By Elissa Hill
The Blue Band Touch of Blue majorettes were crowned champions of the 2016 National Dance Twirl and Halftime competitions Friday at America’s Youth on Parade, the ‘Super Bowl of twirling contests.’
After a week of competition, the “Jettes” upheld their championship reign at the University of Notre Dame. The team thanked Penn State fans and coach since 1994 Heather Bean in a post on its Facebook page: “We owe it all to our dedication to twirling and AMAZING coach to help us reach our goal! Penn State fans – thank you for being the loudest, most supportive fans in the entire world! We would be lost without your endless love and support.”
This marks Touch of Blue’s 13th national championship since 2002. Penn State’s Blue Sapphire featured soloist Rachel Reiss also placed sixth in Collegiate Solo and second in Down the Field.
“The reason we go is not just to win competitions — they want most to represent Penn State and the Blue Band,” Bean said in a press release after the 2014 competition. “They fight hard to be the best they can be and show their pride for Penn State…”
Left Collegiate Night as the 2016 National Dance Twirl & Halftime Champions!! Happy Valley just got a LOT happier 💙🆠pic.twitter.com/SnYJlbQ27J
— Touch of Blue (@BlueBandJettes) July 30, 2016
