Mickey's Majorettes bring home medals in AAU Junior Olympics

Competitive baton twirlers from The Woodlands took home medals at the AAU Junior Olympic Games held July 25 through Aug. 4.

Competitive baton twirlers from The Woodlands took home medals at the AAU Junior Olympic Games held July 25 through Aug. 4.

As part of Mickey's Majorettes, the nine twirlers took home 22 first-place gold medals and finished with a total of 35 awards at the event held in Houston.

"I am extremely proud of all of these young ladies," said Patti Mickey, Director of Mickey's Majorettes, in a press release. "All of the hours in the gym have paid off. The sport of baton twirling is an intense sport that uses the grace and technique of dance, the agility of gymnastics, the endurance of major athletes and extreme ambidexterity."

Mickey's Majorettes features members from a number of middle schools, high schools and colleges in the area. The AAU Junior Olympics team consisted of Kayli Mickey, Allie Pellerito, Isabel Obias, Lindsey McCormick, Kristin Baker, Megan Norton, Caroline Carothers, Hannah Dziuk and Rachel Hutchinson.

"This was my first time to compete at the Junior Olympics and it was fun," said Allie Pellerito, a Majorette twirler from Knox Junior High. "I enjoyed competing against and getting to know girls from other states. It was also interesting to watch other athletes and see the same dedication to their sport that we have twirling."

The AAU Junior Olympics offer competitions in 18 different sports for participants from across the country. Competitors range in skill levels from beginner to elite status. It is the biggest national multi-sport event for young competitors in the United States, according to the Junior Olympics website.

The AAU Junior Olympics performance ends the 2011-12 Mickey's Majorettes competitive season. The team will be featured at school football events through the fall.

For more information on Mickey's Majorettes, visit mickeysmajorettes.com.