Region 5-USA Gymnastics | The Gymnastics Coach

As camp director of the 2010 Region 5 Hi-Tech Gymnastics Training Camp, I had a good chance to evaluate this year’s core of talent in Region 5. Hi Tech camp is one of 4 Regional Training camps geared towards gymnastics coaches education on advancing the skill levels of our top athletes. It is reserved for Elite and Level 10 National Qualifiers and assumes that gymnastics coaches have been drilling the basics at home… so in other words gymnastics SKILLS ARE FLYING LEFT AND RIGHT.

This year’s camp was hosted at University of Michigan’s paradise facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Approximately 70 of the region’s top J.O and Elite athletes were in attendance which makes for a great college recruiting ground for some of the top college gymnastics coaches. Many of the nation’s top collegiate programs were represented (Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Florida, Utah State, Kentucky, Central Michigan, Ball State, and Western Michigan to name a few.)

Having lost it’s first overall national title in 7 years, Region 5 has set it’s sights on regaining that title. Last year a very strong region 3 team earned the respect of the nation and earned the right to be called the best J.O. Region in the nation. This seems to be a strong source of motivations for Region 5, a region that has set the standard for quality gymnastics for the past 20 years.

Judging by the talent on hand at this gymnastics training camp, Region 5 will have a strong team representing in Long Beach this coming May. There is much work to do however. Talent is one thing but fine tuning it and maximizing the potential is the key. I would have to say that the skill/difficulty level is quite impressive BUT the execution (AS ALWAYS) really needs to be addressed. There are far too many alignment, amplitude and execution errors that need to be fixed if Region 5 plans to regain the national title in USA Gymnastics. FAR TOO MANY! This of course was the message driven home for the attending coaches and judges.

The camp featured an outstanding cast of gymnastics clinicians, each doing their best to educate the athletes and coaches as to the techniques and standard of execution necessary for success. The athletes seemed to be receptive, so hopefully they will take the lessons learned and apply them on a daily basis back at the home gym.

UNFORGETTABLE

Few experiences have the ability to leave you completely amazed. Few opportunities can etch the memory banks with the unforgettable. The 2010 Region 5 All Star Team trip was both amazing and unforgettable. If I don’t speak for the entire Region 5 All Star Team Delegation I would have to say that those that stand alone simply missed the message.

This years international event took us to Ljubljana, Slovenia for a good will exchange that included training and assisting this developing gymnastics nation with advancing their gymnastics programs. Our time there could not have been better. Our host club went above and beyond in providing us with the best possible picture of their beautiful country and culture. The training went well in what was one of the better training facilities we have seen in recent years of international travel, but the social, cultural, educational events will hopefully be what has created the most treasured memories. From cave exploring (beyond description) to castles, to exploring the sites of a city older than our country, to breath taking, picturesque lakes, mountains and rivers …. Slovenia had it all.

Our time with our new friends was short (head coach Ricard, introduced us to many wonderful and helpful assistants) but meaningful. We hope to repay their hospitality when they visit the states in the future.

As an added bonus, the itinerary included a 2 day visit to Venice, Italy. This was nothing more than the ultimate reward for the coaches and athletes. Venice is mesmerizing with it’s glowing historic beauty. The uniqueness of this water world is something that had to impress even the unimpressionable. It can only repeat … amazingly … and unforgettable!

Opportunities such as these are a Region 5 trade mark. We have done them for now going on 20 years. We simply do “good things for kids”. Our region has to be so proud of the fact that through a common bond and related efforts we can make fantasy experiences become a reality. Yes some of our delegation may indeed have the time and resources to travel to the worlds most desired locals, but many more will never. Our region provides those kinds of opportunities and for this I know one group of 12 deserving, talented and gracious young ladies who are extremely grateful. Thank you region 5! Thank you to the board who authorizes the fund support, thank you to the membership that supports the regional efforts so that the funds are available each year. This is truly a remarkable region!

Then there is the monstrous task of organizing the details involved with an event of this magnitude. Without a doubt, no stone is left unturned when it comes to detailed organization when Kristin Moore takes control. From setting up the email correspondences and updates, designing and ordering apparel, researching and booking airline tickets, to researching and securing convenient lodging arrangements in multiple locations, everything ran as smooth as silk thanks to Kristin’s knack for details. THANK YOU KRISTIN!

Then of course the success of every trip or should I say the enjoyment factor of every trip certainly depends on the attitudes and dispositions of those actually participating. I have to say that once again Region 5 came through like champs. The athletes were eager to meet new friends, try new things, and just experience the experience. It is not always easy to get American youth to jump outside of their comfort zones. This group loved the idea! Thanks to Sammy Kolbas, Tenielle Funches, and Colleen Mulcahy from Arena, Grace Williams, Erin Freier and Anna Hill from Twistars USA, Mandy Klun from IGI, Jessica Morreale from Energym, Keely Kmeiciak from Phenom, Kait Kluz from Oakland, Amanda Wellick from Legacy Elite and Alyssa Shermantaro from Olympia for being such a well behaved, energetic and cooperative group. Thanks also to the coaches (Dan Miller, Todd Gardiner, Lori Koch, Ruth Miller, Marco Bravo, Andy Morreale, Yuejui Li) and Chaperons (Michelle Hill and Anna Li), and attending parents (Tony and Terry Klun, Kim Morreale and Cyndi Tucker) for the teamwork and camaraderie on this trip. It truly was a special week.

UNTIL NEXT YEAR

Respectfully submitted,

John Geddert

Region 5 JOPCC

Category Archives: Region 5-USA Gymnastics

Region 5 USA Gymnastics Hi-Tech Camp

2010 Region 5 Allstar Team Trip Wrap Up (Slovenia & Italy)