Purdue twirlers enjoy success at twirling event

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Twirlers from 17 universities from as far away as Hawaii, Florida and Washington State competed in the Collegiate Baton Twirling Championships Feb. 3. This year marks the first time Purdue has hosted the competition organized by the United States Twirling Association and the National Baton Twirling Association.

Purdue’s twirlers fared very well. Working together, the solo and team twirlers placed first in the College Halftime Show category. Jennifer Lindburg of Valparaiso, IN, placed first, and Annemarie Heise of Chesterfield, MO, placed second in the College Fight Song for Line Twirlers category. Purdue’s Twirling Team placed second in the Collegiate Team category.

Both the USTA and NBTA host individual competitions for their members, but this is the only event open to all. “It’s the only event like it, and each year it gets better,” says Alisha Kuckartz, Director of Purdue’s Auxiliaries. There are two main reasons for its existence, she adds: “To promote twirling in college by showing young girls the benefits of continuing to twirl and to keep college twirlers motivated.

“Competition provides a personal challenge; it keeps a twirler motivated, building skills and improving. Plus you see different programs and styles at the event and it gives you new ideas and keeps things fresh.”

Identical twin high school twirlers, Victoria and Britany Maiden Davis, came from Virginia for the competition. Kuckartz is talking to them about coming to Purdue after graduation.

A limited number of 2006-07 Purdue Twirler and Golduster posters are still available through the Band Office. Make arrangements to pick up one the next time you’re on campus by calling (765) 496-6785.

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