Emmanuel Espinoza, 22, has been twirling for five years. He has been competing at National Competitions every year and placed top five in this years men’s division. This is his first year at Fullerton College.
He has been the California and All-West Regional Men’s Baton Champion for the past four years. He has traveled to Chicago, Florida, and Texas to compete for titles.
Later this year, he will compete in the World Qualifiers, which are being held at Notre Dame and in Stockton, Calif. The top-three seeds in each category will represent the USA in the World Championships being held in Italy and Canada the following year.
This year, he will be training four hours a day, aside from performing for the college, in hopes to make top three at Nationals and represent the USA at the World Championships.
The day before he left nationals this past summer, Alix Plum-Widner, cheer and dance coach at Fullerton College, saw him at a practice, and asked him to twirl for her. She encouraged him to come to Fullerton and invited him to be a part of the Fullerton College pep squad.
“I had looked into joining the school for the upcoming season and I am glad I am able to be a part of a talented and hard-working performing arts organization,” said Espinoza.
During cheer quad practices the team figures out what he will be doing at the football games during his halftime performance.
“Oh I think Manny’s creativeness and skills go well with our team he just always comes in happy and is a great performer,” said cheerleader Morgan Jimenez. “He brings great vibes to our team and I enjoy working with him.”
Jimenez is not the only cheerleader who is excited to have added another key piece to the squad.
“Yeah, Manny plays a major part in getting the crowd pumped up at the football games,” cheerleader Kaylee Eaton added. “The fans love cheering him on as he throws his amazing tricks with the batons.”
Even though Espinoza is involved in such high level competition, he has enjoyed his time thus far at FC, and can’t wait to continue his experience.
“I hope to have an amazing experience during my time at Fullerton College,” said Espinoza. “Meet new people, and learn but most of all excite the crowds.”
