Event

Stomp Wars Return to Metroplex at UTA

I Messenger

Published

April 7, 2022

Rock-T Offers Hundreds of Tickets for Annual Competition

By Cheryl Smith

As hundreds of participants gather on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington to participate in the 15th annual Stomp Wars, founder and creator Rocky “Rock-T” Turner will take to the stage for the first time since COVID-19 altered plans for the popular event for the past two years.

Stomp Wars, a national step competition pitting step teams against one another, was started by the former major league baseball star to inspire youth and young adults to STOMP down the negative barriers and to look to the future with a positive mindset.

Many became familiar with the form of stepping and dancing, along with acrobatic moves that are referred to as “Stomping,” from movies like “Stomp the Yard” or “DrumLine.”

Popular with sororities and fraternities, stomping is a definite crowdpleaser and has also been attributed to African dance and military-style regimens.

For this year’s event, the former outfielder for the New York Mets who went from fielding fly balls to being part of another winning team as sports editor on the nationally syndicated radio show, the Rickey Smiley Morning Show has some surprises.

Turner was excited to announce a ticket giveaway for this year’s event.

“Because of generous support, we have 500 tickets that are available for youth groups, organizations, churches and programs,” said Turner, as he provided details for securing the tickets. “All we ask is that once confirmed, make sure there is someone in the seat.”

All ticket requests should be made to stompwarsinfo@gmail.com and include the number of tickets you are requesting.

Dubbed the Ambassador of Success for Teens, Turner is Founder of The Rock-T Youth Foundation, which Powers STOMP WARS, “the Nation’s #1 rated Youth Step Competition and Teen Summit.”

Wearing the ROCKTEEN shirt is not taken lightly. Turner is pouring love, and for many youth, much-needed guidance and attention.

“This is an opportunity to showcase our talented youth,” Turner explained, adding that there’s also information showcasing the event and other programming at www.StompWars.com.

And he’s doing much more.

In addition to the Annual HOOPS FOR HOPE Youth Basketball Tournament, Turner visits schools and colleges across the country spreading a positive and affirming message about life and preparing for college or a career.

“We’re excited about our 15th year and that we have impacted thousands of students,” he said. “We’re glad to be back live on the stage and we appreciate the support we’re receiving from corporations, our HBCU alumni and the communities.”

Also seen on DISH Nation, Turner worked at KKDA-K104FM for six years and fondly remembers those years as well as his time with the Mets.

“It was an amazing experience,” he said of his time with the Mets. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

He was drafted by the New York Mets in the 32nd round of the 1994 MLB June Amateur Draft from University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, TX).

And today things are equally as amazing as he impacts the lives of so many young people.

Costumes, uniforms and pageantry. It’s all there for the crowd of more than 6,000 who are expected for the showdown on Saturday at 5:30p.m.

In the beginning it was more of a challenge to fill the seats, remembers Turner who said many told him that STOMP WARS was not going to work.

But he stayed with his vision because he said step teams teach “togetherness, teamwork and discipline… everything you need to be successful in life.”

Then too, he hears from the youth and their parents. He see the determination and smiles on their faces, whether they are victorious or not.

“We’re changing our kids lives,” he explained. ”We are pouring love into these kids.

“I get emotional. I turn into a kid all over again!”