To: Region V
From: John Geddert, Region V JOPC
Re: Season Wrap Up

Dear All,

The conclusion of one season signifies the beginning of the next. The 2001 season was a tremendous success for the Region V teams at the recent Junior Olympic National Championships held in Eugene, Oregon in early May. Success does not always come in the form of “winning it all”. This years national meet had an added “overall team champion concept” and we finished a respectable 2nd place behind a very strong, consistent and talented Region 8 squad. As most of you know Region V is coming off of back to back season of winning 5 of 8 age groups at nationals. Had this new regional team concept been in place over the past few years, we would have walked away as undisputed national champions. This year we have to give that honor to Region 8.

Now, I have always said there is nothing wrong with finishing second (ouch that hurt). There is something wrong, however if we do not put forth our very best effort to make sure it does not happen again. How can we better our national ranking?

1)       Active Participation in Regional Training Camps- This is an area that has been slipping. We need our top coaches, top judges and top athletes to actively participate in our regional training camps. In order to better ourselves we must LEARN, and there is no better way of learning than the open sharing of ideas, techniques, opinions, training plans, conditioning programs and strategies for bringing out the best in our gymnasts. Plan on attending one or two of the scheduled training camps. We need input from everyone!

2)       Putting our Best Athletes on the Floor- I think I can safely say that no other region cares for it’s athletes like Region V. The apparel, the camps, the all star team experiences, and the team work. I do not think it asking to much to expect a little loyalty in return. I do not mean to sound harsh but we have been experiencing a rash of kids who would rather sit out a season and “rest for college” or “go to a prom” rather that contribute to the regional cause. Encourage loyalty to the region and we will be better because of it.

3)       Raise Expectations- Lets set standards now that will raise the level of our performances. We are very good but there is always room for improvement. I specifically know of 2 age group titles that were decided simply on the number of steps we took on vault and tumbling landings. Raising our level of acceptable performances in the gym will reap big returns as our   execution, amplitude and artistry improves.

I hope the above doesn’t sound as if Region V turned in a dismal performance at Level 10 Nationals. Quite the contrary! We had a very fine showing. We won 3 team age divisions ( no other region had more). We had 3 National All-Around Champions ( more than any other region). We had 8 USAG Junior Olympic National Team Members ( more than any other region).

1)       Team Champions:

  • Junior B- Kristina Comforte- IGI, Jamie Ball- Queen City, Bianca Puello-Southern Illinois, Kelly Fee- Midwest Ill., Briana Dicus-Energym, Sarah Specht-Midwest Ill., Becky Bernard-Flytz.
     

  • Junior C- Amanda Coates- Twistars USA, Katie Lieberman-IGI, Katie Burke-American Academy, Courtney Butler- Midwest Ill., Kristen Peters- Queen City, Jill Kowalski- Midwest Ill., Julie Abaray- Queen City.
     

  • Senior A- Samntha Lutz- Midwest Ohio, Kelsey Erikson- Queen City, Andrea Arlotta- CGA, Tristen Nelson- Twistars USA, Brittany Livingston- IGI, Meghan Cronin-Energym, Jillian Stranges- Buckeye.

2)       All-Around Champions:

  • Kristina Comforte- IGI- Junior B- 37.775
     

  • Lindsay Borkan- American Academy- Junior D- 38.10
     

  • Kelsey Erikson- Queen City- Senior A- 38.225

3)       USAG National Team Memebers ( via placing in the top 3 AA)

The 3 AA Champions plus

  • Caitlyn Sullivan- Twistars USA- Junior A- 37.55
     

  • Jamie Ball- Queen City -Junior B- 37.175
     

  • Tristen Nelson- Twistars USA- Senior A- 37.75
     

  • Shelley Harris- Twistars USA- Senior C- 38.025
     

  • Jamie Duce- Twistars USA- Senior D- 38.00

Congratulations to all of the athletes, coaches, club owners and parents for an outstanding 2001 competitive season. As always, watching Region V develop, come together, and then achieve is inspiring. I know I can speak for the masses when I say being part of this “team” is simply a joy! Thanks to all that contribute to the overall philosophy and atmosphere.

Enclosed you should find:

1)       A training camp schedule and registration form. Please consider which you will attend and get you entries into DAN MILLER as soon as possible. Especially for Super Camp which will be held in Cincinnati, August 3-5

2)       A Clinician Request Form. Those with national qualifiers to level 9 or 10 nationals, it is tradition that you share your knowledge at one of the various training camps. Please fill out this form and return to JOHN GEDDERT as soon as possible as staffing these camps is tedious to say the least.

3)       An All Star Team Information Sheet- Let this serve as your final reminder.

Thanks Again…… Have a great Summer….. Train Hard and Safe…..

 

Sincerely

John Geddert
Region V JOPC