When the annual Alabama State Games convened in Huntsville June 8-9, more than a dozen local twirlers were among the ranks of competitive athletes in attendance.

Studio X-Treme attended the Alabama State Games, which are hosted each year at various cities throughout the state. The games include sports like basketball, baseball, soccer and gymnastics, along with baton twirling and more.

“Our studio loved the state games, and we are already making plans to attend again next year,” said studio owner and twirl instructor Heather Davis. “Our girls had a very positive experience. The whole thing was played out like the Olympics, with an opening ceremony and medals awarded.”

Studio X-Treme had more than 20 students of all ages attend this year, competing in various events within the sport of baton twirling. Participants were Elizabeth Davis, Carlie Blaker, Faith Smith, Kimber Nix, Rylan Nix, BrayLee Ledbetter, Zoey Beaty, Morgan Cooper, Macie Bishop, Cadance Dean, Sara Beth Dudley, Lindley Boyd, Chloe Smith, Chloe James, Charleigh James, Kiera Cruse, Emma Reed, Drew Reed, Kaitlyn Speck, Ellie Claire Swinney and Renea Holcomb.

“Studio X-Treme landed over 25 gold medals to be recorded in the State Games for Alabama as title holders, multiple silver medals and three bronze medals,” Davis said. “Studio X-Treme had three groups attend the games, and they landed two gold medals and one silver.”

Davis said soloist Elizabeth Davis landed three gold medals. Carlie Blaker landed four gold medals, and Faith Smith landed 3 gold medals. Kimber Nix brought home three gold medals, and Rylan Nix brought home two silver medals.

“This was the neatest experience ever, and it’s so cool to have a title in the state of Alabama in a sport I truly love,” said Faith Smith.

Braylee Ledbetter earned both gold and silver medals, and Zoey Beaty earned silver and bronze medals. Morgan Cooper landed both gold and silver medals, and Macie Bishop won three gold and two silver medals.

Cadance Dean earned a bronze medal; Sara Beth Dudley landed a gold in showtwirl along with three other gold medals; and Lindley Boyd brought home silver and bronze medals.

Chloe Smith earned both gold and silver and Emma Reed earned silver.

“The other students who did not participate in solo events earned both gold and silver in their team events,” Davis said.

The Friday before the games began, the Von Braun Center in Huntsville hosted the opening ceremony and athlete parade, in which Studio X-treme students and their fellow competitors paraded through a crowd of thousands showing pride in their selected sport.

“The games not only were a neat experience, but it is so nice to see your sport represented on a state level,” said Morgan Cooper.

Studio X-Treme has locations in Russellville and Hamilton and offers baton, dance, tumble, cheer and color guard instruction for ages 2 and older at all ability levels. In Russellville the studio is located on St. Claire Street across from Pink Panda Thrift.

Fall registration opens July 12 and closes Aug. 31. For more information, visit the studio on Facebook or at one of its locations.