Antioch boy to represent U.S.

ANTIOCH – When Troy Kraly turned 4, he received his first baton as a gift from his sister, Tess.

Seven years later, the 11-year-old Antioch baton twirler has been selected as one of three to represent the U.S. in April 2012 as part of the Junior Men’s Twirling Team at the World’s Championship for twirling in Switzerland.

Troy’s talent first became apparent when he began to do tricks beyond his level of training, his mom, Teresa, said.

“He was quickly picking up skills,” Teresa said, adding that Troy practiced tricks while his older sister, also a baton twirler, was competing.

“He would see Tess and see her compete,” she said. “[At Nationals] there’s a big practice area. He would take the baton and practice just to entertain himself.”

The sixth grader at St. Patrick School in Wadsworth won first place as a soloist in the Boys Solo Nationals for those ages 10 to 12 in the National Baton Twirling Competition this past July, and placed second among ages 7 to 15 to qualify him for the USA Junior Men’s Team to go to the World’s Championship.

In the two-baton category, Troy came in third place at the national level.

Troy has also been a member of the Razzle Dazzles – one of the nation’s premiere baton-twirling teams based in Zion –  since he was 7 years old.

This past summer, he and his team competed in Juvenile Corps and received first place; Junior High Halftime Team and received fourth place; Juvenile Halftime Team and received fourth place; and Twirling Team and received first place.

"When he first joined baton I didn't think he would be better than me," said Tess, a freshman at Antioch Community High School. "But when I saw him do tricks I couldn't even do yet, I was really proud of him."
Troy chose to compete for the opportunity to compete in the World's Championship to push himself and have a new experience, he said.

“I’m trying to make myself better,” Troy said.

While Troy and his sister, mother and father, Todd, all plan on going to the World’s Championship in Switzerland, the family is also accepting donations to help offset travel, competition and stay expenses.

The family will recognize contributors on Troy’s website, and other incentives are available for those who donate, such as having the name of those who contribute $250 or more placed on Troy’s baton bag.

“We’re grateful,” Teresa said. “Troy put his heart and soul into [competing for] World’s.”

Troy said that although he hopes to place in the top three, he is determined to just do his best.

“I just want to push myself,” Troy said.

He also hopes others will see that baton twirling is a sport for all sexes.

“Not only girls can do it,” Troy said. “Boys can do it. Even if you’re not good at first, you can get better if you take lessons.”

To learn more, call 847-840-8471 or visit www.sendtroytoworlds.net.