With one competition left in Tyrone before championships in New Jersey, the Tyrone Star-Lite Twirlers junior and senior teams continue to practice intensely and are looking forward to their championship competitions.

Chapter Championships will be held on April 27th in the Tyrone High School gym. Atlantic Coast Championships will then be held in Wildwood, New Jersey five days later. Prelims for the twirlers will be held on Thursday, May 2 and finals on Saturday morning.

Both squads are excited for championships after receiving second place at their last competition at Homer Center on Saturday, April 13th with their shows titled Come Sail Away and Hard Knock Life.

Instructor Kristie Wilson was especially proud of her senior competition team’s performance at Homer Center.

“I cried like a baby,” said Watson, “Faces were on and you could tell that you were all enjoying every second on that floor. Win or lose that is what it’s all about and that makes coaching worth it. I am beyond proud of these girls and it is a privilege to be able to be one of their coaches.”

The senior team competes in the Independent Regional A Twirlers division, and is currently ranked second overall out of nine teams coming out of the 13th week of performances. Wolf’s Performing Arts scored an 89.37, Star-Lite Twirlers received an 87.83, Starlettes received an 76.72 and Haven Performing Arts finished with 75.53. The scores in the division range from almost 90 points to 54 points, however the top three places are extremely close.

“Both teams performed fantastic with only one drop routines. Both teams came in a close second place,” said Marcia Fink, “We have a few surprises to add to the routine. Regardless of our placement all these twirlers have given it a 100% effort and have worked as a team. I am very proud of these young ladies.”

The senior team had another one drop show this week, however they improved their score and show. The team had changed the ending and was eager to see how it would translate during the performance.

The junior team also performed well, coming in second out of three groups this weekend and is ranked fifth out of eight groups. Turbulence came in first at the competition with a 76.78, and the Star-Lites junior team received a 76.25. Kidnetix followed them with a 75.67. It is the junior team’s first year competing and they are currently working hard for championships.

Both teams practice three times a week for two hours, and often share the gym. There are 14 girls on the senior team, and 12 on the junior team, and they often alternate sharing the floor to ensure both teams get equal amount of practice.  The junior team consists of middle and and elementary school girls, and the senior team consists of girls junior high age and older.

The team will compete in their last regular competition on April 27th in the Tyrone high school gym. They encourage the public  to come out and support them and other groups at the semifinals.

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