From a Twirlers Perspective after Grand National Halftime Win-2009 National team members
From Nathan Magyar, UM Twirler, 11 year member of Saline Twirlettes
1)Why is this Halftime title more important? Considering there were nearly twenty other teams from across the country all vying for the same title, that had all worked just as hard as we had, it's a real privilege to have won not just the Senior Halftime Championship, but also the Beth Wilson Artistic Award! 2)Why is the halftime win more special? After being 2nd or 3rd in this event for the last six years, it feels like an incredible accomplishment to have finally pulled it off! This title not only signifies hard work and perseverance, but also what can happen when a group of dedicated individuals come together as a team with a universal goal. 3)How did you prepare for this event? We actually made the decision to compete and go for the win pretty late in the game. Other teams had been choreographing and practicing throughout the year. We, on the other hand, only got things going in mid-June.But that didn't stop us from putting in up to 35 hours a week throughout the summer to prepare ourselves individually and as a team so we could be more than ready by the time Nationals came around. 4)Why is this team different? Being a small group of thirteen twirlers in an event where there are normally between twenty and thirty per team is one challenge we faced right off the bat. We were also crunched for time to construct and perfect a quality performance. But this summer we did something more than just overcome our small size and limited time frame, we became closer as a team (both inside and outside the gym).And that is what really led us to becoming ten time national champions. 5)How did you feel after your performance? For me it was a mixture of relief and disbelief: relief that we had done the best we could do and disbelief that hours and hours of summer practice had flown by so quickly to culminate in just one three-minute performance. 6)What were your thoughts while waiting for awards? Waiting for awards I had a "hope for the best" mentality. I was satisfied with our performance and so could only be happy with where ever we would end up. 7)What do you remember about awards ceremony? Huddled together on the competition floor, everyone got more and more excited the closer the announcer got to revealing first place without calling our name.When he finally called The Saline Twirlettes as the winner, twirlers and parents alike were already on their feet cheering and crying at the same time.It's a moment I'll never forget. 8)What was your reaction as they announced your team first? I really couldn't believe it.I jumped up and cheered, then, looking over at my teary-eyed teammates, I began to cry too.We were all so happy and proud. 9)Anything else you would like to share??? Thank you, Susan, for doing all that you do. Your natural talent and drive as a choreographer and coach is something this team would not have been able to succeed without.You're a role model and friend whose dedication and support is to be admired and aspired to.We love you! Nathan
Mary Ciotta, 2008 SHS graduate, PURDUE Twirler, 13 year member of Twirlettes How did you feel after your performance?
“ After finishing our performance I felt that it was the best routine we could do. Even if it didn’t get us the award we wanted at that point it was all we could do. Our practice and our preparation got us so far and now it was in the judges hands. All in all after I performed I felt relieved that it was over.
Haley Williams, SHS Junior, Miss Michigan’s Outstanding Teen, 11 year member What do you remember about the awards ceremony?
All of us were sitting in a circle on the arena floor, we all know what could or could not happen. But at that point we knew that no matter whatwe are a great team, and we tick together know matter what. When our name was announced we all jumpe dup and starting crying. We were so overjoyed that all we did all night was lugh and smle, but the best part of the night was seeing Susan running towards us at the end”.
Sidney Fletcher, Saline 8th grader, 7 year member Why is this halftime win more special?
“ I think that this win is very special because this might be some of the older twirlers last year with the big team. I think the fact that we worked so hard this summer even though it was a smaller team and since we have been working for it for 6 years”.
Sarah O’Brien, Saline Junior, 7 year member What were your thoughts while waiting for awards?
“While waiting for the awards I remember wanting to place well, especially if we took first, because getting 2nd the past years has been great, but I always thoguth we could get first. Sitting there with all my team mates just waiting to hear the winner was the longest wait I think I have ever had, but it was the greatest wait ever!”
Amber Reed, Saline 8th grader What was your reaction when your team was announced first?
“When they announce Jungle first I was so shocked, but so happy at the same time.The look on everyone’s faces was unforgettable. Everyone had tears of joy and we were all screaming and hugging and no once could believe it that we won.
Conner Potter, Saline Senior, 13 year member
How did you prepare for this event?
“We prepared for this starting at the first week of summer vacation; actually one day after school was out. We learned the routine in 2 or 3 days. It was hard and fast at first, but by the middle of summer we got it somewhat. But by the week before nationals we were getting no drop routines. I think we prepared very well. It was so much fun this summer. I won’t ever forget it.
Thoughts from Nathan Magyar- University of Michigan Freshman and Michigan Twirler: Fall 2008
Stepping out onto the field of The Big House for the first time was an incredible feeling, one that cannot be matched by anything else.The rush of adrenaline and excitement that came with performing for over 100,000 people during that first game is something I'll never forget. When all was said and done at the end of my first college band camp it became very clear that Band Week in the MMB was more than just a step up from any high school band camp.Just as every other class at the University would expect my work to be of a collegiate level, the way I marched and performed would also be demanded to be of that same quality. Twirling for the Michigan Marching Band has definitely made the last ten years of practicing worthwhile.I made the investment and now am reaping the benefits. I'm so proud to not only be representing male baton twirlers at the collegiate level, but also twirling in general. What attracted me to twirling with the MMB the most was the opportunity to perform on a weekly basis in front of over 100,000 people in The Big House.The high quality of the marching band program and the sincere enthusiasm of the director were also what made me so excited to twirl here. I chose The University of Michigan first for it's prestigious academic status and second for it's phenomenal marching band.The wealth of diversity and unique opportunities offered here further confirmed my decision to attend U of M. Talk to ya soon! Nathan
Comments from Kelsey Lamkin` Grand Valley State University and Laker Feature Twirler Fall 2008
How did it feel being on your college field for the first time?
1. it was amazing! way nerve racking, but once i was out there it was like any other big performance i've done.
Is College band camp work?
2. band camp sucks! hahah. twelve hours of marching for ten days... i slept all day saturday =]]
Worth all of the years of practicing?
3. TOTALLY WORTH IT!!! its hard to see how its going to be worth it while your in the gym or out in a parking lot but once youre out on the field and you hear your name announced you realize nothing could be better. Are you glad , proud to be a college twirler?
4. i love practicing outside my dorm & having people cheer and clap for me. sometimes they just sit down on the ground and watch me for a little while. and its so cool to have people walk up to you and ask if youre one of the twirlers from the football game. though it is a bit annoying when you dont have a first name and youre known solely as "the twirler"
What sold the deal for you?
5. i have to admit, band camp was really tough & i couldnt imagine ever enjoying it. but the people are amazing & the opportunity to show off all my hard work in front of a 15000 people and of course to twirl for a WINNING FOOTBALL TEAM!
Why did you pick your college?
6. hahah i really dont know why i picked gv. the girl to boy ratio is like 8:1. if i'd been smart, i would have gone somewhere else with more boys. hah. but seriously, the campus is amazing. the football team actually wins. & they accepted all of my credits from wcc.
