On a beautiful fall Saturday in the Tri-State, some of the more dedicated members of the 2012 Huntington Hammer found themselves indoors instead of outdoors. These new members of the Hammer were not the football team, they were the 2012 Huntington Hammer Girls Dance Team. The instructors from Jesslyn Performing Arts Studio assembled the 14 young ladies that will make up the first dance team for the professional indoor football team in Huntington, WV, and put them through a day-long orientation and workout session to lay the groundwork for the upcoming season.
“The girls are all really great, and it’s a pleasure to be working with the Hammer,” said
instructor Summer Ogg from Jesslyn Studios. Summer, along with Dance Team Coordinator Heather Daniels, were very optimistic about the ability of the dancers that have come together from across the Tri-State area to make up the Hammer Girls. Some of the team are classically trained dancers, some are quick-learning rookies, and still others are products of local area high school and college dance teams. All the ladies appeared anxious to be a part of something so big for the area. “We are looking forward to a great season,” said Daniels, “and we are hoping to be able to expand our efforts out to include some of the children in the area as the season gets closer.” The team is hoping to hold several dance clinics for younger children and being active with the Huntington Hammer’s community efforts as well.
The Huntington Hammer Hammer Girl Dance Team for 2012 are: Jami Stevenson, Shauntay Heyliger, Terrin Farley, Hannah Gainey, Brittany Hensley, Emilee Quintrell, Brittany McDonnell, Elizabeth (Liz) Stinnett, Taylor Aitken, Leigh Ann Booth, Kerianna Cook, Annie Weible, Ashley Neal Gillum, and Carmen Franklin.
The Huntington Hammer season actually begins in March of 2012, with the first home
game being held on March 16th at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. The Hammer Girls Dance Team is going to be performing and appearing at various events throughout the remainder of the off-season as well. There are still positions available on the Huntington Hammer’s promotional team that will be assisting with appearances and will be part of the Hammer’s home game activities. If you are interested in becoming a part of the promotional team, or are a business interested in becoming and advertising sponsor of the Hammer Girls, contact the Huntington Hammer front office by calling 304-525-7277 or by emailing the team at admin@huntingtonhammer.com.
