Famous Maroon Band Spotlight: Nicole Fustos

One of the great things about college football game day at any school is the atmosphere. And one of the most important parts, and often under appreciated, is the band.

I was in the band in high school and spent two years paying for my education in the band at Northwest Community College before finishing up at Mississippi State. So I decided to put the spotlight on the Famous Maroon Band this summer.

I had been doing this when I was still writing for Maroon and White Nation. Now that I am here at FWtCT, I decided to pick up where I left off.

Today we put the spotlight on sophomore Feature Baton Twirler Nicole Fustos. Nicole has been dancing and twirling since she was four years old.

In all likelihood, you joined the band in middle school or junior high. What made you want to be in the band at that time?

I joined band in high school as a member of the color guard in order to twirl. I even switched high schools because the one I was originally at would not let me twirl at all. At the second high school I attended I got to twirl pre game and then do flags at halftime. I wanted to join because I had that end goal in mind of twirling at the collegiate level. I also love performing and sharing my passion of baton twirling.

What twirlers have had the biggest influence on you?

Nicole Jenson (former UGA twirler), Karissa Wimberley (former FSU and UGA twirler), Savanah Miller (Arkansas twirler) and Ansley Cartee (Clemson Twirler). I love watching all of these ladies twirl and look up to them a lot. They have such positive attitudes on and off the field and are great role models.

What is your favorite memory of being a member of the Famous Maroon Band?

Game days are my favorite. My first time twirling on Davis Wade was pre game at the LSU game last year. Hearing the cowbells and the crowd roar, I can’t even put into words what kind of feeling that is.

What is your favorite non-band related memory at Mississippi State?

I know college is a time where you meet so many new people. Being from out of state (Nebraska), I barely knew anyone at all. I am so fortunate to have met such amazing people and life long friends through my sorority and other organizations I am in. My entire freshman year has been one big favorite memory thanks to them and Mississippi State.

If you would like to keep up with Nicole, she two social media accounts you can follow her on. Her Twitter handle is @NicoleFustos, and her Instagram handle is also @nicolefustos.

Thanks to Nicole for allowing us to feature her in this Famous Maroon Band Profile. Also thanks to Dr. Craig Aarhus, one of the Associate Directors of the Famous Maroon Band for working with us to be able to spotlight the members of the band.

You can follow the Famous Maroon Band on Twitter with their Twitter handle @maroonband. The band also has a Facebook page you can go and like to keep up with all the happenings of the Famous Maroon Band.