About Texas Women's Highland Games

Our Purpose:



To increase awareness and involvement of women in the sport of the Highland Games. Promoting a fun, active, family friendly and competitive sport by providing information and resources to all those interested in joining us in our continuing adventures!




Please see our FAQ page for all those burning questions you have about how you participate, what to do, who to talk to and where to go!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Falls Fest Highlander, my first "power" meet!

The adventures continue for your Traveling Texan! Three years ago I got into the swing of this highland games thing, and last year I rediscovered my love of lifting heavy things for silliness and fun. What better way to combine those two simple joys than to take part in a NAHA Highlander event? Conveniently enough there is one right around the corner from my neck of the woods, Falls Fest Highlander in Wichita Falls. (http://www.fallsfest.org/)


 

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

McPherson! MAC! Home away from home...

As I was loading up the car for the final September highland games run, a bit of nostalgia came along and lodged itself in my mind. McPherson two years ago was when and where highland games took a turn for me in a myriad of ways.  This games, this place, these people were what nudged me from being a thrower on games days to becoming a member of the community.  Accepting a new competitor as soon as they set foot on the field is a rare thing; this was the first “away game” for me, and they showed me exactly what the HG community is all about. For this alone I would gladly return to MAC every year, but let’s delve into all the other reasons why YOU should go!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Oklahoma Scottish festival

September’s familiar routine of loading up and driving out of state for a Highland Games continues with our next adventure, The Oklahoma Scottish Festival. Held along the Arkansas River with downtown Tulsa as a backdrop, the festival puts highland games on the center stage.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Iceland in Review

The First Iceland Highland Games, spanning the first weekend in June, were a great success. They were held in the western fjords of Patreksfjörður in conjunction with the annual Seaman’s Festival, which is a remembrance to all those lost to the sea. Pétur Guðmundsson was the Athletic Director for a fantastic long weekend of a mix of Highland Games and Strongman Events, as well as tours of the local areas. The competitors came from all over the world, representing Iceland, Belgium, Holland, Scotland, Germany, Canada, and the United States. 25 competitors from seven countries competed in three classes.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Lucas Highland Games Weekend Recap!

Heading up your own games is always a tricky undertaking for the athletic directors and event coordinators; full of responsibility, risk, and emotional investment in the success of the event. From arranging location, to promotion, to athlete entries, to award planning, it is enough to make your head spin just trying to make a to-do list to even get started. Those that pull it off with aplomb are a rare breed; Doug and Jera Kressly are just such a pair. The first year of Highland Games at the Lucas Apple Festival was a rousing success.

Monday, September 12, 2011

IHGF Women’s World Championships - Recap

Where to begin! Getting the nod from fellow throwers and an invite from the IHGF to the “Women’s Worlds” was a pretty giddy day for me. Any event called a ‘world championship’ is bound to be pretty exciting.

Kansas City Scottish Highland Games - Recap Continues!

June is a month rich with highland games opportunities and Kansas City’s offering is an excellent choice. This year they hosted the Under 190 National Championship in addition to three men’s master’s , three women’s (including a master’s) and three men’s classes. A two day game with three trigs and two height standards on a massive field there is defiantly room for every thrower in your group to stretch out and go for broke on their throws.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Texas Scottish Festival - Recap!


Texas Scottish Festival, in Arlington, Texas, boasts three days of throwing, live music, shopping and history for attendants.  Two separate fields at opposite ends of the festival allow crowds to see the the whole festival while visiting throwing events on each end. The main field sits just next to the main music stage, offering up a variety of Celtic music throughout the day and well into the evening.



Thursday, July 28, 2011

Wichita "Do-Da" Recap!



Wichita Highland Games and Celtic Festival was a new and expanding show in its second year. A soft-side, tents-only festival in an open public park, it offered music, food and plentiful shade.  The feel was that of a Celtic festival crossed with a fantasy faire. The festival was well-run, with lots of room for future growth among the vendors and performance stages.


Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Scarby, Recapping the Home Game!

This year saw all Texas throwers, all the time, in the Women’s class at Scarborough Faire Highland Fling (held within the Scarborough Renaissance Festival grounds in Waxahachie, Texas). While the field may be small in size and number of throwers, it is big on heart and tradition.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Th' Gatherin' - Recapping

There is no more unique way to experience Highland Games and the culture that surrounds it than to explore Th’ Gatherin’ of the Ancient Festival O’ Beltane.  Held in the town of Wakeeney, Kansas, in late April Th’ Gatherin’ is a full weekend affair. Think Burning Man meets Highland Games, and you have a pretty good idea of the feel that the Wakeeney Games carry.  Camping opens on Friday night and campers start setting up early to claim the best spots. Many of the gamers will spend the weekend trekking back and forth from the field to the campsites.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Texas Scottish Festival - Arlington June 3, 4, & 5th

This weekend starting Friday afternoon through Sunday the biggest Scottish Festival in Texas is taking place at the Maverick Stadium (link to map) in Arlington (just outside of Dallas).

The Texas Scottish Festival


The Women's Highland Games are taking place starting at 5:30PM on Friday night and the games run all day both Saturday and Sunday.


We are going to be there competing Friday and hope to see lots of supporters cheering us on! Come out for the rest of the excitement as well... games, food, music, Scottish dogs, drinks, wares and the fabulous people!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Throw like a Girl

Here is another blog that I can't wait to read more on! Throw like a Girl

We've competed with Felecia and she is amazing. I'm going to get her to write a guest post for sure (You've just been served F!).

I can feel a clinic coming on this winter!

Strong ....

Here is a wonderful Facebook group that we would like to share.

Strong is the new Skinny, promoting strength and healthy living. I can get behind that!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Iceland Highland Games

There is a very exciting games that one of our Texas ladies, Sarah, is going to be attending in Iceland. The Iceland Highland Games are being held the first weekend in June.

A very exciting trip to be sure and there is going to be a number of North American women competing with the locals.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

How Do I play? 5. The Sheaf Toss

The continuing saga of what the Highland games events entail bring us to our next height event... the sheaf toss.






No...not SHEEP..... SHEAF....


April & May Catchup!

Pardon our long quiet spell.

There is a monstrous amount to catch up on so I’ll try to keep it brief!

April 30/May 1
Scarborough Faire went off without a hitch and all involved had a great time. The ladies places were:
1 – Brittney Boswell
2 – Miranda Vahle
3 – Sarah Densmore
4 – Kim Dotson

May 7/8 – Th’ Gatherin’ - Wakeeney, KS
There was a huge class of women at this games – 13 in total. There were 3 teams of 4 and one single. It was a great day of competition and both myself and Brittney (the traveling Texans) were on the winning team, “Magically Malicious” . Hot, dry and windy, the people were amazing and the after party was first class.

May 14/15 – Wichita, KS
2nd Annual Wichita Highland Games and Celtic Festival
Brittney also made it out to these games and placed a very excellent second with a number of personal bests!

In our thoughts:
Joplin, MO held their highland games last weekend and sadly a tornado ripped through the lovely little town. None of the highland games people that we know of where injured. However there were 116 lives lost that weekend and I’m sure all would appreciate it if you can keep them in your thoughts.

Upcoming:

June 3-5
Texas Scottish Festival, Arlington, TX


June 10-12
Kansas City Games

Friday, April 22, 2011

2011 Women’s Highland Team Challenge - Texas




The Inaugural Women’s Highland Team Challenge is going to be held on Saturday October 15th 2011 in the Dallas/Ft.Worth metroplex area. It's being held in conjunction with the Celtober Highland Games, the men’s events are on Sunday, October 16th at the same venue. Which is next to the Zoo! If you have not thrown a stone and then heard a lion roar… you are missing out!

Hosted by the North Texas Heavy’s - they are very excited about this event, and hope you can make it! Your entry and waiver must be postmarked by August 15th, 2011; for a copy of the rules and an entry form drop an email to Duncan at (Duncan.mccallum01@gmail.com).



Or you can follow the links for the FORMS and WAIVER.

All the games events will be contested
(Braemar Stone and Open Stone, 14# and 28# WFD, Hammers 12# and 16#, caber, 10# Clevenger Sheaf, and WOB - spinning allowed) as well as some team-oriented challenge events for bragging rights.

NASGA/RMSA rules apply; these are Amateur events and a standard waiver will be required before competing.

The athletes will be put into teams and compete as a team and as individuals.

There are amazing prizes up for offer
(sheaf’s, forks and more goodies!), as well as free food from My Fit Foods, all complimented by the great Texas crowd and hospitality. October is also warm (for your northerners!)

There is a Host hotel, The Marriott Courtyard West. It’s down the street from the games venue that is offering rooms for a reduced rate of $85/night. They will also have a free shuttle to the grounds.



This promises to be an amazing event and worth the trip. We ladies here in Texas hope you can come and join us.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Texas Games - Scarborough Faire Highland Fling Weekend





April 30 and May 1st the Scarborough Faire Festival is hosting its
Highland Fling weekend.

An event not to be missed, there will be all the regular events at a Renaissance festival (food, craft, costumes, & entertainment) plus the Highland Games and Caber Championship that Saturday and Sunday.

Its going to be packed full of amazing competitors
!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Jamie Channel - Women in the Highland Games


Today we have a guest post, written by the very lovely Jamie Channel.
2011 - 8th place at the Arizona Scottish Highland Games World Women's Championship
2010 - 10th North American Overall
2009 - 26th North America Overall

Jamie was kind enough to spend a little bit of time to share her experiences with us in relation to beginning her participating in the Highland Games.

"In 2009, I attended my first Scottish Highland Games in Warrensburg, MO. I had no idea what they were or how they worked. After sitting around watching these men and women throw around heavy things all day, I thought to myself, "I can do this!" And so began my Highland Games career.

I started practicing and a month later competed in my first competition. Luckily, I seemed to have some luck with a few of the events, so I was really encouraged.

Since then, I have been addicted and haven't looked back! Last year I competed in about 12 different games around the four states. I have been an athlete my entire life, but I can honestly say, I have never competed with a better group of people than throwers.

There is a certain camaraderie and friendship that you have with your fellow throwers that isn't commonly found among athletes. The people you beat are the first ones to congratulate you and the people beating you are the first to offer advice.

When it comes to being a female thrower, it is not all about being a huge freak of nature, it really is about technique. You wouldn't be able to tell some of the best ladies in the world are throwers just by looking at them.

It is an amazing sport and I implore anyone who wants to throw, to just get out there and try. That is where to start. Trust me, you WILL fall and you WILL get thrown around at first, but just stick with it. Give the sport a chance!

Thank you Jamie!!!

Worlds Largest Kilt - Help us lift it!


You can be part of a World Record...
 

Monday, April 11, 2011

San Antonio Games Results

The San Antonio Highland Games were a complete success!

There were 6 women competing, crowd & supporters were loud and cheering all day, and the weather was beautiful.


This was the second invitation that women throwers have had to these games, and I’m proud that the competition was so excellent and that women had a very exciting showing for the crowd.

The overall winner on the day was a Southern Carolina athlete, Kelly Niklason. Our own native Texan Brittney Boswell was second. The field was rounded out by 3 more Texan residents: Tammy Kentner, Sarah Densmore, and newcomer to the games Lisa Moretta. This was the very first games that Lisa competed in and she did great! The final competitor was Tomasina Miller from Louisiana. Tomasina blew us all away in the sheaf toss, she is a natural! (photo of Tomasina in action)

There were a lot of personal records for the women set that day and I believe some field records were made as well. The scores are yet to come out on the NSAGA website. When they do I will be sure to update the final places.

The festival itself was fantastic; lots of music, dogs, Celtic wares, sporting and traditional displays, and Clans were there to browse. The men’s and masters completed both Saturday and Sunday. There were a number of World Records that were broken by the masters.

How do I play? The Hammers

The Hammers

This event is one that is very similar to the Olympic style Hammer throwing. The hammer has a lead or steel head with a bamboo or rattan handle affixed through a hole in the head. The shape of the hammer varies from round (like a mini cannonball) to square or bullet shaped. All are legal provided the length does not exceed 50"

There are 2 hammer events. The heavy and light hammers. Women’s heavy hammer is 16lbs. The light hammer is 12lbs. The only difference between the two events is the weight. The style and technique are the same; of course, your light hammer should go a little farther!
Photo credit: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6897365.stm

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Happy National Tartan Day


April 6, 2011 is National Tartan Day!!

National Tartan Day honors and celebrates Scottish culture and the role it has played in the development of the United States.

Canada has been celebrating Tartan Day since 1993 and the U.S. Senate officially passed it into law in 1998.

There are three groups of people that came from Scotland to America -- the Lowland Scotts, the Highland Scotts, and the Scotch-Irish. Each of these groups has influenced American culture. They've passed on Scottish last names, introduced the sport of golf, shared the sounds of the bagpipes, and made tartan a fashion staple!

Tartan is a crisscrossed pattern of horizontal and vertical bands woven into cloth. It is made by weaving colored threads at right angles to each other.

The Dress Act of 1746 attempted to ban tartan and other aspects of Gaelic culture in order to bring people under tighter government control.

The law was repealed in 1782 and tartan became symbolic as the national dress of Scotland.

To celebrate National Tartan Day, wear your favorite tartan and celebrate Scottish-American culture!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

April 2 & 3, 2011 - San Antonio Highland Games!

This weekend is going to be an exciting Scottish Festival and Highland Games in San Antonio, TX.

There are going to be competitors from as far away as Japan! Yes, that was not a typo. Japan!!! One of the ladies class is traveling from South Carolina to join us in South Texas. What a great bunch of athletes for the weekend!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Weight Over Bar/Weight for Height


Tossing the Weight for Height. Yes, you read that correctly! This event is where the weight travels up and over a set of standards, much like what a high jumper would clear.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Iron Thistle Weekend Results!


NASGA's handy dandy database has been undated and the results from this weekend are in for all the athletes and it can be found LINKED HERE.


  • Use the drop down in the "Results" section.

  • Select the games you are looking for.

  • Hit select button and viola!

Sounds like it was a COLD one. Great job to our Texans who got 2nd and 5th in the womens class...and best of all... some pretty big throws! Way to go ladies!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

How do I play? 2. The Stones (Open and Breamar Stone)

Putting the Stone


Texas Highland Games - 2011

Here is a current listing of the Highland Games that are taking place in Texas in 2011.

This is not completely comprehensive, and it comes directly from the NASGA database website, the most useful resource for Highland Athletes!! Check there for any updates to games in Texas and/or for a full listing of the 2011 Highland Games throughout North America (and a few overseas!).

How do I play? 1. The Field, Throwing Area, and Trig

The Highland games is very simple in terms of where it can be done. All you need is a flat field, with enough distance to safely throw your implements: the Stones, the Weights over Distance and the hammers (they will be covered in depth later).

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Iron Thistle Highland Games, OK, March 25-27,2011

This weeekend there is a Games that is going on at our neighbors just to the north of Texas.

The Iron Thistle event is taking place this weekend in Yukon, OK. I know a couple of the TX ladies are headed up that way to participate! Good Luck to all and enjoy the fun and festivities!

For more information, click HERE


Monday, March 21, 2011

San Antonio Highland Games, April 2-3, 2011

Hello Scottish Games fans (and soon to be fans).

The next 2011 summer games that is coming up in Texas is in the lovely San Antonio in 2 weeks.

Link here http://www.sahga.org/

This 12th annual festival will be the host to a myriad of activities including traditional Scottish heavy athletics, Celtic dance and music performances, a solo bagpiping competition, geneology information in the Clan Village, children's activities in the Kid's Glen, Living History activities and seminars, parade of Scottish dogs, and sheep herding trials.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Welcome!

Welcome to the beginnings of our adventure! Thanks for joining us. Now, how to introduce you to our strange sport of choice?

First things first;  What is Highland Games? The simplest explanation I have tripped across to date is that they are field events with considerably more weight. My experience has been they are a joy. The events are feats of strength and skill that require you to never take yourself too seriously.  The community of throwers are a welcoming, warm, and ever ready to help you become your best.

The iconic events most commonly seen are Caber, Sheaf, Braemar Stone, Open Stone, Light and Heavy Weights for Distance, Light and Heavy Hammers and Weight Over Bar. These align loosely with shot put, discus and Olympic hammer style throwing. Caber and Sheaf are truly unique events. While the origins of these events are heavily debated, they are always a crowd pleaser, garnering rowdy appreciation from fans.

Now, folks, what questions do you have for us? What topics do you want to have us explore for you? What resources do you need to join in the fun?

Wiki Defines Highland Games