out to cheer on our team!” Sara’s favorite tradition has to do with how the spirit community comes together before each football game. “Twirling with my team members outside Bower’s Stadium with the Bearkat Marching Band, SHSU Cheerleaders, and the SHSU Orange Pride Dance Team is amazing.  This is an awesome opportunity to be up close with our fans and get everyone in the spirit right before the football game.”

As a part of the SHSU Spirit Community, they spend a lot of time with the BMB (Bearkat Marching Band) at practices and events. All this time lends to some great traditions of their own. Sara told us that how they end each practice is something she will always enjoy. “During dismissal for practice, we all gather around the drum major podium listening to the announcements. Afterwards, the drum major gives a cue to the drum line to start a cadence. This signals everyone to shout the Bearkat Marching Band motto ‘Passion, Family, Excellence, BMB is in the house!’ This also ends practice on a good note!” Kasey is also a big fan of all the chants the band has. “My favorite is when the game is close to the end someone starts a chant of ‘Get on the bus’ and someone answers with ‘We wanna go home’.”

Now that we have learned about experiences at SHSU, let’s learn more about these twirlers!

Sara Wleczyk
Competition Level: Intermediate
Sara is a Senior from West Columbia, Texas, Majoring in Human Resource Management. At SHSU she is a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority and Sigma Alpha Pi -The National Society of Leadership and Success. She has been twirling for 18 years and is currently coached by Kelley McCormick and Heather Holland Mikel but sends special thanks to former coaches Jana Reid and Jenna Reid Navarro. The title she is the proudest of winning was the Miss Twirl Mania X-Strut. Her favorite competition trick is a toss reverse illusion, and her favorite field trick is a toss forward roll or any two baton trick. In baton twirling she has been most inspired by several twirlers including Former UH Feature Twirler Heather Holland, and Former UGA and FSU Feature Twirler, Karissa Wimberley. After College she plans to eventually attend graduate school, but her immediate goal is to become employed in a hospital or petrol chemical work environment utilizing her HR background to manage insurance benefits or company employee policies.

Kasey Strouse
Competition Level: Intermediate
Kasey is a Junior from Needville, Texas, Majoring in Multiplatform Journalism and Minoring in Political Science. At SHSU she is the secretary, historian, and treasurer of NSMA (National Sports Media Association for SHSU), a Journalist for the Houstonian Newspaper, member of SPJ (Society of Professional Journalists), and a member of University Heights ministry. She has been twirling for 16 years and works with coaches Kelly McCormick and Cheyanne Forshee. Her favorite competition trick is a toss leap and her favorite field trick is a toss cartwheel. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former SHSU Feature Twirler, Kayla Strouse. After College she hopes to become a professional journalist with a major newspaper.





Fun Facts!
Favorite Color – Pink (Sara), Blush (Kasey)
Favorite Movie – “Battleship” (Sara), “The Notebook” (Kasey)
Favorite Music – Country (Sara), Indie Pop (Kasey)
Favorite Food – Mexican Food (Sara)

Favorite Quote…

• Sara – In the words of Savvy Shields, “If it is in your destiny, it will be!”

Life Motto…

• Sara – “Be yourself, because an original is worth more than a copy!”
• Kasey – “Prayer without work is dead”. We have to do our part to receive God’s greatest gifts. 

Most Memorable Advice from their Coach…

• Sara – “Leave it all on the floor at competitions. Walk away knowing that you've done your best!”
• Kasey – “Make it big, make it flashy, and have fun while you do it.”

When they are not twirling, they love to…

• Sara – “Spend time outdoors with my German Shepherd dog, Jethro, and my Cairn Terrier, Abby; and just taking time out with my family and friends. Also, I have a passion for cooking one of my many Pinterest recipes which I have perfected with the help of my dad.”
• Kasey – “Work on my next story for the Houstonian”. 

Something you might not know about them is…

• Sara – “I’m involved with our family’s cattle business. You may see me putting out hay during the winter months or bottling feeding a newborn calf.  I take every opportunity to help when I can. It’s the type of work I truly enjoy doing.”
• Kasey – “I can change a tire”. 

Favorite moment as a baton twirler…

• Sara – “Honestly, making it as a Sam Houston State Feature Twirler because all of my hard work and determination had finally paid off.”
• Kasey – “Making Feature Twirler at SHSU! Just knowing all my hard work paid off.”

During the many hours these twirlers spend practicing and performing, they have had their fair share of funny moments. We asked them what they consider to be the funniest thing that has happened to them with a baton. Sara told us about a time her baton and her had a pretty bad run in. “A rather dramatic experience was when I did a toss illusion at a high school football game. The baton landed on my nose with a loud thump. Literally, I thought I broke my nose, but I kept on twirling through the pain with tears in my eyes. Turns out, I just had a really bad bruise the next day under my eye and a swollen nose.” Kasey’s funny experience had more with trying to share baton with someone special in her life. “Attempting to teach my boyfriend how to twirl was hilarious. He always said, 'it can’t be that hard'. He no longer feels that way!”

Baton twirling teaches many different skills, both those related to twirling and those applicable to real life. We wanted to know what skill these ladies felt was the most important. Kasey told us that it was learning that the work is worth it. “Keep pushing through the hard parts of life because there is always a much bigger reward for hard work.” Sara has gained a lot of confidence from her years of performing. “Baton twirling has made me more confident in myself as a person and it has taught me valuable people skills.”

Finally, we asked these ladies what advice they would pass along to a future Feature Twirler. Kasey said to love what you do. “Enjoy every last second of it. Time flies and you perform better when you are having fun!” Sara passed along some advice from one of the greats. “If you don’t succeed the first time, get back in the gym or studio. As Adaline Bebo said, ‘School auditions are all more about heart and less about talent than you might expect!! When you’re performing for your school, the crowd is more entertained by cool tricks done well and showmanship rather than big, hard tricks they don’t understand.’ That, and always believe in yourself."

We want to send a big thank you to Sara and Kasey and wish them a great rest of their season. Go Bearkats!

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.

University of Texas Twirler Day & Clinic 2019

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Today we have some super fun news to announce. The University of Texas is having their second UT Twirler Day & Twirl Clinic, and you still have time to sign up! This will be a fantastic experience for twirlers and we are excited to see this event happening again this year. The deadline is Friday, October 25th, so don't miss it!

The event comes in two parts: (1) The Saturday Twirler Day and (2) The Sunday Twirler Clinic

University of Texas Twirler Day - Saturday, November 9th

On Saturday, November 9th, a select group of high school twirlers will experience a day in the life of the UT Feature Twirler. You’ll spend the entire game day with UT Feature Twirler Caroline Carothers and the Longhorn Band—attending morning rehearsal, eating the pregame meal, marching to the stadium in front of Big Bertha, watching the LMB perform Pre-Game and Halftime, and cheering the Longhorns to victory.

***Please note due to the limited nature of this activity, only 15 twirlers will be able to participate. Preference will be given to high school juniors and seniors.*** 

If you would like to be considered to be one of the 15 select twirlers to participate in the Twirler Day, please fill out the UT Twirler Day Registration Form. If you are one of the 15 selected, you will be contacted by the organizers with information on the game day schedule.



University of Texas Twirler Clinic - Sunday, November 10th

On Sunday, November 10th, twirlers ages 6th grade and up are invited to join us for our Twirler Day Clinic. Taught by current and former University of Texas Feature Twirlers, classes will focus on skills like field tricks, multiple baton, performance and showmanship - all the tools you need to succeed as a school twirler at any level. The clinic will conclude with a showcase of the skills you’ve learned and a photo & autograph session with UT Feature Twirler Caroline Carothers! Parents, coaches, and twirlers are invited to stay after the clinic for a 20 minute info session on the Texas Feature Twirler audition process.

The Clinic will include a Twirler Clinic Shirts as well as instruction from current University of Texas Feature Twirler Caroline Carothers, and Alumni Twirlers Ashley Dolan, Alexa Bourdage, Whitney Coons, Dr. Coral Noonan-Terry, and Lynn Dell Harrell. Sessions for the 2019 Clinic will include: Travel Tricks, Spectacular Tricks, Multiple Baton, Dance Twirl, Rolls, Showmanship, and a new Interview class offered with Caroline Carothers, who was also the 2016 Miss Texas.

Cost for this amazing clinic is only $45.00! To register, please complete the UT Twirler Day & Clinic Registration and Venmo the $45 registration fee to @UTTwirlerDay. Registration & fee must be received by October 25 to guarantee a Twirler Day t-shirt.

If you have any questions about this event, we recommend you visit the Facebook Event Page and message the organizers for the quickest response. If you do not have Facebook, you can email Alexa at asbourdage@gmail.com or Whitney at whitney.coons@gmail.com. Hook em Horns!

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.