Feature Story
University of Oklahoma Baton Twirler
Sarah Harris
Beyond the band, cheerleaders and pom squad, one person stands in front of them all
during the halftime show, and that is Sarah Harris.
Each home game Harris struts down the field as University of Oklahoma’s lone baton
twirler alongside drum major, Logan Stalcup, as the Pride of Oklahoma follows close behind.
Her embellished crimson and cream costume and smile light up the stadium as she performs
intricate baton routines in front of 85,000 fans.
“It is definitely a rush, but also a thrill,” said Harris. “I have no need to be nervous
because this is truly my dream and it’s what I’ve worked for my whole life, I might as well soak
it all up.”
After years of performing, Harris is used to the large crowds, but she must get into “the
zone” to not get nervous. According to Harris, her four-baton routine causes her the most
anxiety.
“I have experienced the thrill and nervousness that comes from performing in front of a
packed stadium, but I could never do the things that Sarah does,” said cheerleader Beth Anne
Cobb.
While most young baton twirlers start learning the techniques at a very young age, Harris
spent her time dribbling basketballs around the court, pitching softballs and out-running her
competitors on the track. She soon became uninterested in these sports and discovered her true
passion of twirling.
“I had a best friend who twirled and she invited me to a practice and I fell in love with it
and excelled faster than anyone I’ve ever ran across,” Harris said. “I had a burning passion for it
and practiced a tremendous amount”.
Harris loved being able to perform and continually worked hard at her new passion. Her
hard work paid off when she became a national champion in high school.
As a high school senior, universities flooded Harris with scholarship offers, but the only
school she wanted to attend was OU. At this time, Megan McGreary held the position of OU’s
baton twirler and would hold this position without re-auditioning until she graduated.
Harris enrolled in the University of Alabama her freshman year and waited until
McGreary graduated that spring. Leading up to McGreary’s graduation, Harris sent her highlight
tapes to OU and was chosen as a top-three finalist.
OU flew Harris to Oklahoma and she auditioned against the other two finalists through a
rigorous tryout and interview process and won the spot. She is now fulfilling her dream of
twirling for OU, which many consider the “top twirling position in the nation”.
As a former OU cheerleader and a new sorority sister of Harris, Rachel Lyon has been
there to support Harris’ transition to a new school. The attention that being the only baton twirler
brings can be overwhelming, but Lyon believes that Harris has remained humble.
“Sarah is probably one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met and has a huge heart,” said
Lyon. “There is no doubt that she loves this university and deserves to represent OU as our baton
twirler.”
Practice definitely makes perfect for this rigorous sport and Harris’ agenda will display
that. From being enrolled in 17 hours as a meteorology major, being a member of a sorority, and
being an active member of her church and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, balancing her
schedule can be very difficult. Harris said that she maps out her schedule two weeks in advance
to keep up with her busy life.
Harris would not be performing at Owen Field if it were not for the support of her coach,
Billy Bruce, and her parents. Even though Bruce lives in Columbus, Ohio, Harris stays in touch
with him, allowing her to use his corrections and performance advice.
“I am very, very close to him and I call him ‘Papa’ because he is like a father figure to
me,” said Harris.
When Harris is able to meet with Bruce, her parents travel with her so they can pick up
the techniques and act as her second coach when she cannot be with him.
Harris practices six days a week, which includes two to four hours a day perfecting her
routines and practicing with the Pride. During individual rehearsals before band practice, she
choreographs her routines herself and perfects new tricks.
Harris will have two more seasons to perform after this year and she wishes to continue
to improve and to empress the audience. Harris believes that, “With a dream, a work ethic,
passion and a supportive family and coach, anything is possible”.