By Greg Sullivan
Sports Editor

Baton twirling is coming to Morgan County. Yes, baton twirling.
University of Georgia two-time national championship winning Majorettes coach and former feature twirler for UGA, Candy Byrd, is coming to the Morgan County Parks and Recreation Department's Denon facility to teach classes on twirling starting on March 17.
"She called me up and said she'd be interested in doing twirling classes and I jumped at the chance [to have her come down]," said Recreation Department Program Director Andy Dunston. "[Byrd] wants to get into teaching in areas surrounding UGA."
Dunston said he's hoping the twirling program has success and thinks it has a good chance of being a regular offering for the department.
"We'll have to gauge the interest, but I hope so," he said.
Byrd is enthusiastic about introducing her great interest to local kids.
"I decided to contact Morgan County because I knew that there wasn't a baton teacher in this area and I'm passionate about continuing to teach the art of baton twirling," said Byrd. "I also knew that the Parks and Recreation programs are very good here and Andy was excited to talk with me about the potential of a twirling program for the kids."
Byrd said she started twirling when she was two years old and when she began following her mother around as she taught high school majorette lines. She competed until she was 20, and she picked up various championships along the way, including national titles.
After receiving a feature twirler scholarship from UGA she performed with the Redcoat Band at Georgia football games, was captain of the UGA basketball dance team and taught twirling lessons.
"I was thrilled when I was offered the opportunity to work for my Georgia Bulldogs and five years ago became the UGA Redcoat Band Auxiliary Coordinator, where I am responsible for the appearance and overall performance of the Majorettes, the Georgettes Danceline, flagline and feature twirler," Byrd said. "I love encouraging young people and helping them to achieve the goals and dreams they have."
Classes start March 17 and will meet Mondays and Thursdays for four weeks. Two four week sessions will be offered. There will be a performance for family and friends during the last week's class.
Attire for the class is comfortable clothing, excluding skirts and dresses, and tennis shoes. Class times for kindergarten through third grade are 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Fourth to eighth grade students meet from 4:45-5:45 p.m. Additional classes will be added as needed and older students may also inquire about applying.
To register visit the Morgan County Parks and Recreation Department on College Drive Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
Fee:    $65 Mondays only, $75 Monday and Thursday (there is a one time $25 fee for a baton and t-shirt.)
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 14, 2008.