For more than 60 years, Westminster, Colo. resident and longtime USTA Professional member Cheryl Osborn has been helping children have fun and build their self-confidence through the sport of baton twirling. On Feb. 13, the Westminster City Council honored Osborn for spending 25 of those years as a baton twirling coach with the City of Westminster Department of Parks, Recreation, and Libraries.
In addition to coaching, Osborn has served as president and awards chairman of the Colorado Baton Council. Inside Loop recently talked with Osborn about why she's been involved in the sport for most of her life as a dedicated coach and volunteer.
Inside Loop: Why do you believe baton twirling is such a good activity for kids?
Osborn: Baton twirling is my passion. I started twirling when I was about 10 years old and started coaching about five years later. I was bashful, and it was good for me. It gave me the confidence to get up in front of people and perform. I see that same shyness in some of our students, but they learn that they can get out there and twirl their baton. They develop confidence doing something they love and enjoy. They also get the benefit of learning hand-eye coordination, developing flexibility and physical fitness, and learning how to work with others. They develop confidence that they can carry into other areas of their lives, including school and the workplace. It's so rewarding to see them succeed, in part because of what they learned through twirling.
Inside Loop: What has kept you involved in twirling all these years?
Osborn: The people! We have been blessed with great kids and great parents. They have become our baton family. Twirling has also been a big part of my own family. My late husband Harold built a studio in our garage, complete with mirrors and a balance beam. My sons, Iver and Harold, have done everything from carry banners in parades to help me build trophies. My daughter, Anna, and my granddaughter, Ashley, are both twirlers. I've enjoyed traveling with them to competitions and watching them perform (Anna twirled at the University of Northern Colorado and for the Denver Broncos, and Ashley was the feature twirler at the University of Texas). Today I enjoy coaching with them and with other former students who are now coaches.
Inside Loop: What are three things the twirling world doesn't know about you?
Osborn:
- I once twirled rubber chickens at a class reunion!
- I collect donated trophies, take them apart, and rebuild them for the Colorado Baton Council. My family estimates that I have probably built more than 6,000 new trophies from old parts!
- I'm Norwegian and I hope to visit Norway someday!