Shirlee Bertolini became the University of Arizona's first featured baton twirler in 1954 and has been with the UA ever since, coaching twirlers. She is retiring from the UA and will be celebrated at the homecoming game Oct. 27.
Shirlee Bertolini
Shirlee Bertolini struts her stuff in the University of Arizona cactus garden in 1954. (Photo courtesy of Shirlee Bertolini)
Shirlee Bertolini
Shirlee Bertolini with Bill Lester in 1954. (Photo courtesy of Shirlee Bertolini)
Shirlee Bertolini
Shirlee Bertolini jumps with Bill Lester and Ken Teel in a 1950's photo (Photo courtesy of Shirlee Bertolini)
Shirlee Bertolini
Shirlee Bertolini twirling fire in Native American costume 1955. (Photo courtesy of Shirlee Bertolini)
Shirlee Bertolini
Shirlee Bertolini, the first female twirler at the University of Arizona and twirling coach at UA since 1954, wipes a tear during a halftime homecoming ceremony in her honor during the Arizona vs Oregon State football game on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004. Bertolini also received the baton from retired band director Jack Lee. She donates all of her salary a twirler scholarship fund in her name. (Jim Davis, Arizona Daily Star)
Shirlee Bertolini
Shirlee Bertolini twirles a flaming baton during a UA twirler practice on October 20, 2004 in Tucson, Arizona. Bertolini was the first recruited twirler at the UA in 1954, and she has been there ever since as the twirling coach.
Shirlee Bertolini
Shirlee Bertolini reaches toward a flaming baton, held by Alison Milco during a UA twirler practice on October 20, 2004 in Tucson, Arizona. Bertolini was the first recruited twirler at the UA in 1954, and she has been there ever since as the twirling coach.
Shirlee Bertolini
Shirlee Bertolini watches batons fly in the air during a UA twirler practice on October 20, 2004 in Tucson, Arizona. Bertolini was the first recruited twirler at the UA in 1954, and she has been there ever since as the twirling coach.
Shirlee Bertolini
Shirlee Bertolini talks to the twirling team right after a UA twirler practice on October 20, 2004 in Tucson, Arizona. Bertolini was the first recruited twirler at the UA in 1954, and she has been there ever since as the twirling coach.
A national twirling champion, Bertollini coached at the University of Arizona for 60 years.
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