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~ Stephen F. Austin State University ~
Located in Nacogdaches, Texas, the Twirl-O-Jacks are known for their unique style and grace. Their combination of poised body movements and difficult baton tricks has created a style that only Twirl-O-Jacks understand, but everyone can admire. Not only do the Twirl-O-Jacks enjoy twirling, but they also enjoy each other. There are friendships that have developed on the line that not even time could destroy. They have pajama parties, bar-b-ques, christmas parties, swimming parties, go bowling and to the movies. They all have fun together!!:)

The SFASU Twirl-O-Jacks perform outstanding routines during halftime at all home football games. In addition, the Twirl-O-Jacks travel to at least 2 or 3 out of town games each season. The SFASU Homecoming Parade is the only parade the twirl-o-jacks perform in with the SFASU Marching Band. The girls have entered various Christmas Parades around the area on their own with christmas routines and even their own float. During the spring the T-O-Js have had spring recitals and this year possibly a Twirl-O-Jack Alumni Banquet to honor all outstanding Twirl-O-Jacks for years.

The Twirl-O-Jacks use a variety of equipment during their performances, including ABC Batons, Hoop Batons, Knives, Streamers, and many props such as bowas, tambarines, maracas, etc.

The Twirl-O-Jacks (T-O-J's) average anywhere from 12 to 20 girls each year. There is a Head Twirl-O-Jack - she is in charge of all matters dealing with the TOJ's such as: ordering uniforms, props, shoes, etc., teaching and polishing routines for performances, organizing any events that the girls are involved in, and most importantly making sure the Twirl-O-Jack tradition is upheld. There is also an Assistant Head Twirl-O-Jack selected to assist the Head Twirl-O-Jack in any way she needs to be assisted. Asst. Head T-O-J helps polish and critique routines as well.

Try-out for Twirl-O-Jack are usually a two weekend process. The first weekend the girls learn the try-out routine from the choreographer/coordinater of the TOJS, Joan Bridges. The following weekend the girls return for a polishing session on Saturday. Usually the candidates for Head and Asst. Head Twirl-O-Jack will be asked to polish portions of the routine so that Mrs. Bridges can observe their teaching and polishing skills. On Sunday morning all the girls return for a last minute practice/run through and the tryouts begin usually around 3:00 pm. The Twirl-O-Jacks are selected by a group of 5 very qualified judges which consists of Joan Bridges, past Twirl-O-Jacks, and the current Lumberjack Marching Band Director.

Each girl on the squad is expected to perform:

  • All UIL fundamentals
  • Horizontal and vertical 1-turns
  • Horizontal and vertical 2-turns
  • Horizontal and vertical toss layouts
  • Bow Aerials
  • Continuous back catches
  • Front and Back Illusions
  • Left and Right Splits
  • Left and Right High kicks

For more information contact ,
Choreographer/Coordinator for the Twirl-O-Jacks.
© 2002