HAMPDEN – Twenty of the best twirlers from South Paris to Bangor are preparing for their biggest meet of the year, and some of the hardest competition they have faced.
“It’s a different standard that we don’t really know because we haven’t competed in as many world qualifying events, but it’s more motivation to say we’re competing with the best teams from across the country, we’re competing with the teams that represent team USA,” said Mollie Berglund.
Thanks to changes in the National Baton Twirling Association’s yearly schedule, this year’s Grand National Baton Twirling Championships will serve as the qualifier for worlds. “It’s actually really cool to be there on a worlds year because everybody is bringing their a game, so not only do we get to compete with the best of the best, we get to learn from the best,” said coach Andrea Fletcher.
Their senior group will compete in three team events across a week of competition, multiple individuals will compete solo, but regardless of the event, margins for victory are incredibly tight.
“It doesn’t seem like a lot but if one team has three drops and you have four drops that can be the break, you can either win or get second, a four drop versus a two drop can make a big difference in the long run,” said Megan McCormick.
Winning or placing is always the goal for the Main-e-Acts, but beyond winning going to nationals open the girls eyes to new skill levels and sets their expectations that much higher, “for many trips we’ve taken it’s been to expose the kids to what they could do and have them higher goals and to learn…”
They’ll look to follow up their 2017 success later starting July 23 at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.
