USA Gymnastics Magazine - Summer 2017

USA GYMNASTICS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF

11 SENIOR U.S. TITLES DETERMINED AT THE USA GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

JEFFREY GLUCKSTEIN 2017 USA GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS MEN‘S TRAMPOLINE CHAMPION

OKLAHOMA REIGNS SUPREME IN NCAA GYMNASTICS MEN‘S AND WOMEN‘S JUNIOR OLYMPIC 2017 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS LAURA ZENG 2017 USA GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS RHYTHMIC ALL-AROUND CHAMPION

USA GYMNASTICS STRENGTHENS SAFE SPORT INITIATIVES

NEW SAFE SPORT POLICY EMPOWERS ATHLETES, OTHER MEMBERS

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

USA Gymnastics 130 E. Washington St., Suite 700 Indianapolis, IN 46204 U.S.A. $3.95 • CANADA $5.95 SUMMER 2017 • VOLUME 47, #3

...AND MORE!

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USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017 

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SUMMER 2017

USA GYMNASTICS Publisher Paul Parilla

Editor Scott Bregman Graphic Designer Jeannie Shaw

USA GYMNASTICS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Paul Parilla Vice-Chair/ Secretary: Jay Binder Treasurer: Bitsy Kelley National Membership – Women: Tom Koll National Membership – Women: Kelli Hill National Membership – Men: Yoichi Tomita National Membership – Men: Mike Burns National Membership – Rhythmic: Natalia Kozitskaya

National Membership – Acrobatic Gymnastics: Carisa Laughon Advisory Council: Kathy Krebs Advisory Council: Casey Koenig Advisory Council: Rome Milan Athlete Director – Women: Terin Humphrey Athlete Director – Men: David Durante Athlete Director – Rhythmic: Ava Gehringer Athlete Director – Trampoline & Tumbling: Austin White Athlete Director – Acrobatic Gymnastics: Dylan Maurer Public Sector: David Benck Public Sector: Bitsy Kelley Public Sector: Kevin Martinez Public Sector: Cathy Rigby McCoy CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: In order to ensure uninterrupted delivery of magazine, notice of change of address should be made eight weeks in advance. For fastest service, please enclose your present mailing label. Direct all subscription mail to USA

FEATURES 12

11 SENIOR U.S. TITLES DETERMINED AT THE

USA GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

OKLAHOMA REIGNS SUPREME IN 32 NCAA GYMNASTICS DEPARTMENTS MAKING CERTAIN YOUR ATHLETE IS THRIVING IN 40 THE GYM AND COACHING ENVIRONMENT EVENTS SCHEDULE 5 2017 MEN‘S JUNIOR OLYMPIC 44 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

6 2017 WOMEN‘S JUNIOR OLYMPIC GYM UPDATE: USA GYMNASTICS STRENGTHENS 46 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

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SAFE SPORT INITIATIVES

Gymnastics, 132 E. Washington St., Ste. 700, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Unless expressly identified to the contrary, all articles, statements and views printed herein are attributed solely to the author and USA Gymnastics

expresses no opinion and assumes no responsibility thereof.

On the cover: Photos by John Cheng

4 USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017 2017 4 USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER

ATHLETE FOCUS: DISAPPOINTMENT FUELS WHITTENBURG’S 2020 QUEST GYM UPDATE: BANNED MEMBERS LIST

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PHOTO BY JOHN CHENG

National Membership – Trampoline & Tumbling: Patti Conner

USA GYMNASTICS is published quarterly for $19.95 per year in the U.S., $32 per year in Canada or Mexico, and $45 per year in all other countries. USA GYMNASTICS is published by USA Gymnastics, 132 E. Washington St., Suite 700 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 237–5050, www.usagym.org. USA Gymnastics is the sole national governing body for the sport of gymnastics. A not-for-profit organization, USA Gymnastics selects, trains and administers the U.S. Gymnastics Team, including the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team. Contributions and support are always welcome and are tax-deductible. ©2017 USA Gymnastics. All rights reserved. Printed by Sport Graphics, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA.

EVENTS SCHEDULE

JULY

July 6 July 7 July 8 July 20–30 July 27–29

7 1 0 2

2017

National Qualifier (W) Huntsville, TX Hopes Classic (W) Huntsville, TX American Classic (W) Huntsville, TX World Games (AG/R/TT) Wroclaw, Poland U.S. Classic/Hopes Championships (W) Hoffman Estates, IL

AUGUST

Aug. 17–20 P&G Gymnastics Championships (M/W) Aug. 30–Sept. 9 World Championships (R)

SEPTEMBER

Sept 16 Sept 17–18

National Gymnastics Day International Junior Japan (W)

Anaheim, CA Pesaro, Italy

OCTOBER

Oct 2–8 13–15

World Championships (M/W) Pan American Championships (AG/R)

NOVEMBER

Nov. 9–12 Nov. 16–19 Nov 28–Dec 2

World Championships (TT) World Age Group Competitions (TT) TOPs A National Team Camp (W)

Sofia, Bulgaria Sofia, Bulgaria Huntsville, TX

DECEMBER

Dec 2–6

TOPs B Team Camp (W)

Huntsville, TX

Everywhere Yokohama, Japan

W = Women, R = Rhythmic, TR = Trampoline, M = Men, GFA = Gymnastics for All, TU = Tumbling, AG = Acrobatic Gymnastics, B = Business, TT = Trampoline/Tumbling

NOTE: Dates and events are subject to change or cancellation.

Montreal, Canada Datona Beach, FL

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

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M E S S A G E M E S S A G E M E S S A G E

CHAIRMAN

T

FROM THE

he summer of 2017 is in full swing, with the conclusion of the USA Gymnastics Championships, the World Games and U.S. Classic, and the P&G Championships on the horizon. The new 2017–18 member season began this August and brings with it a number of changes.

First, USA Gymnastics recently adopted a new Safe Sport Policy, formerly known as the Participant Welfare Policy. Please be sure to read the full story on pages 8 and 9 that provides an overview of the Policy and its Proactive Policies that impact how athletes, coaches and clubs interact on a day-to-day basis. USA Gymnastics is committed to promoting a safe environment for all gymnastics disciplines.

Secondly, USA Gymnastics is changing how members and fans will consume stories, photos and videos of our incredible athletes, events and activities. The ways members and fans access information have changed over the last few years, and USA Gymnastics has worked to evolve how we deliver information and content to the gymnastics community via our website, social media channels, apps and electronic communications, as well as take advantage of emerging digital platforms and technologies to bring real-time gymnastics coverage to the community year-round.

Members and fans can follow their favorite gymnasts both here in the USA and around the world online and/or on TV, as well as enjoy in-depth written stories, videos, helpful information and resources on usagym.org all year long. The myUSAGym app provides live-scoring from grassroots and elite level competitions and news updates.

Over the last six years, coverage of our domestic premier events like the AT&T American Cup, U.S. Classic, USA Gymnastics Championships and P&G Gymnastics Championships, as well as the World Championships, has grown to include live webcasts, podium training coverage, more photo galleries, and the uploading of every competitive routine, along with original stories on the competition and athletes. NBC Sports and its affiliated networks provide live streaming, along with a combination of live and taped TV coverage, of the AT&T American Cup, U.S. Classic and P&G Championships. We’ve also invested in the U.S. television rights for the International Gymnastics Federation’s World Championships and World Cup series, ensuring these events are easily viewed online and on the networks of NBC Sports.

The information online for professional members, athletes and their parents continues to grow at usagym.org and usagymparents.com. USA Gymnastics is committed to continue building the resources and valuable information available for members online, with a more robust resources section including safe sport.

With an ever-increasing demand for online content and new digital platforms, USA Gymnastics is ceasing publication of USA Gymnastics magazine. This will be the last issue. In 2018, USA Gymnastics plans to launch a new, member- and fan-friendly website, providing USA Gymnastics members with exclusive first-looks and fresh content.

USA Gymnastics recognizes and appreciates the athletes, coaches, judges, club owners, administrators and volunteers who are the heart and soul of this organization and our great sport. This year will be one of change, and by working together, we can implement change that will benefit our athletes, members and the sport we love.

See you in the gym,

Paul Parilla Chairman USA Gymnastics Board of Directors 6

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE’S MISSION STATEMENT The mission of USA Gymnastics magazine was to communicate with gymnasts, parents, coaches, judges, volunteers, clubs and fans of the sport in order to promote the programs, people, events and services of USA Gymnastics.

VISION The vision of USA Gymnastics is to inspire and enable our members to achieve excellence in the sport of gymnastics and in life.

THE ORGANIZATION’S MISSION The mission of USA Gymnastics is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of gymnastics.

CORE OBJECTIVES

n Build the base n Promote the sport n Achieve competitive success

USA GYMNASTICS SPONSORS AND SUPPLIERS

GYM UPDATE

USA GYMNASTICS STRENGTHENS

SAFE SPORT INITIATIVES

NEW SAFE SPORT POLICY EMPOWERS ATHLETES, OTHER MEMBERS

E

arlier this summer, USA Gymnastics strengthened its safe sport efforts with the adoption of the USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Policy and accepted the recommendations contained in a comprehensive, independent review of its handling of safe sport matters conducted by former federal prosecutor Deborah Daniels. While USA Gymnastics is developing the implementation plan for these recommendations, the Safe Sport Policy, formerly known as the Participant Welfare Policy, is already in place and provides requirements and important information on mandatory reporting and Proactive Policies that empower athletes and guide athlete-coach interaction.

The health and well-being of athletes are a top priority, and USA Gymnastics is committed to promoting a safe environment for all gymnastics disciplines.

All USA Gymnastics members are required to report suspected abuse to law enforcement. This obligation is separate from notification to USA Gymnastics, the U.S. Center for Safe Sport or to a Member Club, as outlined below.

For matters involving sexual misconduct, members must make a report to law enforcement and notify the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which has the exclusive authority to handle sexual misconduct matters for the entire U.S. Olympic movement (including gymnastics).

Other forms of misconduct— including, but not limited to, physical, verbal and emotional misconduct, harassment, bullying and hazing— require notification to USA Gymnastics, which has jurisdiction over abuse issues that are non-sexual in nature, and to local law enforcement if the member believes a crime has been committed.

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USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

While the Center only handles sexual misconduct cases, the Center may, in its discretion and upon the written request of USA Gymnastics, accept jurisdiction over alleged violations of other safe sport misconduct.

Suspected violations of the Proactive Policies included in the Safe Sport Policy require notification directly to the respective Member Club and USA Gymnastics. For more information, go to usagym.org/safesport for USA Gymnastics information and the Safe Sport Policy and/or to safesport. org for information on the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Many of the provisions in the Safe Sport Policy impact the day-to-day activities of USA Gymnastics members. All members, including athletes (and their parents) and coaches, need to review the Safe Sport Policy, especially the Proactive Policies that set standards for professional boundaries and minimize the appearance of improprieties.

The following are specific Proactive Policies included in the Safe Sport Policy that must be adopted by all Member Clubs and that all members – athletes, coaches, judges and clubs – must follow.

These policies not only affect and protect members of USA Gymnastics, but also ALL participants in a Member Club.

Definitions of the terms used in the policies are available below.

NOTE: Definitions of terms used in the Proactive Policies are: a Covered Adult is a covered individual who is within the governance or jurisdiction of USA Gymnastics and over 18 years of age; and an unrelated Covered Adult is not a member of the athlete’s immediate family; and a Minor is a covered individual who is under age. For more detailed information on the terminology listed below and other requirements, please consult the Safe Sport Policy.

1. ONE-ON-ONE INTERACTIONS

• An unrelated Covered Adult shall not be alone with a Minor (a) in a private setting, and (b) in any place that is inappropriate to the professional relationship (i.e., a social setting outside the training or competitive environment).

A gymnastics activity conducted within the view and/or earshot of another adult is not considered a one-on-one interaction if it presents a meaningful opportunity for interruption.

• Gymnasts

may not reside with an unrelated Covered Adult, nor may a Covered Adult reside with a gymnast’s family.

2. TRAVEL

• When

traveling, an unrelated Covered Adult shall not be alone with a Minor.

• For overnight travel, assign gymnasts to hotel rooms with age-appropriate, same-sex teammates.

• Do

not allow an unrelated adult to share or be alone in a sleeping room with gymnasts.

3. SOCIAL MEDIA AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

• All e-mails, texts and posts must

be transparent, professional and related solely to gymnastics activities or events. Covered Adults may not have out-of-program contact with gymnasts on social media. (For example, general communication regarding a gymnastics activity or event via a club’s social media account is acceptable, but private communication via a coach’s and/or a gymnast’s personal social media account is not acceptable.)

• Covered

Adults must distribute electronic and mobile communi-

cations to minor gymnasts openly and publicly; for example, with a copy to the parent(s)/guardian(s) and/or to the entire team transmitted simultaneously.

• Parents

and guardians have the right to request that (a) their child not be contacted in any form of electronic communications, or (b) certain information about their child that they designate not be distributed in any form of electronic communications. All such requests will be honored.

4. PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY

• Photographs

or videos may only be taken (a) in public view; (b) if they observe generally accepted standards of decency; and (c) are both appropriate for and in the best interest of the gymnast.

• Examples

of photos that should be edited or deleted:

-- Open straddle positions -- Any image where the genital area is prominent

-- Images with misplaced apparel or where undergarments are showing

-- Suggestive or provocative poses

• Without

a parent’s (or legal guardian’s) consent in the case of a Minor gymnast, or a gymnast’s consent in the case of an adult gymnast, (a) gymnasts may not be photographed or filmed; and (b) no images of gymnasts may be posted publicly or privately.

If consent is given, it may be revoked at any time.

5. LOCKER ROOMS/ CHANGING AREAS

• Interactions

between Covered Adults and gymnasts should not occur in any room where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as the locker room, restroom or changing area. A second adult should be present for any necessary interaction between an adult and a gymnast in any such room.

• The

use of recording devices of any kind in any such room is strictly prohibited.

6. GIFTING

• Gift-giving

or providing special favors or privileges to individual gymnasts is prohibited.

7. MASSAGE/ICING/TAPING

• Any

rubdown or massage performed on a gymnast by any unrelated Covered Adult must be conducted in open/public locations and must never be done with only a gymnast and unrelated Covered Adult in the room.

• Icing

and taping must be conducted in open/public locations and must never be done with only a gymnast and unrelated Covered Adult in the room.

• Icing and taping near the intimate

areas of the body is not permitted by any unrelated Covered Adult— unless it is done by a licensed medical professional— and must never be done with only a gymnast and unrelated Covered Adult in the room.

8. STRETCHING AND OTHER PHYSICAL CONTACT

• Covered Adults should take care to prevent any compromising positions while stretching or closely interacting with gymnasts and must avoid:

-- laying or sitting on top of the gymnast.

-- facing the gymnast while

he/she is in a static straddle position.

-- lap sitting.

-- pats on the bottom.

• Physical

contact that is reasonably intended to coach, teach or demonstrate a gymnastics skill or to prevent or lessen injury (e.g., spotting, catching) is permissible. Infrequent, non-intentional physical contact, particularly contact that arises out of an error or a misjudgment

on the part of the gymnast, participant or coach, does not violate this policy.

Athletes and parents should speak with their clubs to learn about the safe sport policies they have in place. Or, go to usagym.org/safesport to learn more about the Safe Sport Policy.

The entire gymnastics community— athletes, parents, coaches, administrators, judges, gym club owners and staff— needs to become one force, united in preventing abusive behavior.

EVENT RESULTS

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USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017 

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EVENT RESULTS Photos by John Cheng

11 SENIOR U.S. TITLES DETERMINED AT THE

USA GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

But mere minutes before his strong fight to the finish, the reigning National Champion was battling an entirely different opponent: time.

“It feels amazing now,” Gluckstein said. “But the hardest thing about tonight was the wait. The wait is brutal. I was trying not to think about anything, zone out a bit. Normally in training we take a turn ev12

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

ery five minutes so waiting a half hour is not something we normally do; your body gets super cold. You gotta try to keep yourself warm you can’t sit for too long.”

right away but I had to wait al-

His tactic proved effective, after he maintained his first place position with a score of 168.735, while Ultimate Air’s Stewart Pritchard took second with 161.090 and Paul Bretscher placed third with 158.290.

a little bit lower but I was way

Gluckstein was not alone in his struggle with tonight’s timing. Fellow trampolinist, and 2016 Olympian, Nicole Ahsinger also mentioned that she found it difficult to keep her focus while waiting her turn to jump.

“It was a lot better than last night,” said Ahsinger. “But it was kind of hard because I didn’t have the best warm up and then I went out on the floor and I thought I was going to go

most 25 minutes before I had to compete. I kept getting in my head. I was trying to stay positive and think that I can do this and I just went out there. I was more in the box so I’m happy with it.”

Like

Gluckstein,

Ahsinger

was able to quell any negative thoughts and come out on top, as she earned the national title in the women’s individual trampoline event with a 154.020.

Clare Johnson followed in a close second with 149.420 and Hally Piontek placed third with 148.275. In addition to winning

tonight’s

competition,

Ahsinger also became the first Olympian trampolinist— male or female— to return from the Olympics and capture the national title the year after.

CLARE JOHNSON STEWART

Jeffrey Gluckstein finished his final pass in the men’s individual trampoline event, he stood in the center of the box, pumped his fist up in the air and beamed a mega-watt smile towards the crowd. He knew he had successfully guarded his 5.25 point lead from the night before— as well as the legacy of the “Gluckstein” name— as he and his brother Steven have won every national title in their event since 2008. s

PRITCHARD

BY ALEX COFFEY

USA GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS June 23-28 • Greensboro, NC 2015

TRAMPOLINE NICOLE AHSINGER

HALLY PIONTEK

PAUL BRETSCHER

JEFFREY GLUCKSTEIN

continued ...

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

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EVENT RESULTS

USA GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS June 23-28 • Greensboro, NC 2015

TUMBLING

RACHEL THEVENOT

MELISSA BRANDON DOUCETTE KRZYNEFSKI

AUSTIN NACEY

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USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

HALLY PIONTEK TREY KATZ

TRISTAN AUSTIN NACEY VAN NATTA

DOUBLE-MINI

BREANNE EMILIO LEHMER MILLARD

Photos by John Cheng

ALEX RENKERT

PAIGE HOWARD continued on page 18...

Red, White & Blue 4 U

GYMNASTIC LEOTARDS, TEAM LEOTARDS & ACCESSORIES SNOWFLAKEDESIGNS.COM

888.509.6234

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017 

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EVENT RESULTS Photos by John Cheng

F

LAURA ZENG

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USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

EVITA GRISKENAS CAMILLA FEELEY

ellow 2016 Olympian Laura Zeng continued to show her consistent excellence by capturing her third consecutive all-around title in Rhythmic with a 138.352. She was followed by Evita Griskenas and Camilla Feeley— all from North Shore Gymnastics— who scored 135.734 and 134.486, respectively.

“I’m so honored to have won the title for the third year in a row,” said Zeng.

“It’s just such a great blessing to represent the USA. I can only thank my coaches the USA Gymnastics staff, our program, my parents and everyone that has helped me get to this point.” continued on page 22...

USA GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS June 23-28 • Greensboro, NC 2015

LILI MIZUNO

SERENA LU

NASTASYA GENERALOVA

RHYTHMIC

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

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USA GYMNASTICS WELCOMES A NEW PARTNER IN OUR SAFE SPORT EFFORTS— THE U.S CENTER FOR SAFESPORT T

he U.S. Center for SafeSport opened in early March and is the exclusive authority to investigate and resolve allegations of sexual misconduct for all National Governing Bodies in the U.S. Olympic movement, including USA Gymnastics. The Center has established the SafeSport Code for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, which outlines the policies, procedures and scope.

THE CENTER WILL PROVIDE:

• education and training on both abuse and prevention • response and resolution guided by the SafeSport Code for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

Visit SafeSport.org to learn more about the role the Center will play in education and response.

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017 

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EVENT RESULTS Photos by John Cheng

A

nother close race to the finish was seen in the acrobatic mixed pairs discipline, as

Axel Osborne and Tiffani Williams of Realis Gymnastics fought to keep their national title for the third straight year. Aisley Boynton and Maxim Sedochenkoff, also of Realis, had held first place from the night before, but Williams and Osborne were able to bounce back with a score of 83.397 over the latter’s 82.303.

“I’m just so proud that we’ve been able to attain this level and sustain it for so long,” said Osborne. “We really had to focus today to make it happen,

AXEL OSBORNE & TIFFANI WILLIAMS

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USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

we made a mistake in the first routine and we were really making up for that until now. We’re just so happy that we get to say that we’re three time national champions this year.”

While each of the three disciplines participating in the USA Gymnastics Championships are incredibly unique, they all displayed a true depth of talent— and promise for the future.

“I’m really proud of how the sport is coming all together,” said Gluckstein.

“We all looked really solid tonight. If we keep growing like this I can’t wait to see where it goes.”

EMILY DAVIS & AUBREY ROSILIER

EMMA BENTOV-LAGMAN, CRISTIN CONNERNEY & HELENA HALL

ELEANOR CHANG, CALISTA DAVIS & MADISON FREE

SOPHIE GRUSZKA, MORGAN SWEENEY & AMANDA WATERSON

USA GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS June 23-28 • Greensboro, NC 2015

ACRO

AISLEY BOYNTON & MAXIM SEDOCHENKOFF

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

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ATHLETE FOCUS PHOTOS BY JOHN CHENG

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USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

DISAPPOINTMENT FUELS

WHITTENBURG’S 2020 QUEST

S

BY NICK MCCARVEL

itting in the selection room inside Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis last June, Donnell Whittenburg felt like all eyes were on him.

The five names of the gymnasts who would represent Team USA at the 2016 Rio Olympics had just been read— and his was not one of them.

He sat silently, in a total state of shock.

A few minutes later, as Sam Mikulak, Jake Dalton, Chris Brooks, Alex Naddour and John Orozco ran out to greet thousands of screaming fans, Sheila Brown— Whittenburg’s mother— sat in the stands, waiting for her son to run out onto the floor, too.

“I was sitting out there waiting for him, and he didn’t come,” she recalled.

“He just didn’t.”

W

hat Whittenburg, now 22, has done since, however, is turn the darkest moment of his career into fuel to achieve great things.

“Overall, it was definitely disappointing,” a candid Whittenburg told USA Gymnastics in a recent phone interview. “It was a life lesson nevertheless, and it helped me grow as a person. It was an eye-opener.”

But not a lesson that was easy to see clearly right away. Whittenburg met his mom, the woman who he calls “my rock,” at his hotel that night after the selection in St. Louis. The two embraced to console one another. “I think

my mom took it harder than I did,” he said.

pic team. That’s my goal going into this next quad.”

It was in that moment, though, that they both decided that he would look towards the future for more success.

He started that quad with a fourth place finish at Winter Cup in Las Vegas in February, then was second in the all-around at the London World Cup event last month, finishing behind Olympic silver medalist Oleg Verniaiev while earning the top score on floor.

“If one door shuts, the other door opens,” Brown said, echoing her son’s approach. “He just hasn’t given up.

He’s been through a whole lot. Someone else in his position might have gone into pieces, but we don’t have time for that.”

W

hittenburg has used his time since June to raise the level of his already-powerful gymnastics. After going to Rio alongside Akash Modi as an alternate (with Danell Leyva being brought up to replace an injured Orozco), Whittenburg went on the Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions, where he challenged himself to stay in shape by doing different skills in the show each week.

When he made his way back to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs in November, he was itching to find a regular training routine and start driving towards his next goal: the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

“Once tour was finished, I was very excited to get back into the gym and get back to work,” Whittenburg explained.

“For me, it was pretty motivating after last year. … I have to train harder.

I have to try and make the next Olym-

“(In London) it felt pretty good to be back out on the international stage; I missed going out and performing for a different crowd,” said Whittenburg, who had a breakout performance at the 2015 World Championships, where he was eighth in the all-around and third on vault. “I would have loved to have beaten Oleg, but it’s all about making that next step and going to another level.”

In the middle of May, Whittenburg headed back to Europe and to Koper, Slovenia, for the FIG World Challenge Cup. In Koper, Whittenburg won the parallel bars gold medal and collected silvers on the vault and floor exercise.

But the highlight of the event may have come on the still rings, where he just missed the podium in fourth, as he performed the first-ever triple back pike dismount. The move now bears his name in the Code of Points and an impressive H-value rating.

“I don’t really have set goals” for this season, Whittenburg said. “I just want to make sure to be as ready as possible continued on page 28...

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

27

ATHLETE FOCUS

Photos by John Cheng

The Whittenburg

and that when I’m at a competition, I can hit my routines almost 100 percent of the time. Consistency is a key factor in gymnastics right now.

That’s what we’re all striving for.”

I

f his missing out on Rio was the turning point, that focus on consistency has been his mantra since. Personnel and athlete changes in Colorado Springs have meant a different work setting in a sense, shifts that have driven Whittenburg to be more self-sufficient and more selfish— for his own good.

“He’s had to rise up a little bit and make a statement and do things on his own,” said Jamie Broz, head athletic trainer for the Men’s National Team. “He was really a I’m-doing-it-for-the-team guy. He’s finally realizing that he has to do himself first and then see how that works into the team.”

Brooks, who remains at the OTC as an athlete, has been a wise voice in Whittenburg’s ear, while newcomers Kanji Oyama and Cameron Bock have infused a fresh sort of energy at the training facility. Whittenburg has had to take a leadership role of sorts, a position that has further cemented a changed approach.

“There’s always that little [extra] 10 percent that you just want to get 28

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

out of yourself,” he explained. “It’s not about the difficulty of the skills that I can’t do, it’s more about refining and showing how consistent I can be. There is always work to be done in this sport. There is no perfect gymnast; we all make mistakes.

I just feel like there’s always more that you can do. I can always get to another level, and that’s what I’m striving for.”

It kept him off the streets. I loved gymnastics for that reason. I knew where he was at every day.”

Broz has seen the metamorphosis from June of last year to today.

It comes as no surprise that Sheila’s disappointment ran as deep as Donnell’s that night 10 months ago.

“Not making the team was a wakeup call,” she said. “He re-focused from there. He had to get in touch with who he is as an athlete. Where before he rode that feeling of ‘I’m good enough,’ now he has to do more.

I don’t know if he knew he was capable of doing more previously. Now he’s figuring it out.”

G

rowing up in Baltimore, Whittenburg started gymnastics at the age of 5 after his mother said “he was running and jumping everywhere.”

“When I was pregnant with Donnell he was turning around in my stomach,” she remembered, laughing. “I put him in the gym at 5. I didn’t have a babysitter. I would get him to the gym however I could and then go back to work. That way I knew where he was.

Whittenburg has had his mom by his side every step of the way, from Baltimore to St. Louis to Colorado Springs to— if all goes according to plan— Tokyo.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her and my family,” he said. “So I try to be as close to them as possible.”

“I just had to tell her, ‘I know this really sucks, but there’s nothing we can do now,’” he said. “All I can do is move forward. I have to keep training and have no doubts and no regrets.”

“You have to make peace with it because you can’t change the past,” he added. “Whatever happened happened. Now I’m going to work. The thought is, ‘OK. I’m never going to let this situation happen again.’ That’s my mindset going forward. I have a plan now. I want to prepare myself to be as ready as possible.”

And ready to hear his name called in that same room in 2020.

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EVENT RESULTS

Women‘s event photos by Amy Sanderson, RW Studios | Men‘s event photos by John Cheng

OKLAHOMA REIGNS SUPREME IN NCAA GYMNASTICS

BY NICK MCCARVEL ll season long, University of Oklahoma head women’s gymnastics coach K.J. Kindler had her team focusing on a different number at each meet. The digits weren’t scoring goals or performance-based must-haves, but a distraction tactic married to a deeper meaning.

of made it their mission to not lose again. Those guys are probably the best senior class we’ve ever had at Oklahoma. That’s saying a lot.”

A

In short, a number with a purpose.

At the National Collegiate Women’s Gymnastics Championships in St. Louis, the number on the night of finals was eight. Eight because of the number of letters in O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A and— when you turn the number “8” on its side— it makes the infinity sign.

“And that means our limits are boundless,” Kindler explains carefully.

It has been a season that held few boundaries for Kindler’s women, as well as the OU men under the direction of head coach Mark Williams, the Oklahoma Sooners were dual NCAA champions in gymnastics— for the second year in a row.

“We’re still on cloud nine actually,” says Yul Moldauer, the sophomore standout that took the 2017 AT&T American Cup title in March, invoking another meaningful number. “It was a Sooner Magic feeling.”

The only number with real mean32

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

ing at the end of the season is one.

There is no doubt that Oklahoma’s teams are No. 1 in the country with their flurry to the finish, marking a third straight title for the men and third in four years for the women.

The women set a scoring record (and margin of victory record) at the NCAA Super Six. The men won an 11th title in the program’s history (second all-time) and haven’t lost a meet of any kind since the 2014 NCAAs (when they were second), amassing a streak of— ready for this number?— 76 straight victories.

“The first year these seniors were here, we were second at NCAAs, and we had been second four years ina-row before that,” remembers Williams, who won his eighth title as head coach. “After 2015, they sort

The seniors— six men and six women— were what helped drive both winning teams in a lot of ways, explains Moldauer. Maggie Nichols,

the freshman who turned an injury-marred Olympic season into a NCAA national title, agrees.

“Our seniors have been through everything before and mentored all of us,” she says. “Having amazing seniors helped us get that extra boost. I really wanted to help the team out. I wanted us— I wanted the seniors— to walk away with one more national championship. I wanted to make them proud.”

∞

he pride of the two Sooner gymnastics programs seems to be just that: Build champions with leadership and let the wisdom lead to success. Williams has developed a system of accountability, as has Kindler, a mark of two successful coaches who have proven they know how to motivate.

T

“By the time they’ve been here for three or four years, they really do have a sense of how it is we become better and how to buy into the process of being a great team,” says Williams.

“Those guys become just as much of motivators to the rest of their teammates as the coaching staff that has to critique what they’re doing.”

“What (our seniors have) done is created and maintained a culture here at Oklahoma where every athlete knows what the standard is and knows how our gym works and what our values are,” adds Kindler. “I think the culture that they’ve created, that’s the biggest thing they’re going to leave

behind— not those three national championships. They’ve left their mark.”

MAGGIE NICHOLS

Six national titles— if you add them all up— among 12 seniors.

An impressive four-year YUL MOLDAUER USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017 33

EVENT RESULTS legacy, to say the least. Allan Bower, Colin Van Wicklen, Josh Yee, Todd Dowdy, Thao Hoang and Alex Powarzynski on the men’s side, in addition to Chayse Capps, Reagan Hemry, Charity Jones, Kara Lovan, Nicole Turner and McKenzie Wofford for the women.

∞

hile they would end their respective national championships as going-away winners, the competition was not perfect for either team— the women in St. Louis and the men in West Point, N.Y.

W

It was inside Chaifetz Arena that Nichols had begun to realize her Olympic dream might not come true last June as a knee injury came too close to Rio qualifying. But 10 months later, she was back in the same place and— after a fall on the beam in prelims— determined to change her luck in the Gateway City.

“I knew I had to turn it around for finals and forget about the all of the mistakes I had in this place,” Nichols explains. “I wanted to do what I had been doing in training and help the team out as best I could.”

Oklahoma was “a little tight” in prelims, so Kindler and her coaching team tried to amp them up with a shout of extra confidence— and that number eight.

“As a coaching staff, you’re trying to dig things up out of your athletes that is going to resonate,” she says. “We were saying ‘end on empty,’ which basically means ‘give it all you’ve got. Let it flow!’ You can’t control the results, but what you can control is what you put into this and the mentality you approach it with. We wanted them to be 34

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

completely emotionally free. This is what they work hard for everyday.”

The men— like the women— would find their best when it mattered most, Williams’ mantra being “Let it Reign” as Oklahoma tried to become the first men’s team to go back-to-back-toback since Nebraska did so when it won five straight from 1979 to 1983.

Williams had been a Cornhusker back then.

“We wanted to have a three-peat,” he shares. “It’s the first time in the history at Oklahoma that we’ve won three national championships in a row. I had a chance from 2005-07, and we didn’t get it done. We had Jon Horton and Taqiy Abdullah-Simmons, and we didn’t get it done. We got to 2004 and didn’t get it done, either.

That was something that was special for this group to choose as a motivating goal for ourselves.”

After a rocky start on floor for the OU men, Oklahoma found its footing in the third rotation of the finals behind a stuck landing from an injured Reese Rickett and never looked back.

Reigning— again— and making history in the process.

∞ n the moments, days and weeks since the national titles were claimed, accolades have been showered on the OU teams from far and wide. Williams’ team was hollered congratulations when they visited Times Square in New York City the day after their big win, while Nichols says she can’t go even a few steps on campus recently without a fellow student commenting on their big win.

I

Moldauer says the triumph has come from within, matching greatness with more of it: “This team has dominated for three years now, so you have to focus on acting like you’re working from the bottom or saying that your team is 0–0. This year, I had to work on my mental game and find where my place was with this team so I could help them win.”

The 2016 NCAA all-around champion, Moldauer finished second individually this year, but Williams calls his approach “refreshing,” adding: “He’s so emotionally invested in the program. It’s been a real pleasure to have him as part of the team.”

Kindler took on Nichols after 2016 heartbreak and helped turn that into 2017 euphoria. Nichols says winning NCAAs was incomparable to anything she did in elite gymnastics.

“I have never felt such emotion after competing,” she says, but adds that she “didn’t need the validation” of this success. Instead, it’s been the guidance of Kindler she is most thankful for, a coach that has seen her through every step in a trying year of transition.

“It’s always exciting to have your season culminate in something like this,” Kindler says, speaking slowly, with purpose. “I’ve been coaching for 25 years and 22 of them I never had this opportunity. For our athletes to have this opportunity one of those four years is remarkable, and for our seniors to have done it three out of four years is outstanding.”

And for two teams to do so at the same school simultaneously? You’ll be searching for infinity to find another story just like that one.

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GYM UPDATE

MAKING CERTAIN YOUR ATHLETE IS THRIVING IN THE GYM AND COACHING ENVIRONMENT

BY KATELYN BREWER, PRESIDENT & CEO OF DARKNESS TO LIGHT

L

et’s face it. Being the parent of an athlete competing on an advanced level is challenging.

As a parent, you’re investing time, money, and lots of energy on your child and their success at every level of competition. You find yourself playing the roles of motivator, encourager, cheerleader, and let’s not forget about chauffer service!

With all of those responsibilities to juggle, what can you do to make certain your athlete is thriving in the gym and coaching environment? How do you set your athlete up to ensure his or her boundaries are respected and that he or she has bodily autonomy?

This is done through the promotion of a culture that creates a safe environment that places your athlete’s boundaries first.

Here are a few ideas to help you create and foster that environment.

COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, THEN COMMUNICATE SOME MORE BE PROACTIVE Ask your child’s coach to explain his or her expectations and style of coaching, not only for your athlete’s benefit, but for you as well. Be sure to ask for an explanation of child pro40

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

tection policies of your club and USA Gymnastics. Having this open conversation with both the coaching staff and your athlete ensures that everyone is on the same page and prepared to hold one another accountable.

EMPOWER YOUR ATHLETE Be empowered to be a parent or guardian who supports and protects his or her athlete and other athletes around boundary issues. Encourage your athlete to be someone who stands up for and with others when the boundaries are blurred. Encourage your athlete to pay attention when he or she get that feeling in his or her gut that something isn’t quite right, and that it’s ok to let you know when he or she feels that way.

BE STRAIGHT FORWARD Understand the way you communicate, both verbally and non-verbally. Be straight forward and respectful, working from a place of mutual respect and understanding when dealing with coaches, other parents, and athletes themselves.

UP YOUR AWARENESS GAME BE AWARE OF YOUR COACH’S STYLE This is especially important if you are new to the club or if your athlete has moved to a different level of competition and coaches. Be aware of how the coach makes physical corrections, and be prepared to speak up if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

BE AWARE OF THE POLICIES OF YOUR CLUB How are travel, overnights, changing areas and communication between coaches, athletes, parents and guardians handled?

Are there policies in place the help to minimize one-on-one time between coaches and athletes, or athletes themselves?

Where do you find your club’s policies and procedures for these areas?

BE AWARE OF YOUR CLUB’S CULTURE Does your club promote an atmosphere that encourages an athlete to communicate concerns without fear of repercussions? While sport-specific coaching techniques may not be up for discussion, questions

about personal boundaries should always be allowed and encouraged. Remember, the goal is to have a protective boundary that puts personal safety first.

TAKE ACTIVE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT TO A HIGHER LEVEL ASSUME THE BEST, BUT BE PREPARED TO SOLVE PROBLEMS Be the parent or guardian who encourages, who is willing to provide support and a listening ear to those with concerns.

Know the policies. Always look to be a part of the solution to challenges.

KNOW THE PRACTICE SCHEDULE

safe environment for your athlete,

Stick around for a while at the beginning of practice, or arrive early to observe the end of practice. Put your phone down and pay attention. When you engage fully, you’re open to receiving cues from your athlete that you might not notice otherwise.

you create a place where they can

HAVE A PLAN TO SPEAK UP Be ready to address your concerns with the athlete, parent, and/or club management. Know and follow your policies.

A

ll that’s required to put any of this into practice is a willingness to make changes, to be informed and aware, and to respond to concerns.

When you are a part of promoting a

grow and excel. You are also demonstrating for young people how to communicate with clear, positive intentions and to be respectful of one another while keeping good boundaries intact. And who knows, they might just make it to the Olympics, too.

DID YOU KNOW...?

As a member of USA Gymnastics, you can become certified in child sexual abuse prevention by taking the Stewards of Children® certification. You can find it by following this link: University h t t p s : // u s a g y m . o r g / p a g e s / education/courses/U301/ Parents, visit usagym.org/SafeSport and click on “education.”

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

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JUNIOR ELITE

JUNIOR OLYMPIC

EVENT RESULTS Photos by John Cheng

18 YEAR OLDS Shane Wiskus Spring Park, Minn.

Mini-Hops Gymnastics 143.850

LEVEL 10

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

12 YEAR OLDS Joshua Karnes Erie, Pa. Lakettes Gymnastic Academy 139.750

LEVEL 9

15 YEAR OLDS Paul Juda Deerfield, Ill. Buffalo Grove Gymnastics Center 139.150

16 YEAR OLDS Jimmy Mitchell Middleton, Mass.

Yellow Jacket Gymnastics Club 159.700

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14 YEAR OLDS Dallas Hale Frisco, Texas WOGA Gymnastics Frisco 138.950

LEVEL 10

16 YEAR OLDS Brandon Briones Gilbert, Ariz.

USA Youth Fitness Center 141.600

18 YEAR OLDS Colton Dee Star, Idaho Danik Gymnastics 159.950

MEN‘S JUNIOR OLYMPIC 2017 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

17 YEAR OLDS Bennet Huang Palo Alto, Calif.

West Coast Olympic Gymnastics Academy 141.250

13 YEAR OLDS Asher Hong Frisco, Texas WOGA Gymnastics Frisco 138.650

17 YEAR OLDS Casimir Buske Madison, Wis. Salto Gymnastics Center 155.250

15 YEAR OLDS Maxim Ryzhuk Las Vegas, Nev. Vitaly Scherbo School Gymnastics 160.750

LEVEL 8

11 YEAR OLDS Vahe Petrosyan Van Nuys, Calif.

Gymnastics Olympica USA 135.250

14 YEAR OLDS Matthew Romalia Highlands Ranch, Colo.

5280 Gymnastics South 155.700

LEVEL 9

LEVEL 8 12 YEAR OLDS Colin Flores Mountain House, Calif.

West Coast Olympic Gymnastics Academy 152.000

13 YEAR OLDS Palmer Wright Edmond, Okla.

Dynamo Gymnastics 147.200

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017 

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EVENT RESULTS WOMEN‘S JUNIOR OLYMPIC 2017 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS JUNIOR A Leanne Wong Great American Gymnastics Express 37.950

JUNIOR B Aleah Finnegan Great American Gymnastics Express 38.300

JUNIOR

JUNIOR C Quinn Smith Arizona Sunrays 38.000

JUNIOR E Jillian Hoffman SCEGA Gymnastics 38.500

JUNIOR D Haleigh Bryant Everest Gymnastics 38.550

SENIOR C Maya Bordas, Capital Gymnastics (Texas) and Milan Clausi, Olympus 38.425

SENIOR B Makarri Doggette Buckeye Gymnastics 38.750

SENIOR

SENIOR A Kai Rivers Twistars USA 38.525

SENIOR D Abby Brenner Metroplex Gymnastics 38.750

JUNIOR F Matilyn Waligora Olympia Gymnastics Academy 38.575

SENIOR E Rachael Flam Stars Gymnastics 38.625

SENIOR F Nia Dennis Legacy Elite Gymnastics 38.000

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017 

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WHAT’S NEW WHAT’S NEW

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The following Membership Statement has been adopted by the Board of Directors of USA Gymnastics: Membership in USA Gymnastics is a privilege granted by USA Gymnastics. That

privilege can be withdrawn by USA Gymnastics at any time where a member’s conduct is determined to be inconsistent with the best interest of the sport of gymnastics and of the athletes we are servicing.

NAME Ray Adams Julian Amaro

STATE VIOLATION FL

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

CA

Charles Theodore Bates

MN

James Bell

WA

Morgan Bennett

TX

Kristopher Berry

SC

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Jeffrey Bettman

OR

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Steve Biondo

LA

Code of Ethical Conduct II.F./II.H.

Phillip Bishop

MI

Patrick Bogan

MD

Douglas Boger

CA

Paul Bollinger

MD

Joseph Bowers

OH

Shawn Bowlden

IL

Bryan Brown

IL

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Christopher A. Brown

IL/ CA

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Vince Brown

SC

Thomas Burdash

KY

Keith Callen

NAME

The following former members are permanently ineligible for membership within USA Gymnastics.

Based on an amendment of Article 10.16 to the USA Gymnastics Bylaws, effective January 1, 2012, any individual who is declared ineligible will have the USA Gymnastics’ Bylaw, rule, regulation or policy that was violated and resulted in his/her expulsion listed next to his/her name.

STATE VIOLATION

Johnny Gutierrez

TX

Paul Hagan

MI

Robert Dean Head

KY

Ted Hicks

TN

Michael Hinton

TN

Nicholas Hitchcock

MI

Robert Hoefer

FL

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

NAME

STATE VIOLATION

Gabriel Salazar

TX

Adam Savignano

NJ

Mark Schiefelbein

TN

Jason Scofield

CA

Robert Shawler

CA

Steve Shirley

MO CO

Frank Hohman, Jr.

PA

Steven Todd Siegel

Milos Hroch

CA

Ronald Smith

TX

Steven L. Infante

CT

Blake Steven Starr

UT

Faye Lorraine aka Heather Kristian King

PA

Code of Ethical Conduct II.D./II.F.

Paul Summers

OK

Nolan Knuckles

AZ

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Mark Swift

FL

Freddie Eugene Tafoya, Jr.

CA

Thomas Tellez

NY

Jay Thomas

LA VA

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Dana Koppendrayer

FL

Zac Lawson

IL

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Jeffrey LeFevre

MI

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Ronnie Lewis

AR

Jung Min Lim

PA

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Jon Oliver Kenneth Thomas

Johnathan Mackie

CA

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Phillip Thompson

NC

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Parker Madison

TX

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

William McCabe

GA

Brian Townsend

LA

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

PA

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Dean McCollum

CO

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Brent Trottier

WA

Michael Cardamone

IL

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

OH

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (i)

TX

Code of Ethical Conduct II.H.

TX

Darin Caviness

Joel Mertes

Bruce Unger Jon Valdez

IL

Jason Miguel Mesa

CA

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Robert Mollock

OR

Anthony Van Kirk

CA

John S. Moore

WV

Joel Velasquez

OR

Gregory Muller

ID

David Paul Waage

OR

William Munsinger

MN

Chris Wagoner

TX

William Newcom

GA

Jeremy Waldridge

OR CT

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Edward Trey Coniff

TX

Lyndsey Wesley Cox

TX

James Craig III

CO

Thad Cypher

MI

Vannie Edwards

AR

Bylaw 9.1 (c)

Daniel Erb

PA

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Steven Elliott

TX

Anthony Engelke

PA

Matthew H. Erichsen

WA

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Jeena Nilson

UT

Russell Wallace

Paul O’Neill

CA

Brooklyn Walters

IN

Patrick Okopinski

WI

Steve Waples

TX

Marian Penev

NY

Donald Watts

KY

William M. Permenter

FL

Don Peters

CA

Patrick Wehrung

CA

Timothy Picquelle

CA

Mike West

WA

Cynthia Posmoga

PA

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Jonathan White

CA

Vincent Pozzuoli

CT

Bylaw 9.2 (a)

David Pyles

AZ

Rick Feuerstein

CA

Christopher Ford

VA

William Foster

AL

Joseph Fountain

MD

Neil Frederick

MD

Roy Larry Gallagher

PA

Robert Allen (Bob) Garner

TN

Sandro Ramos

OK

Sean Gilham

CA

David Reiakvam

CA

Timothy Glas

NE

Jeffrey Richards

FL

Ricardo “Chico” Goddard NY

Rudy Rodriguez

CA

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Miguel Rosario

NY DE

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

John H. Row aka John Howard aka: gymnasticszone.com

Nathaniel Goodale

VT

Marcelo Guimaraes

TX

Vernor Gumila

IL

Richard Gustafson

OR

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (i)

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Code of Ethical Conduct II.H.

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Lyf Christian Wildenberg MN Bill Witthar

MO

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Joel Woodruff

TX

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

James Woollums

AZ

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Daniel Zera

NY

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Daniel Zmrzel

CA

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

Bylaw 9.2 (a) (iii)

USA GYMNASTICS | SUMMER 2017

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POSITION AVAILABLE GIRLS TEAM COACH WANTED! Dreams Gymnastics, Glenview, IL celebrating 20 years of success! Located close to downtown Chicago.

We are seeking a passionate individual who loves working w/children. The position available is F/T & P/T. Seeking a candidate w/great work ethic, reliable, leadership and strong coaching skills. Our full-time position offers health benefits, vacation, paid certifications, and salary is based upon experience. Come join our team! Please contact Patrice at: Patrice@dls. net, or 847-612-4722.

CENTRE ELITE GYMNASTICS is looking for a full-time HEAD BOYS TEAM COACH for our growing boys team. We have 30+ boys team gymnasts from Level 4 through JE and multiple Future Stars athletes. We are located in State College, PA, just 2 miles from Penn State University. Great town and growing gym with owner committed to the team program. Boys coaching experience required.Salary/paid vacation/company health plan available. Please send resume to tracy@centreelitegym.com.​

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Fears are a major cause of poor performance. If the gymnast is able to face each fear or worry & take specific action to minimize its effect on her performance, she will take a giant step toward winning in both gymnastics & life! Preparation is the base that supports the ability to adapt to new & changing competition scenarios! Find the Secrets to a Successful Competition! Author,

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FUNDRAISING PLUMRAISERS: RAISING DOLLARS FOR DREAMS EMAIL, PROMOTE, RAISE. Plum Practicewear puts the fun back into your fundraising needs.

Earn $5 for each product that is sold through your organization. Select your dates and email Plum Practicewear @ info@plumpracticewear. com to receive custom marketing materials to promote your “Plumraiser”. Rebates are mailed within 7–10 business days following the completion of the promotion. Visit PlumPracticewear.com for more information!

NEED A FUNDRAISER? How about an 1800 thread count Sheet Fundraiser? Since everyone needs linen, this has been a very successful fundraiser. You’ll make large profits selling a great product at a fabulous price. Some Fundraiser success stories are: Jasper Middle School Band (Jasper, GA) raised $4000+, Rose’s Gymnastic Training Center (Greenville, NC) has raised over $15,000 and River Ridge Cheerleaders (Canton, GA) raised $9,450 in 3 weeks. Your customers will be impressed and coming back for more! Satisfaction guaranteed! NO start up costs! Get started today, email Mary @ marysmonogramming@gmail.com or call 770-893-8842.

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD RATES

1 –100 words = $100, 101 – 200 words = $200 Your ad in USA Gymnastics magazine will automatically be placed online for 30 days at no additional charge. The address is: www.usagym.org/classifieds/. Your 30 days will begin on the next regular posting date.

ISSUE Jan-Feb Mar-Apr May-Jun Jul-Aug Sep-Oct Nov-Dec

DEADLINES

DEADLINE FOR AD & PAYMENT December 1 February 1 April 1 June 1 August 1 October 1

NOTE: If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, the preceding work day is considered the deadline.

USA Gymnastics is received by more than 100,000 members plus thousands of viewers will be exposed to your ad online. Advertise your employment opportunity, product, service, or competition here for great results.

Email sbregman@usagym.org or call

317-829-5650

PAYMENT

ADS AND PAYMENT ARE ONLY ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY OR OVER THE PHONE. Ads submitted without payment will not be published. USA Gymnastics reserves the right to vary format.

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