Cecilia Cruz McLean passed away on September 24, after a 2 year bout with breast cancer. I was saddened to hear this news of losing Cecilia much too soon. I was ironically visiting a long time baton twirling friend, Shanon Barker in Oregon, and we received the news in an email.

Cecilia Cruz McLean (pictured on the right)

Cecilia was a performer I looked up to and was influenced by, while competing in the 1960′s and 1970′s. I particularly remember her championship strut performances and was inspired. Her twirling style was elegant and strong, full of athleticism much before baton twirlers were referred to as athletes. We were extremely proud of her here in California, as she won title after title at the state level, as well as nationally.

Cecilia coached many elite baton twirling athletes. She guided “The Cruzers” to their winning performance as the first World Team Champions, and also coached the Italian National Team. Cecilia was a board member for the USTA (United States Twirling Association) in the 1990′s. She was known and respected on the state, national, and international baton twirling circuits. Her daughter, Marissa McLean, is also a twirling champion and former World Team athlete.

Cecilia and her brother, Michael Cruz, were both champion competitors and were coached by Jerry Alvarez. The quality of their skills and performances set the bar high for the sport of baton twirling. I was also part of a “baton twirling family” with a sister who competed and a mother who coached and judged. I remember “The Cruzes”, Cecilia, Michael, and their mother in the gym at innumerable baton competitions in years past.

Our thoughts go out to all of Cecilia’s family.

You’ll find a short tribute to Cecilia written by her brother, Michael, at the WBTF (World Baton Twirling Federation) site.