MacKenzie DiTullio Captures National And World Open Flag Baton Championships, Also A Member Of Twirling Angels Team Which Won Several International Championships (08/11/18)

on 11 August, 2018 at 14:52

MacKenzie DiTullio, the Clarion Bobcat Marching Band’s Feature Twirler for the last several years who will assume the same duties at St. Francis University this fall, finished her competitive action with the Twirling Angels from Sharon, in a big way. MacKenzie and the Twirling Angels competed at the Twirling Unlimited International (TUI) Competition, in Canton Ohio, on July 8th, followed by the National Baton Twirling Association (NBTA) Nationals and World Open Competition at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana on July 23rd.

(Photo by Joyce DiTullio) MacKenzie after one of her events at Notre Dame

MacKenzie finished first, at Notre Dame, in the Flag Baton Division at the NBTA Meet, to become both the National and World Open Baton Champion for 2018.

She also placed in the Top 15 Nationally, in her Solo and Two Baton Divisions. Her Twirling Angels Nationals Team “Rise Up” made the Top 10 in the country with a final placement of 8th for Junior Large Dance Twirl.

MacKenzie’s mother, Joyce DiTullio said, “They couldn’t have twirled any better and put a fantastic routine on the competition floor! It was a wonderful week – but bittersweet in some ways as this was MacKenzie’s official ‘retirement’ from team competition.”

MacKenzie and her Twirling Angels teammates won three International Championships, capturing First Place in theDance Twirl, Strut Team and Novelty Team Divisions, and also came away with a Second Place finish in Floor Corp, at the TUI Competition, at Canton.

(Photo by Twirling Angels) Twirling Angels “Rise Up” team at Notre Dame (MacKenzie on right in back row)

The Twirling Angels director is Missy Colbert and her daughter Brianna Colbert also coaches the team with her.

MacKenzie prepared for Band Camp at St. Francis by working with Coach Brianna on field routines.

The Red Flash Marching Band open their performance season at the Altoona Curve game against Trenton on Wednesday, August 30th. Opening pitch is at 6:00 PM.

The St. Francis Football home opener will be on the home football opener on Saturday, September 8th against Delaware State. Kickoff is set for 12:00 Noon.

MacKenzie had this to say, “July was a wonderful month of twirling with my teams at Canton and Notre Dame! It was a wonderful way to close that chapter of my team career. Although I am really going to miss twirling at Bobcat football games and cheering on the team, I am looking forward to twirling at Saint Francis and the next chapters of my life.”

(Photo by Joyce DiTullio) MacKenzie going on the floor at Nationals for the last time before retiring from team competition

(Thanks to Joyce DiTullio and Twirling Angels for the photos. Congratulations to MacKenzie and all the Twirling Angels!!!!)

(Photo by Joyce DiTullio) MacKenzie’s last team performance with the Twirling Angels – she’s up front on the floor in her opening pose