Just like their proud parents, BTNI is in awe of the young athletes who we learned so much more about at camp besides how well they twirl their batons! Junior Women’s Silver Medalist Cassie Zilavy, Bronze Medalist Kristin Zuech and Alternate Catherine Ramirez, Junior Men’s Gold Medalist and Junior Pair’s Gold Medalists Cassie Zilavy and Kristin Zuech are off to Hamilton, Canada in search of gold. We are so honored to have been able to watch these young athletes grow in age as well as success.


We will in the next few months be spotlighting these athletes and their coaches as well as camp alumni that have made the USA International Cup Team. Please follow their travels to the World Championships. Let’s all become their personal fan club.

CASSIE ZILAVY, 2007 Junior Women’s Silver Medalist
When I think about obtaining a position on the World Team the last 2 years, I think about the people that helped me get there. You have to want it for yourself and work hard, but you also must take all the help you

can get from as many people willing to give it.

Going to the BTNI camp gave me the opportunity to work with some of the best coaches in the sport. I took away new tricks, styles and skills. As a camper I made new friends and developed bonds with twirlers that are my competitors. One word describes the last week in August for several years as a camper at BTNI summer camp FUN.

If it’s the memories that we will all take from the sport – Camp gave me some of the best!!!! Thank You Karen and David
 

KRISTIN ZUECH, 2007 Junior Women’s Bronze Medalist
Kristin’s mom Sue gave us some of her feelings about Kristin’s experiences; My thoughts on world team.... what a wonderful experience for twirlers to meet twirlers from other countries. The powerful bond that is formed with your country’s teammates is one that lasts forever. It's an honor to represent your Country and you hope that you can make them proud of you.

As for BTNI’s Summer Camp; Kristin’s camp experiences the most fun my child has had!!! She talks about it for weeks after she gets home. Camp is fun, while working hard and learning new material and living for a week among other twirlers and developing new lifetime friendships.

Kristin looks forward to one day being able to work as a counselor!