LAKE VILLA – Lake Villa resident Troy Kraly received his first baton from his sister when he was four.

Ten years later, the Lakes Community High School freshman has placed fourth and fifth at a recent international baton twirling championship sponsored by the World Federation of National Baton Twirling Associations. Seventeen countries participated.

The 14-year-old placed fourth in the Solo competition of the Junior Men Division and placed fifth in the Junior Men’s Rhythmic Twirl Solo competition. The event was held April 1-5 near Venice, Italy.

“I started baton twirling by watching my sister perform,” said Troy Kraly, referring to his sister Tess Kraly, an 18-year-old senior at Antioch Community High School. “I loved going to competitions and just being in awe of performances.”

Teresa Kraly, Troy’s mother, said by age seven, her son was competing. At 11-years-old, he placed fifth in the solo event at an international competition in Switzerland. Kraly said her son’s dedication is phenomenal and called his progress amazing. She added he practices in the commons of the high school regularly.

“He was so driven by what he saw at worlds,” Teresa Kraly said. “He came home and was so motivated.”

Troy Kraly said baton twirling has served as a source of stress relief for him, but it's hard work. He spends at least 45 minutes to an hour practicing after school every day, plus he practices with his team, the Razzle Dazzles Baton Team and Corps in Zion. He is also involved in Color Guard and Winter Guard at his high school.

“I just love how I can learn new stuff and move forward,” Troy Kraly said.

During practice, he runs through his routines and focuses on the individual tricks he may be having a hard time with. Since twirling involves his entire body, it can get quite tiring, but much of the routines rely on muscle memory.

“Competing is probably one of the most nerve wracking things I’ve ever done,” Troy Kraly said.

His mother agrees. “It’s very intense,” she said. “For me, it’s like my heart was on the floor with him.”

Although it requires strict dedication, Troy Kraly loves the sport. He’s fondly known as “Baton Boy” at school and he even performs during the pre-shows of the school’s football games. He also competes in at least five competitions every year, though worlds is one he always looks forward to.

“This was a great achievement for me,” he said, referring to the recent competition wins.

Troy Kraly said he placed against the best performers from all over the world, adding "you just have to go out there and perform and show the judges what you’ve got."

The talented teen is aiming to compete in the 2018 Worlds Competition in Norway. To get there, he’ll need to place in the top three in his age group at nationals, competing in the Senior Men’s 16+ Division.

Troy Kraly also hopes to earn a baton twirling scholarship to a Big Ten school, where he’ll perform at sporting and other public events.

“I’ll just keep practicing and having focus and dedication,” he said.