RESOUNDING SUCCESS: Local baton-twirling group earns multiple national titles

The National Baton Twirling Championships were held at Notre Dame University in mid July and Phillips Fancy Footwork (Marshalettes) -- based in South Williamsport -- took home many first-place wins.

The team took home first place in the beginners youth dance twirl category and first in the beginners primary large twirl category.

Individual wins included Avery Soltesz of Warrior Run, who qualified to compete in rhythmic twirl as part of Team USA this upcoming March in Italy. Jetta Martz, 10, of South Williamsport took first in the 10-year-old intermediate strut division. Savannah King, 9, of Lock Haven, took first in the novice solo division and her sister Zoey, 6, took first in the novice 2 baton division. Harper Marr, 8, of Jersey Shore took first in the novice solo division. Madyso Owens, 14, of South Williamsport finished second in the intermeditae solo division and strut division. Leslie Eshleman, 15, of South Williamsport took second in the beginners solo division. Kailin Banzhof, 18, of South Williamsport also took second place in the beginners solo division.

Other members of the team included Anabelle Bender, 14, of Hughesville; Bentley McNett, 15, of Warrior Run; Kaylee Banzhof, 12, of South Williamsport; Kylie Webster, 13, of Montgomery; Hayden Bender, 1, of Hughesville; Aynslee Bardo, 12, of Jersey Shore; Riley Robbins, 10, of Warrior Run; Audrey King, 4, of Lock Haven; Julia Howe, 7, of Jersey Shore; Emilee Sauers, 8, of Loyalsock; Aurora Paucke, 6, of Jersey Shore; Jocelin Lurch, 7, of Lock Haven; and Ellison Hill, 9, of Jersey Shore.

All members of the team ended with top-10 placements in various of the national event's divisions.