Savannah – The nation’s best baton twirlers thrilled the crowd and impressed the judges during the 2010 U.S. National Baton Twirling Championships, held July 12-17, at the Savannah Civic Center in Savannah, Georgia. Nearly 800 athletes from 24 states and Washington, D.C. vied for national titles in individual, pairs and group events during the competition, which was sponsored by the United States Twirling Association (USTA).

One of the highlights of the competition was the Adult Women’s Solo Finals, featuring three icons of the sport; Jenny Hannah, Karrissa Wimberley and Jennifer Marcus.  Each gave a nearly-flawless performance, which had the crowd on its feet.

“These are three of the best twirlers in the history of our sport,” said USTA President Diana Loomis.  “It was electric to watch each of them demonstrate the amazing athleticism and exquisite artistry that has made them champions.” 

Wimberley won the titles of Adult Women’s Solo, 2-Baton and Dance Twirl Grand Champion.  Hannah was named Adult Strut Grand Champion and Marcus won the Adult 3-Baton Grand Champion title, earning two perfect scores of 10 during her “no drop” 3-Baton performance.

The other 2010 Grand Champions are:
Juvenile Solo – Lexi Duda, MD  
Juvenile Strut – Hannah McCabe, CA
Juvenile Dance Twirl – Trina Catterson, NY
Juvenile 2-Baton – Lexi Duda, MD
Juvenile 3-Baton – Kelcie Bogardus, NY
Junior Solo – Cecilia Daizovi, IN
Junior Strut – Cecilia Daizovi, IN
Junior Dance Twirl – Toni Cox, NY
Junior 2-Baton – Kurtis Hubbell, CA
Junior 3-Baton – Kurtis Hubbell, CA
Senior Solo – Danielle Cobb, VA 
Senior Strut – Torri Cicchirillo, FL
Senior Dance Twirl – Danielle Cobb, VA
Senior 2-Baton – Danielle Cobb, VA
Senior 3-Baton – Danielle Cobb, VA
Juvenile Men’s Solo – Dallas Myers, OH
Junior Men’s Solo – Curt Burrows, FL
Senior Men’s Solo – Jack Giordano, NY
Adult Men’s Solo – Jason Lee, Washington, DC

Athletes also competed in the U.S. PreTrials, an event that helps prepare athletes for the rigors of the U.S. Trials; the International Cup Qualifier, where athletes earned the right to represent the U.S. in the 2011 International Cup Competition, to be held in Jacksonville, Florida in August 2011; and the Festival of the Future, a national competition for beginner and intermediate athletes.  For complete results and more information about the sport of baton twirling, visit www.ustwirling.com.

Press Release and photos provided by USTA