Baton Twirlers

What comes to mind when you think of baton twirling? Possibly you think of a young girl marching in a parade. It's time to throw out that old stereotype and check out a group of local young women who have taken baton twirling to a whole new level. By combining gymnastics with dance and ballet, these fearless females have twirled their way to a gold medal at the 2002 World Baton Championships. This is the first time a gold medal has been awarded to a U.S. team since 1993.

Jennifer Fischer features five of the nine champions who make up the Encore Baton Twirlers. Coach Machelle Steihl is at the head of this talented group. Like many of the women she trains, Coach Steihl started her twirling career in a Parks and Recreation program. Ranging in age from 15 to 22 years old, these gals are the highest-level baton twirlers in the country. Competing at this level doesn't come easy; all team members must juggle their school studies with hours of weekly practice. And when it comes to a national or world competition their training rivals that of any Olympic athlete.

For more information visit www.ustwirling.com.