One OU student plans to compete in the National Twirling Competition, which will be held at the University of Notre Dame in July. Trenton Haltom began twirling as a junior in high school and has worked his way to almost making the U.S. team for the world’s competition in Switzerland. Haltom was three spots away from making the team, but his passion for the sport has not faded and he plans to continue twirling and place at nationals. The first World’s competition was in 1980, according to the World Baton Twirling Federation website.
There are 15 men from all over the U.S that compete in Haltom’s category. The amount of men twirlers is relatively small compared to the amount of women that take part in the sport. At the competitions, first and second usually go to the same people, leaving third through sixth place up for grabs, according to Haltom. While every competition is usually between the same 15 men, there is little animosity. “We all have different styles,” said Haltom.
Haltom’s twirling career consists of two coaches, 11 batons and his dance routine music, which right now is the Westside Story Soundtrack. When it comes to his preference of baton, Haltom doesn’t play favorites. “I usually use the one with the best grip or the cleanest ends,” Haltom said.
His grip of choice is resistance bands, he cuts the tubing, usually used for strengthening muscles, and slides it over the baton. Other common grips used by his competitors, include electrical or hockey tape, wax or resin. “I like to use the resistance bands because it makes the baton heavier,” Haltom said.
Haltom’s friends love his twirling, he even teaches some of them like Brett Uram. Uram is a Musical Theater major and hopes to use the skill as a resume builder. “I want to be able to do an illusion,” Uram said. An illusion is a trick in which the twirler ducks under the baton, while kicking one leg in the air.
Emma Smreker met Haltom freshman year in a ballet class. “I love that he twirls. There are not a lot of guys that do,” said Smreker.
The sport of twirling spans 20 countries, according to Twirling.org. Haltom is thinking about trying out the world’s team again in three years, but for the time being he is focused on placing at nationals. While he saves up his money, he will be listening to Westside story on repeat and saving his money, preparing for the long drive to Notre Dame.
LEAD IN: Trenton Haltom practices twirling, on the basketball court in the Walker-Adams Mall on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 in Norman, Okla.
