Two Minutes

Top twirler

It took only 30 seconds for ISU's Emily Bright to grab top twirling honors in collegiate field performance at the 2008 Baton Nationals this summer. The Cyclone baton twirler dazzled judges with her coordination, fluidity and gracefulness, surpassing 28 other college competitors.

4-year-old phenom: Bright started twirling at the tender age of four and continues to practice about two hours each day. She admits it requires intense dedication to be a champion.

"You have to have that drive to be the best, the drive to work hard and achieve your goals."

Feeding off the fans: But you can't have stage fright! Bright, who is featured in half-time shows at ISU football games, performs complex, vibrant routines with the marching band in front of 50,000 fans. In fact, she says, the more fans, the more she sparkles.

"Being able to go out there during pre-game and halftime and putting on a performance for the crowd is fantastic. It's what I love to do."

The best part? "Twirling itself is the best part. I've wanted to be a college twirler for as long as I can remember. So having my dream come true is wonderful."

--Teddi Barron