North, West twirl together to entertain, compete, create

photo by Amelia Parker

While many in attendance think the action on the gridiron is all that matters during a football game, halftime also consists of the dance team, student races, and the occasional Oshkosh Twirl Team performance. These performances mean everything to the 14 girls as they represent weeks of practice leading to one night on the field. 

Julie Secker-Anderson, the owner and main teacher at Julie’s Touch of Silver (JTOS), feels twirl both entertains and educates.  

 “Being on twirl is about putting on an amazing performance and show for the fans of both teams and getting recognition for the sport,” she said.

A student-led organization, twirl is not considered a JTOS team. Despite this, all of the costumes, music, and choreography is done by the studio. 

 Junior Addison Renning, the team captain, would be excited for even deeper levels of involvement.

“It would be really fun to collaborate with another studio, but Julie’s Touch of Silver is the only studio that offers baton twirling in the area,” she said. “It would also be really fun to do a combined performance with the pep band or if we had a marching band [at the game].”

Twirlers from JTOS can join the squad regardless of their home high school. This year is also the second that Lourdes Academy has their own twirl team, which results in family, not competition.  

“Being a part of a twirl team means having a community which shares both the interest and love for baton and dance,” said Renning. 

The Oshkosh Twirl Team performs for both North and West football games.

“Twirling and dancing on the field gives me so much excitement because I get to perform for my school and represent my talent and studio in the best way possible, under the Friday night lights,” Renning said. “It also is just the excitement of getting out on the field and to share our sport with the fans of both teams; I also get to smile and have fun with my girls.”

Twirl encompasses a variety of skills ranging from dance to baton to tumbling, necessitating both commitment and teamwork.

“If someone told me that baton was not a sport, this is what I would tell them: baton combines artistry, athleticism, and talent to create something beautiful,” Renning said. “If you don’t believe me, you can try to keep up at our practice.”

The girls will join Team USA at the World Baton Twirling Championships in Italy from March 24-28, 2027. 8-th grader Lydia Malchow said “I am so excited to have this opportunity and I can't wait to share the amazing memories with my friends.”

by Amelia Parker

Published October 5, 2026

Oshkosh West Index Volume 123 Issue 1