Auditions held Saturday, April 10, returned MerrieBeth Cox to the position of Purdue's Golden Girl for the third straight year, kept the entire line-up of Featured Twirlers the same and created a new position titled “Miss Boilerette” for junior Rachael Bazzell.

“The quality of our competitors was so strong we felt compelled to create a position for Rachael,” said Jay Gephart, Director of the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band. “During the Al Wright era he took advantage of talent by creating special positions along the way. We are delighted to create this title for Rachael for the 2010 season.”

In previous years, Bazzell has distinguished herself on the band’s twirling line. The New Carlisle, IN, native currently holds the title of Miss Purdue and twirled to win the title.

The Miss Boilerette title raises the number of featured twirling positions with the band from three to four. Besides Cox, a sophomore from Roselle, IL, retaining her position as Golden Girl, Meg Meridian, a junior from Troy, MI, will return as Girl in Black, and Sara and Chellie Zou, juniors from Elkhart, IN, will return as Silver Twins.

Each of the twirlers brings a unique style to their position according to Alisha Kuckartz, Auxiliary Director for Purdue Bands. “MerrieBeth is powerful and intense. Speed and athleticism are her niche. Meg offers style and finesse, advanced body work. There’s a smoothness in her twirling.”

Silver Twins Sara and Chellie Zou “do everything with class, they have incredibly refined body movement and excellent showmanship,” she continues. “Rachael has a bubbly, youthful personality that’s reflected in her twirling.She has excellent precision and offers some unique tricks you don't see very often.”

Allof the Featured Twirlers will beappearing with the “All-American” Marching Band inthe Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November 2010. That event kicks off the Band Department’s 125th Anniversary celebration.