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Sandi Wiemers, USA
Baton twirling has been a part of my life since I was 3 years old. I thought it was a most fascinating object just watching it spin around and fly into the air. My first baton had a nickel plated shaft and wooden ends because the supply of rubber and steel had been depleted during World War II.
I started teaching kids in the neighborhood how to twirl when I was 13 and from there on I continued to teach large numbers of students until retiring from coaching in 1997.
I grew up in the era when there were very few competitive sport programs for women. Then in the 60’s ice skating and gymnastics began to grow into popular sports for women. I always felt that baton twirling deserved the same attention and respect. In the 80’s women’s sports exploded in every sport you could name, and participation grew by leaps and bounds. Unfortunately, baton twirling was still just viewed as entertainment for parades, shows and men’s sporting events like football and basketball.
It was then, my goal became to help elevate baton twirling to the same level of status and respect as other sports. I’ve watched decades of talented individuals, both athletes and coaches, pour their heart and soul into creating this beautiful sport. Yes, a SPORT that requires as much athletic ability, endurance, and training as any other sport. In fact, more of everything mentioned than many other sports.
That is still my goal, and I will continue to strive for that goal for as long as I am physically and mentally capable of contributing to the betterment of baton twirling.
Vocation:
• 12 year career in the Awards and Silkscreen industry as business owner.
• 30 year career as a Global Accounts Manager for HelmsBriscoe as a Meeting Planner involved in developing and establishing corporate relationships with Convention & Visitors Bureaus and Sports Commissions to engage them as preferred partners in various sporting events. Established relationships for associations, corporations, and any type of group entities in site selection processes for venues and hotel needs.
Advocation:
• 50 year career coaching baton twirling, now retired. Achieved the development of federations in Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia.
• 50 year career judging baton twirling competitions/ Certified Master Judge/Clinician, now retired. Designed and compiled all available information for the first WBTF Judges Manual and assisted in the development of certification programs for judges and evaluators.
• 20 year member U.S. Twirling Association Board of Directors; 12 years as President, retired 2008. Honored to be inducted into the USTA Hall of Fame in 2013.
C.E.O of the 17th World Baton Twirling Championships hosted by the USA in Honolulu, HI in 1997; C.E.O. of the 20th World Baton Twirling Championships hosted by the USA in Daytona Beach in 1999; C.E.O. of the 25th World Baton Twirling Championships hosted by the USA in St. Paul, MN in 2005.
• 35 year member World Baton Twirling Federation: 8 years WBTF Judges Committee; 29 years WBTF Board; 10 years as Vice President; 16 years as President; Achieved the development and implementation of a new competition format for the WBTF in 2005, called the International Cup held biennially around the world until 2019. Designed the layout and achieved the development of a comprehensive excel tabulation program for baton twirling competitions still in use today. Very humbled to be inducted as a WBTF Honoaray Member in 2022.
• 12 year member on managing committee in the formation of the International Baton Twirling Federation.