Coming up Golden

The University of Iowa has its new Golden Girl: Chelsea Russell of Williamsville, N.Y. Russell, 17, won the coveted position, beating two other finalists at a tryout Saturday morning at the UI Fieldhouse in ...

[Terri Smith]

I can't believe we don't have Iowa talent that could represent this position??? We have to import from New York?? Unbelievable........We have a New Yorker twirling for the Iowa Band on the field.....pretty sad.......

[Emilie Fessler-Boylan]

As a fellow Twirler.. I think its amazing to have a nationally accredited twirler fill the spot. Miss Majorette of America beats out any other twirler any day.

[Twirling judge]

Chelsea is a national and world champion several times over in addition to Miss Majorette of America. Her competitors in the audition have NEVER even came close in competition to Chelsea. The better twirer and more important the better person was chosen for this position.

[M Smithson]

The article seems to imply that she has not yet accepted the Golden Girl assignment. So how long does she have to decide? Who is selected if she elects not to be a Hawkeye???

[A Twirling Dad]

Reply to Terri Smith,
I think it is pretty sad when you use the word "we" referring to Iowa and yet your signature indicates you are from Illinois. Do you say the same thing about the football players that come from all over the country to play for Iowa? Why should the twirler be any different. The fact that Iowa will end up having one of the best (if not THE best) majorettes in the USA seems like something to boast about, not complain. My daughter twirls and is a national champion like Chelsea. We have known Chelsea for many years. You won't find a brighter, nicer, sweeter person and fierce athelete to boot. Chelsea could have gone to any major university she wanted to, so pick Iowa is quite a feather in the Hawks cap!

Terri Smith wrote:

I can't believe we don't have Iowa talent that could represent this position??? We have to import from New York?? Unbelievable........We have a New Yorker twirling for the Iowa Band on the field.....pretty sad.......

[Chicago Twirl Mom]

Terri Smith wrote:

I can't believe we don't have Iowa talent that could represent this position??? We have to import from New York?? Unbelievable........We have a New Yorker twirling for the Iowa Band on the field.....pretty sad.......

You DO have talent from Iowa, in the form of Emily Bright. Emily is an amazing twirler and superior showman, and deserves to be in the Golden Girl position truly representing the state of Iowa!!

[Twirler]

Congrats to the new Hawkeye Golden Girl

[twirl]

Emily bright has amazing talent and could take the position as well. She has wonderful showmanship and can put on an amazing show as well. Unfortunate she did not get the position, it was what she has worked so hard for

[Golden Girl]

After the auditions, Chelsea seemed to indicate that she would look at other schools and offers. Has she officially accepted the Iowa twirling position?

[Former GG]

The 2 Golden Girls before Ms Reed were also Miss Majorette's of America. They took a chance on an underdog that didn't have any titles (Ms. Reed). But, now they are going back to choosing the Golden Girl based on national titles.
hmmm.. I wonder what that means?

[Iowa Twirler Mom]

I think you all need to ask yourself this question -- what titles did/does Diana Reed have? Emily Bright has more titles than Diana Reed did/does!!!

Emilie Fessler-Boylan wrote:

As a fellow Twirler.. I think its amazing to have a nationally accredited twirler fill the spot. Miss Majorette of America beats out any other twirler any day.

[Concerned Iowa Fan]

I think this all boils down to people that are impressed with titles. I was there the day of the tryouts. Emily Bright clearly was the stronger and more talented twirler that day. Much more SHOW appeal. Maybe the band members should have voted - they clearly liked Ms. Bright better than the other two twirlers.

[Golden Girl]

Does anyone know if Chelsea accepted the position???

Also, Diana Reed beat out some national champs and look how terrific she was!

[Golden Girl]

Take nothing away from Chelsea...I am sure she is really good.

[a fellow twirler]

I think Chelsea did an amazing job and Im proud of her for being the Iowa twirler. I dont understand why people are complaining, she got the position fair and square !

[Long time Baton mom]

So should we tell all the band members And foot ball players to stop playing that are from other states? lady you might have some personal connection to someone, but seriously the best girl won. get over it! Be the better person congratulate Chelsea. This makes me think you dont know beans about twirling and have never watched a national contest. Did you even think before you wrote this? And since your not even from Iowa ...nuff said

Terri Smith wrote:

I can't believe we don't have Iowa talent that could represent this position??? We have to import from New York?? Unbelievable........We have a New Yorker twirling for the Iowa Band on the field.....pretty sad.......

[Twirler Mama]

Way to go Chelsea Lets welcome her to Iowa!
National titles mean alot especially as many as she has, but in Dianas case That girl is a cut above the rest She was first in her class if my memory serves me correctly and such a sweet nice girl with wonderful parents and a sister who are just as nice as can be. Others should not be compared to her. The better sweeter, nicer girl who treats ALL twirlers as equals (even though they are not). She is a Power house, Chelsea Our family welcomes you to Iowa ""Clapping Hands""

[Golden Girl]

Hello! Right after auditions and being selected the GG, Chelsea indicated that she is looking at other offers. Has she in fact accepted the GG position at Iowa? Surely someone close to the band program knows. And if she opts to attend college elsewhere, then what???

[Broadway Joe]

Chicago Twirl Mom wrote:

<quoted text>
You DO have talent from Iowa, in the form of Emily Bright. Emily is an amazing twirler and superior showman, and deserves to be in the Golden Girl position truly representing the state of Iowa!!

So sorry Chicago Twirl Mom, the judges felt otherwise, didn't they?

"Emily" Ms.Wonder Twirl didn't make the cut....Boo Hoo Hoo, maybe she can transfer to another school and try out and see if she can be number One there LOL!

[twirl n time]

Congrats Chelsea Your the one I'd chose too! you are the better nicer sweeter girl by far. and a word to the wise It actually pays off in the long run to treat people nice!!