New Drum Major and Feature Twirler set to continue Penn State traditions
It has been 18 years, but the Penn State Nittany Lions will be featuring a male twirler since 1992 when World Open Solo Baton Twirling Champion John Mitchell held the position. After a tough audition and interview process, the judges decided that Matthew Freeman will replace long-time fan favorite PJ Maierhofer.
Though the sport has been commonly associated with and dominated by females twirlers, Penn State actually has a brief but accomplished history of male feature twirlers. When Mitchell was selected in 1989, he marked the first male twirler in 85 years, dating all the way back to 1904. But in that time, he compiled numerous accolades including World Open Solo Baton Twirling Champion, the Junior World Championship for Young Men, and National Junior Champion among them. We can only hope Matthew Freeman will be just as successful and accomplished at the position.
If you have attended a homecoming game in recent years, chances are you will remember John Mitchell’s incredible acrobatic performances.
In addition to a brand new feature twirler, Penn State has also selected Ian Kenney to replace last year’s drum major, Matt Sabo. Renowned for their pre-game front flips, the drum major is in charge of leading the marching band out for their pre-game routines.
Some fans will have you believe that the Drum Major’s pre-game flip at Penn State is a predictor of the outcome on the football field. Between 1982 to 1986, Penn State’s drum major Greg Stock only missed 3 flips during the pre-game routine in those 4 years. Coincidently, Penn State lost all 3 games.
When asked about the daunting front flip audition, Kenney had this to say, “I wasn’t as nervous as I thought it would be because I prepared so hard for it.”
Richard Bundy, Penn State’s director of athletic bands had this to say about the new selections.
“It’s very difficult to make these decisions, I know all of the students, and I know how hard they’ve all worked.”
Although every candidate managed the front flip well, Ian Kenney set himself apart during the interview process.
“the candidates were picked because they each had the entire package — the personality, the skills, the pride.”
Congratulations are in order to both Matthew Freeman and Ian Kenney. We know they will represent the university well and look forward to watching them continue some of the greatest traditions in college football.