University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pittsburgh Golden Girls Win National Championship
8/4/2000 12:00:00 AM | General
Aug. 4, 2000
South Bend, IN - The University of Pittsburgh Golden Girls, a section of the Varsity Marching Band, were named the 2000 Grand National College Half-time Show Team Champions at the 35th American Youth on Parade (AYOP) World Open Championships held on the campus of Notre Dame July 25-29. The event is sanctioned by the National Baton Twirling Association (NBTA) International and is also known as the 'World Series of Twirling.'
"I am very proud of the girls for their hard work and dedication," said Golden Girl Director E. Michael Baldauf. "They represented the University with pride and class."
The Golden Girls captured the back-to-back titles in 1997 and 1998, but took a hiatus from competing during the 1999 season. They regained their title at the competition held on the evening of July 26. University of Florida, Florida Gators, and Nebraska where the top three runners up in their division.
Competitions in this division are routines choreographed for the purpose of entertainment appropriate for performances at school events and other social or civic functions. 'Wild Women Do' was the theme for this year's Golden Girl competition squad and was choreographed by Baldauf.
The University was also represented in the Senior Dance Twirl category. The dance twirl team consisted of four girls out of the original 12. They competed against 33 teams from around the world and captured first in their division.
The championship trophies will be on display in the athletic department and will be re-presented by NBTA officials during halftime ceremonies at a future 2000 Pittsburgh Panther football game. In addition, the routine will be performed at a future Panther basketball game.
Dance Twirl Team Members: Candace White, Louise Kristofic, Lindsey Sammel, Kristi Springer
Halftime Show Team Members: Candace White, Louise Kristofic, Lindsey Sammel, Kristi Springer, Becky Kelly, Lisa Harris, Lisa Johnston, April Pernatozzi, Stefani Pysh, Christina Webb, Trish Springman, Jennifer Kells
