Anyone who believes a twirler simply stands there and looks pretty hasn’t watched Meredith Sigler, 22, perform. The University of Oklahoma baton twirler knows too well the countless hours, pain, practice and stamina required for collegiate twirling; she just wishes everyone else did.
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“People have these stereotypes of twirlers as just holding a baton and not doing too much,” she said.
With six national championships and two world championships under her belt, Sigler continues disproving these stereotypes.
Under the guidance of her mother, Sigler began her career as a baton twirler early.
“My mom twirled and taught classes at a dance studio, so I took her class and liked it right away,” she said. Her sister also twirled as a child, and although she later opted to participate in other sports, her initial involvement inspired Sigler.
National champion at age 7
Her competitive spirit brought Sigler to her first national championship at age 7, and she continued moving up in rank annually.
“I remember the first time I was in ‘advanced,’ I felt in over my head because I went to the national championship with so many outstanding people,” Sigler said. “But that’s a good feeling; you want to work toward that goal.”
In the eighth grade, while many young girls were dreaming of high school and boys, she won her first world championship in England. A second world championship followed in France. To qualify for a spot in the world championships, Sigler had to rank in the top three at the national level.
Her enthusiasm for twirling and dancing continued throughout high school, preparing her with the drive necessary to perform in college.
Sigler first experienced the intensity of an OU football game as a spectator when she was a junior in high school, but she says being the center of attention for 85,000 people is a different story.
“I still get chills thinking about that first game I performed at,” she said. “It’s like the greatest feeling in the world; you can’t even put it into words.”
Sigler has now twirled for the Sooners for more than three years but hasn’t lost her motivation for consistent improvement.
Lauren Hop, 21, Sigler’s close friend and former roommate, can attest to her exhausting practice schedule.
“She would wake up early, at 7 a.m., to go to the Huston Huffman Recreation Center and practice at least four times a week by herself.” Even while suffering asthma and multiple injuries, Sigler maintained the schedule without complaint, she said.
Showing dedication and strength
“I think dealing with her asthma while she’s twirling shows a lot of dedication and strength,” Hop said. “Also, she used to always come home with some kind of injury, but she still kept practicing through everything.”
Although OU football fans have the greatest opportunity to see the baton twirling performances, Sigler performs at a basketball game at least once a year.
“I really like the basketball games; the fans are closer and the smoother surface allows me to do harder things,” she said. “It’s different from football because they can actually see what I’m doing, and see a different side of my twirling.”
While entertaining sports fans, she also is working toward her goal of a third world championship before graduating from OU next fall.
Later on, she hopes to judge twirling competitions and teach summer training camps.
Although Sigler knows twirling isn’t for everyone, she said she would recommend it and support those interested in it.
“I definitely think it’s worth the time commitments, just because I’ve learned so much through it and had so many experiences.”
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