Thunder Dancers Release Calendar
By Michael Kinney
CNHI
Even though Brooke Watkins has been part of the Thunder Girls dance team, it was still a surprise to her. When she arrived at the annual calendar release party Saturday at Riverwind Casino and saw she was this year’s cover girl, the Prague native was overjoyed.
“I was shocked,” Watkins said. “I had no idea. It’s such an honor to represent on the cover. A lot of hard work and dedication that we put in before we take those photos.”
Every season the calendar seems to get bigger and bigger and more anticipated. According to Westmoore alum, Kayle Marshall, the Thunder sold more calendars this year than in any season in the past. That was evident by the amount of people who attended the release party.
“We don’t get to see the calendar until right before we go out and sign it,” said Marshall, who is featured in the November issue. “When Paige, our coach, showed us, we were all screaming, clapping. Just seeing the turnout and how many people come. So many fans came out there.”
The event ran from 5 to 7 p.m. as the team members autographed calendars and took photos with fans.
“It’s such an honor to be part of that calendar,” Moore native Sarah Jackson said. “The legacy that the Thunder girls have and to be part of that is just incredible. I am really honored to be a part of it. And to be part of it for the last three years. I actually thought I was done dancing after high school. I tried out for the Thunder girls on a whim and it ended up being the best blessing I ever had. Never imagined this would happen to me.”
As Watkins signed her autograph on various calendars and saw herself on the cover, she still couldn’t believe the position she was in.
“It is so special and such an honor that I just value so much,” Watkins said. “I just, thinking about it (Saturday) that, I never pictured myself on the cover of any type of calendar. So, to see where I’ve started and where I’ve come, it’s such an honor.
