Twirling Unlimited held their 2004 International Championships August 6th thru August 8th at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. The weekend was packed with individual and team events including Miss TU World Majorette, TU International Individual Event Championships and TU International Team Competition.
Twirling Unlimited is a non-profit organization under the direction of Doctor Franck. Dr. Franck, along with the Regional Directors, organizes the annual TU International competition. Registration fees for the competition are used as monetary awards for selected events.
The Miss TU World Majorette pageant events were held on Friday and Saturday. Twirlers competed in modeling with interview, one-baton solo routine performed to march music and show routine performed to taped music. The Miss TU World Majorettes for 2004 are: MeMe Sharp of Indiana in the Tiny Tot division, Alison Minegar of Indiana in the Juvenile division, Megan McGeary of Pennsylvania in the Junior division, Megan Sheppard of West Virginia in the Teen division and Tammy Russell of Pennsylvania in the Senior division.
TU also recognizes outstanding twirlers that excel throughout the year. These twirlers are awarded points for participating and placing in TU Regional and International competition. In addition, these students have completed hours of community service and are required to write an essay on sportsmanship. This yearΓÇÖs winners of the Twirling Unlimited Scholarship Competition include Miranda VanHoozen of Ohio in the 0-8 age division, Jayna Kubuske of Ohio in the 9-11 age division, Maria Gerardi of Pennsylvania in the 12-14 age division and Shelby Klein of Ohio in the 15 and over age division.
Individuals competed in solo, strut, parade march, flag, two-baton, three-baton and duet for International TU twirling titles. The top two in each solo division were then invited to compete again in the International Solo twirl-offs. Solo winners included MeMe Sharp of Indiana in the 0-8 age division, Meredith Winnefeld of Colorado in the 9-11 age division, Christie Harrah of Minnesota in the 12-14 age division, LeeAnn Campbell of Pennsylvania in the 15-18 age division and Tammy Russell of Pennsylvania in the 19 and over division.
Over 150 teams competed in this yearΓÇÖs TU International and Open Competition. Dr. Franck reported that team attendance was up 20-25 percent from last year. Groups competed in corp, dance twirl, strut team, twirl team, dance team and pom on Saturday, August 7th. Traveling Trophies were awarded to the Flashettes in the Parade Corp division and Russells Baton Corp in the Floor Corp division.
TU added several events this year, including the over 19 age division in the TU Majorette pageant, open show routine and solo pom. According to Franck, TU made this decision to offer TU Majorette to older twirlers after noticing an increase interest in twirlers over the age of 19. She also said it was exciting to have twirlers with ΓÇ£excellent qualityΓÇ¥ to continue competitive twirling. As an organization, TU does not have an age limit. Franck explained that in past years, there have been adult teams ages 50+ in various TU competitions.
With attendance in both individual and team events increased, this was a successful year for the TU International Championships. TwirlZone would like to congratulate all of the competitors and coaches on a job well done. To find more information on Twirling Unlimited please visit www.twirlingunlimited.com.
Author: Michelle Weiss
Editors: Kristy Anderson, Cara Stubbe & Jami Baustert
Information and photos provided by: Twirling Unlimited
