New Kids On The Block

As MSO travels to gyms around the country we look at top gymnasts and those that show promise. Such was our intent in visiting Gymfinity in Livermore, California. But sometimes something different catches our eye and that was what MSO ran into with a new gym that exemplifies the best of gymnastics, with a coach that is building a strong program, and a club with a heart.

Owners Jerod and Julianne Pimentel have struggled to keep their young program going, and if the first couple of years are any indication of what they are capable of, MSO predicts they will produce a competitive team, full of future stars, and champions. The gym has had to move several times with short notice and their current location started out as an empty shell. For family, friends, community, and fellow gyms to have stepped up and lent a hand to keep this gym alive it means they believed that Gymfinity and their owners were worth the effort. Today the gym is thriving, and while they seemed about to close their doors not too long ago, the folks at Gymfinity are committed. Committed to keeping their doors open, accepting any kid, and producing champions.

Head Coach Juli and her staff have everything to work with; from a talented gymnast with the skills to compete on the national if not an international level, to a gymnast whose handicap should make it impossible to compete. But Coach Juli’s philosophy is that her gym is for everyone, and that my dear gymnastics fans of America, while so easily said, is much harder to support.

For Valentina Barbalinardo, a 12 year old Level 9, being at Gymfinity means she can practically design her own workout schedule. The dynamic competitor, who has produced top scores this year, maintains a rigorous weekly schedule, coupled with an early start several days a week when she leave school prior to the final period. The long hours and hard work can be seen in the beautiful form and confidence Valentina displays. This kid could be making national headline within 3 to 4 years.

On the other end of the scale is a Level 5 that can best be describes as an example of perseverance. 17 year old Chelsea Werner has Down syndrome, and at an early age her doctor’s prognosis was that she lacked muscle tone and that made physical activity impossible. But Coach Dawn Pombo (some of you new to the sport may not recognize the name, but Google her to see about Dawn’s success in Tracy, CA) agreed to train Chelsea. Thanks to Dawn specifically, and Gymfinity in general, Chelsea is gaining recognition as a remarkable athlete as she performs her routines to international audiences. MSO watched her practice her Beam routine, and also was able to see her floor performance on YouTube. Check it out.

But it all comes back to Coach Juli’s shoulders. Jeff Wood, John Geddert, Al Fong, are names that comprise today’s coaching elite in America. America knows them now; but how many of you knew them when they were the Young Guns struggling to get their gyms going? How many of you knew them when they were in Julianne Pimentel’s place?

One of the

best things about being with MSO is the opportunity to meet the outstanding individuals that make up our beloved sport. Now thanks to MSO’s Profiles, you too can share in this pleasure. Read as MSO’s resident profiler, Amy Presan, introduces you to: Junior National Team Member; Asi Peko.

Presan: What is your favorite thing about gymnastics?

Peko: Competing. I get nervous and excited but then mainly excited and the nervous feelings go away.

Presan: Do you prefer larger or smaller meets?

Peko: Larger.

Presan: Then you must have loved competing at Nationals. How was it?

Peko: I was very surprised, but also very happy with the results (She finished 2nd All-Around). The only time I felt a little nervous was on beam.

Presan: What are some of your goals from here?

Peko: To compete at J.O. National Elite and at World's. For the future my goals are to go to a good college and participate in the 2012 Olympics. I am working really hard for these goals.

Presan: What are your coaches like?

Peko: I enjoy my coaches and they are very positive. My step dad used to be my gymnastics coach when I was younger, and I really enjoyed that. Whenever I get down, my coaches always turn it into a positive thing.

Presan: How big is your team?

Peko: There are five level 10 gymnasts on my team. We are all very close, and we are like family. We hang out together outside of the gym.

Presan: What about life without gymnastics?

Peko: Hard to say. If I wasn't doing gymnastics I would most likely still be involved in another sport because I enjoy being very active.

Presan: Tell me about outside of gymnastics?

Peko: In school my favorite subject is science. I get good grades. I have to balance my time with school and gymnastics. I go to school, which ends at 2:45, and then I go straight to practice, which starts at 3:30. My practice ends at 8:30 and I don't get home until 9 pm. When I get home, I do my school work. My practices are Monday-Friday, and also on Saturdays from 9-2pm. I usually don't have time for school functions, such as football games, or much of a social time, but when I do it's on the weekends.

Presan: Any brothers or sister?

Peko: I have two brothers. My older brother is turning 15 in December and plays football for his high school. My younger brother is turning 3 in December.

Presan: Now that you are moving up in the sport what is it like?

Peko: I like it, at the US Challenge I met Chellsie Memmel (M&M) and Shayla Worley (Orlando Metro).

MSO Note: With a personal goal to become an International Junior Elite National Team Member life for this 13 year old 8th grader from Henderson, Nevada is about to get very exciting. Peko’s is coached at Brown’s Las Vegas, by Dayna Isaacs-Waroe and Marcelo Figueiredo former National Team Coach of Brazil. Coach Dayna told MSO, “Asi is a special gymnast who works hard”. And, in this sport, that is more important than skill.

UP NEXT: Travel with MSO to Region 5, historically home to many of the nation’s legendary gymnasts, and where we will find the next gymnast on MSO’s Profiles.

Desi Borgese – The 2008 MSO Gymnast of the Year

It may seem to some that this year in particular MSO had a love relationship with Airborne Gymnastics of Santa Clara, California in general, and their gymnasts in particular. Not so. MSO recognizes and admires talent, hard work, and a positive attitude. These are the things MSO looks for in a Gymnast of the Year, and what MSO sees in Ms. Borgese. While this description can be applied to many gymnasts across the country, above all MSO’s Gymnast of the Year has time and again been selected in the final considerations for the individual’s ability to be a role model for other gymnasts. Desi is such a gymnast.

A History of the Award

The idea for the award began in 2003, just three years after the launch of MSO. One of MSO’s principals had been involved in the annual awards banquet honoring Arizona’s coaches, gymnasts, and USAG professionals. Those awards lead to MSO creating the Top Ten Teams in America list; which then led to the idea of the top gymnast award. Thanks in part to a random suggestion made by Julie Witenstein, Co-Owner of the Arizona Sunrays, and in part to MSO’s association with Cirque du Soleil, the work began on establishing a process for identifying a gymnast whose accomplishments and attitude exemplified the purpose of the award. Today, thanks to nominations received from across the country, MSO is annually introduced to a remarkable group of gymnasts.

Desi: MSO’s Selection

Desi Borgese, the 2008 MSO Gymnast of the Year first came to MSO’s attention early in the competitive season through an email from her coaches. However, she stayed on the MSO radar through consistent accomplishment. The dynamic 12-year old is coached by Justin Howell and Liz Crandall. During the 2007-2008 competitive season, the Level 10 was the All-Around State Champion for Northern California (Nor-Cal), California being a state that placed three teams in this year’s MSO’s Top Ten Women’s list, and the state had 7 gymnasts (male and female) nominated for Gymnast of the Year, three of which made the short list. Desi placed 5th All-Around at the USA Gymnastics JO National Championships and qualified Jr. International Elite. After an outstanding performance at the US Classic, Desi earned a spot to compete at the Visa National Championships in Boston, MA. “Desi competed and travelled non-stop from Regionals to Visa's and should be commended for her hard work. She is an extremely talented young gymnast with a bright future” said Coach Justin Howell. MSO concurs with this assessment.

As previously mentioned all the attributes MSO looks for in a gymnast of the year are exemplified by Desi and the other nominees, but in the final analysis it is Desi’s positive attitude and behavior in the gym that makes her a role model for other gymnast. Therefore it is with extreme pleasure that MSO thanks Airborne Gymnastics for assisting MSO in identifying a wonderful gymnastic talent, Desi Borgese: The 2008 MSO Gymnast of the Year.

Top Ten Men’s Clubs In America

This year MSO is taking a more proactive approach and instead to listing the top 10 teams to watch for the season, or waiting until the JO National results are in to release the final list of the nation’s best programs, MSO is going to name the best gyms in the country up front. Why the change? Two reasons: First, MSO does not received the JO National results so there is no way for the MSO Software to tabulate national scores into the MSO rankings. And second, one meet does not define a club; not even JO Nationals. Since MSO’s rankings are based purely on results over the course of an entire year, the final MSO standings are determined by how many gymnasts a club sends to the state and regional championships, and how those gymnasts perform at those meets.Before we look at the top team let’s look at clubs that received an honorable mention, and some individuals that stand out. Honorable Mention:Parkettes - This Pennsylvania powerhouse had six state AA champions. Can they get back to regional domination? Gymnastics and More - If you have never heard of this New England club or coaches Mitko Lountchev and Darren Morace; stayed tuned. Our Go TO Guys:The Florida Gymnastics Training Center produced a pair of gymnasts, Diego Ugaz and Antonio Castro, that you should take notice of, MSO did. Remember MSO Gymnast of the Year, Edward Mesa from Universal? The team produced yet another outstanding gymnast, Mario Lubian.When MSO first heard of Russell Babritz of Palaestra we were looking for him in Texas. This Palaestran is from Massachuests. Palaestra is not a common name (think famous ancient Greek wrestling school), but we found him now. Every one knows Arizona is hot. But so too is Alex Madden of the AZ Flairs.Another duo to watch are from Kent, Washington. Metropolitan gymnasts Angelo Reyes and Brady Shutt show promise. The MSO 2008 Top Ten Men Teams in America starting with number10 – Massachusetts Gymnastics Center; long synonymous with Massachusetts, and now synonymous with success. 9 – Multnomah Athletic Club; known in Region 2 as The MAC, the elite program was a contender this year. 8 – Buffalo Grove out of Illinois. MSO stopped in and watch the team practice last fall and the promise they showed in the gym was fulfilled in competitions. 7 – Cypress Academy, Tom Meadows and company continue to produce.6 – SWISS, or Swiss Turners, what ever name you call them, they once again made MSO’s top ten list. 5 – Hocking Valley, this Ohio club annually makes the list and it is usually towards the top. 4 – WOGA, this is one of those teams where the acronym does not need to be spelled out. 3 – Oregon Gymnastics Academy, a total of 24 state titles; you have to be impressed. 2 – LeHigh Valley, a great year for this Allentown, Pennsylvania club. DRUM ROLL……………, and now “THE” number one men’s team in America1 – SCATS (HB) 31 reasons why this teams came out on top; all of them with male names. MSO congratulates Head Coach, Grigor Chalikyan, and his guys on a truly remarkable year.

The Top Teams in America

This year is no different. While looking for the top clubs MSO came across specific gymnasts that impress: Frederick Gymnastics’ Kayla Sienkowski, Diamond Elite’s Kristin Furukawa, Azarian’s Donothan Bailey, and Gym Nevada’s Jake Dalton.

MSO also took note of the large number of Florida teams that dominate meets they compete in. IF, and that’s IF with a capital “F”, MSO were to name the nation’s top state for gymnastics; the “F” would stand for Florida.

No Ohio, MSO did not overlook you. Thanks in large part to Ohio the top region would have been: FIVE!

Honorable Mention: For a relatively small and young club Carter’s of Arizona (Women) again put on a notable run to the Top Ten Teams list. Let by gymnast Christina Woods every Carter gymnast that made it to national level competition did well.

Also Rans: Normally this term carries a somewhat negative connotation. Not in this case. All of these clubs just missed being named #10 and rightly so. Producing strong competitors with great results all year long, good showings at Regional and National level events; these women’s teams are noteworthy: DeVeau’s, Midwest Twisters, Gym East, and Texas Tumblers. For the Men: Houston Gym, OSU, and Golden Bear.

Private note to OGA and Coach Matt: MSO is watching.

MSO has been asked if MSO has results showing who the top teams in the East and the West are. Yes. In fact based purely on results MSO could list the top teams per region, state, etc. However, due to MSO’s limited resources it won’t be this year.

The Top Ten Teams in America are chosen by results. MSO starts with Nationals and work backwards via Regionals, Easterns/Westerns, down to the state qualifiers. MSO then looks at those teams, 40+ teams total, and then reviews individual results, overall club results for the entire year, and how each level did. Not an easy task. Along the way we are distracted by individual gymnasts, specific Levels, and in one case a club’s amazing record of placing competitors into collegiate level gymnastics. Here they are:

MSO’s 2007 TOP TEN TEAMS LIST

MEN

#10 San Mateo

#9 Cypress Academy

#8 Premier

#7 World Cup

#6 Buffalo Grove

#5 Hocking Valley

#4 Black Hills

#3 SCATS HB

#2 WOGA

#1 Universal - Thanks to Danell Leyva and Edward Mesa (MSO’s 2006 Gymnast of the Year) Universal did very well all season long.

WOMEN

#10 – Byers (Sacramento)

#9 – Cincinnati

#8 – La Fleur’s Tampa

#7 – Colorado Aerials

#6 – WOGA

#5 – Arena

#4 – Airborne

#3 – Great American

#2 – Hills

#1 – La Fleurs (WI) - La Fleurs could be a dynasty in the making. This family of gym owners knows how to develop champions, and the granddaddy is in Wisconsin.

About MSO

Karl Stubsjoen founded MeetScoresOnLine.com, also known as MSO, in 2000. Karl a former gymnast and coach is married with three children and lives in Phoenix, Arizona. It was shortly after Karl built the MSO software that Karl asked Del Ruiz to join him in launching MSO for general public use. Del a resident of Scottsdale, Arizona is also married and also a father of three, one of which is a gymnast. Del’s contribution is a strong background in business development and new product launch.

MSO started as a web-based software application for displaying results on the internet. From the start MSO has been a free service for any club wanting to post men’s or women’s scores on the internet. From 2001 when a handful of gyms used the service to today when over 1000 meets get posted annually, MSO has grown to become the leading website for club gymnastics. In the past seven years as MSO has moved from compiling basic scores to comprehensive analytics of overall results and standings, MSO has been able to identify America’s best performing programs with MSO’s Top Ten Teams List. The MSO Gymnast of the Year Award is recognition of exemplary gymnastics and is truly the only award in the sport that looks at over 5000 clubs and 35,000 gymnasts to find the competitor that is a role model to others.

As our fans base matures and moves into collegiate competition, MSO is committed to continuing to support the club program while following our best gymnasts to the university level. And, it will remain a free service.

We hope this write-up gives you some understanding of MSO. Please visit the site often and see for yourself why gymnastic fans love MSO.

’s best performing programs with MSO’s Top Ten Teams List. The MSO Gymnast of the Year Award is recognition of exemplary gymnastics and is truly the only award in the sport that looks at over 5000 clubs and 35,000 gymnasts to find the competitor that is a role model to others.

As our fans base matures and moves into collegiate competition, MSO is committed to continuing to support the club program while following our best gymnasts to the university level. And, it will remain a free service.

We hope this write-up gives you some understanding of MSO. Please visit the site often and see for yourself why gymnastic fans love MSO.

In Your Face Gymnastics

Recently one of the nation’s gymnastics publications made a case for an NCAA Division I Women’s program in Texas. MSO concurs. One of the points upon which the argument was based was the outstanding club gymnastics in the state. And that is certainly true. Gyms in Texas are plentiful and plenty good. That is why MSO sees the launching of Elite Champion Gymnastics in Plano, TX as a gutsy move. This new club is making a statement of In Your Face Gymnastics by starting a new program right smack dab in the middle of some of the nation’s best gyms. Mike and Lisa Epperson are committed to competing at a top level and although their program is small they have a pretty good foundation upon which to build. MSO was impressed after visiting the new gym.

For one thing Elite Champion is home to Sarie Morrison, a gymnast who pulls double duty by competing in both club and high school programs. A two time Texas State High School Gymnastics Champion, Morrison is coached by Marcus and Jana Harlin who took the gymnast to JO Nationals where a knee injury kept her from finishing on the leader board when it caused a fall and a low Balance Beam score. But Sarie is a competitor and she’ll be back next year along with teammate Mackenzie “Max” Michelle. MSO was not able to see Max workout also due to an injury, but she too will be ready and in the line-up next seasion. Together these two should help their club keep pace with the areas’ heavy hitters.

And Elite also has future stars Lauren Chennault and Arlever Gibbson waiting in the wings to take their place in the limelight. These two Level 7s are developing quickly and therefore Elite should field a strong Optional team. MSO thinks with the firm discipline and love of the sport coaches Marcus and Jana displayed during our visit things are pretty good at Elite for now, and probably for years to come.

MSO’s College Bound Talks to Greg Marsden

As MeetScoresOnLine.com starts planning the MSO College Bound section of the site, a good place to begin was with the topic of college recruiting; and how best to do that than to speak with someone who truly knows the process.

If you are planning on competing at the college level, think you might want to, or are undecided but just want to keep the option open then Greg Marsden is someone you want to talk to, MSO did. As Head Coach of the University of Utah, he has 34 years of experience and is recognized as one of the best in the country for promoting his school, building his program, and developing his team. Here is some of what MSO learned.

MSO: What do you look for in a gymnast?

Coach Marsden: We look for the all-around gymnast who is also a good student and team player. While individual events are important, and some schools recruit to specific events, we typically look for the whole package. We also look for the potential for growth. We want gymnasts who want to continue to develop and learn through their college career.

MSO: How has college recruiting changed over recent years?

Coach Marsden: The biggest changes have been in technology and the early verbal commitments. The technology has made it easier to find and follow recruits. The early verbal commitments have not always been such a good thing. Situations change; the athlete can change, or things can change at the university. It is definitely a two edged sward. It is unfortunate but the trend in gymnastics and all other sports for that matter is to beat the other guy to the punch.

MSO: How about from a technology perspective?

Coach Marsden: The Internet is making it easier, and it is actually more reliable because online video can be easily updated to show improvement and new skills. Then of course there is your site (MSO) which we use to follow scores online. Watching a gymnast’s workouts and events is a critical part of the process, and being able to do it online is so convenient.

MSO: Are you still receiving videos in the mail, and it that of any benefit?

Coach Marsden: We do still receive videos in the mail, but they are of no greater value than the online videos. If a recruit does produce a video, there is no reason to spend hundreds of dollars on a fancy production. We skip the fancy introductions anyway and fast forward right to the gymnastics.

MSO: Can you give us a general sense of the importance of the recruiting process for the freshman year of high school?

Coach Marsden: The easiest way for me to address that is to suggest that they take a look at our recruiting calendar. There is a lot of information there about initial eligibility and the rules surrounding the recruiting process in general. Here a link to that site: http://utahgymnastics.huntsman.utah.edu/RecruitingCalendar.htm

MSO: Is there any particular invitational where you can see top club gymnasts compete as part of the recruiting process?

Coach Marsden: There are so many great meets, such as the Parkettes Invitational (#8 on MSO’s 2008 Top Ten Women’s List), that we would like to attend. However, since we are competing at the same time of the year, it is impossible to get to as many as we would like. That’s why the technology surrounding online scores and video is so helpful and become such an important part of the recruiting process for us.

MSO: What about the practice of adding High School 4.0 (A) students as walk-ons on your team roster to improve the team’s GPA?

Coach Marsden: If a school is honest about the gymnast’s role or contribution then that is their (the gymnast’s) decision. Our policy is that a walk-on should be able to contribute on at least one event.

The Coolest Posters

MSO is all about discovering the best in gymnastics and sometimes MSO finds it without knowing we were looking for it. The University of Utah Gymnastics’ posters announcing their competitions caught MSO’s attention and can be termed the coolest posters in the sport. Check them out: "http://utahgymnastics.huntsman.utah.edu/GM/2009Pictures/2009Posters/index.htm

Tough Breaks, but True Leadership

Laci Hendress, a senior and team co-captain at Kent State University, came roaring back on floor at the team's first home meet of the season - scoring a 9.875 less than six months after having arthroscopic knee surgery and a successful retinaculum release. Laci is also a strong contributor to the team's bars and beam wins, but floor is where she shines with her powerful tumbling, and motivational personality. Kent’s Golden Flashes won the Mid America Conference (MAC) championship (2ND year in a row), and are headed to Columbus, Ohio for the NCAA regional meet. Unfortunately Laci broke her hand during a practice and will watch her team from the sidelines. She has experience a couple of tough breaks, but displayed true leadership.

Profiles

Read about the “The New Kids on the Block” ala gymnastics in MSO’s Profiles as one of our nation’s Young Guns builds her gym in Livermore California.

Two More Shooters

Speaking of Young Guns two other up and coming coaches should be watched as they develop their teams and their skills. Matt Lowry at Payke Gymnastics (Alhambra,CA) is putting in the hours and effort to learn the tips and tricks of developing champions. “His” boys are coming along quickly and Matt along with fellow coach Shane Jordan are getting the job done. For Coach Venessa Vander Heide it is all about getting back into the gym. “Ever since I was a Level 5 I knew I wanted to coach” said Vanessa. Oceanside Gymnastics and Gyminny Kids (Oceanside, CA) is a new gym and Coach Vanessa started the team program most likely making her the only head coach in the country to qualify for MSO’s Young Gun recognition.

Our Unsung Heroes

Every year at club banquets across the country gymnasts thank the coaches, teammates, “and Oh, my parents”. It is that added element that is often overlooked. While some clubs sometime wish a specific parent would stop trying to coach, there are many moms and dads that go that extra mile for the love of their kids, and the good of the sport.

For the Oseas (Ally, Jamie and Lauren), mom Bonnie has been the guiding strength that helped the gymnasts overcome three tragedies close to home. Within a few short months the girls faced the death of their cousin, a close personal friend, and their grandmother. Says mom, Bonnie; “I started the girls in gymnastics because of my love for gymnastics.” But who knew the toughness of the sport would help the girls cope, and keep them on track in the gym, in school, and in their personal lives.

Bonnie stresses hard work, respect, enjoyment of the sport, and “at least one of their activities should be fitness oriented”. Well that is certainly gymnastics. Mom also feels the sport was something the girls looked forward to, and it kept them going when things got tough. The guiding motto: “The importance of looking at your individual self and individual successes; no matter how small”. Sounding more like a coach than a mom, Bonnie says it has been important that her girls try to be happy for and supportive of their teammates. She expects them to work hard when they are in the gym and not be disruptive. “And I believe it is important that they take time to thank their coaches after workouts and meets (they are getting better at this but still not perfect.” Bonnie – Now it is the coach’s turn to thank you.

The Hidden Jewel

Maybe you know all about the Stanford Open, but for MSO several unknown facts lead us to call it “The Hidden Jewel”.

First is that fact that the meet director turned out to be Doni Thompson who reined supreme for 10 years at both US and International gymnastic events, helped UCLA win three NCAA Championships, and was a two-time All-American.

The meet had both NCAA and club teams competing, and while these dual-type meets are getting to be pretty standard, MSO is almost sure 10 years ago the Stanford Open broke new ground with this format. The event has got to be one of the largest all Men’s meets MSO has been invited to, and the meet was well attended. The prestigious Burnham Pavillion’s bleachers were packed with the announcer twice calling for everyone to squeeze together to allow more people into the facility; with former gymnasts (Peter Weiging – ASU Men’s team captain), current champions (Carly Janiga – All American), and future stars (Dominic Morris) there, it was great gymnastics.

Two of the clubs from the MSO Top Ten Men’s Teams in America’s 2008 list (SCATS HB #1 and Hocking Valley #5) competed, and both should do well again this season with each team having had only one senior graduate in 2008. Hocking Valley Coach Michael Serra said to look for great things from his team this coming season, and pointed to Matthew Chelberg, Howard Trevor, and Preston Gall to have break-through years.

Most impressive was Jake Dalton of Gym Nevada who is headed to the University of Oklahoma. As for university squads Cal’s Golden Bears have got to be one of the top 5 teams in the country. MSO does not track NCAA men’s gymnastics, but it should be apparent that Head Coach Barry Wiener has built a formidable competitor. With names like Kyson Bunthuwong, Kyle Brady, and Glen Ishino (outstanding at this particular meet) Cal should have a great year.

If you plan to be near Palo Alto, California in eary 2010 the 17th Annual Stanford Open will be a must attend event. And if you plan to compete, sign up early as there is little room to add teams to The Hidden Jewel.

One Last Note:

Another interesting fact about the Stanford Open was the young announcers. Yes, other meets have them, but 11 years old? Eli Noe (a member of the team that help SCATS HB garner their #1 rating) was cool, articulate, and has a future in broadcast journalist; after his days as a competitive gymnast are behind him. Eli wow the audience with his 1st place performance on Pommel.

Which Club has the Granddaddy of Meets?

Here is your chance to get some free publicity for your event. Who has the longest running meet in America? MSO would like to hear from you. If you have a meet that has been running forever; let MSO know. We will list the top winners on MSO and reward the oldest meet with a free one-year banner spot. Yes, MSO will throw in the cost of the art work.

A Message to our Friend in Norman

Ben, good luck with your annual event!

Challenging Scores

There is a disclaimer at the bottom of this page that says posted scores are not official until the Meet Director has certified them. To challenge a score you need to contact the host club, or your state representative. MSO does not have the authority to change scores posted to the site.

Top Teams to Watch in 2009

Once again this year MSO will not be posting a list of the Top Ten Teams to Watch. Yes, MSO was very good at it (OK except for getting blindsided by the occasional gym coming from out of know where to truly impress), but it take a lot of resources to research potential, resources that MSO simply cannot afford. Remember we are a free service .

However, MSO would sincerely appreciate hearing from coaches, gymnasts, parents, family and friends of gymnast on team and individuals we should be keeping an eye open for.

Not Again!

There is nothing MSO hates more than getting someone's name wrong. Most times someone will send in the wrong spelling, and at other times MSO just makes a mistake. Our apologies to Megan Verceles Carr and Charissa Chou, two fine gymnasts.

Nominations to Close

Time is running out. If you intend to nominate someone for MSO's 2008 Gymnast of the Year you had better get those names in. Please be sure to include gymnast's name, club name, and the name of their principal coach.

Hitting the South Bay

Recently MSO was in the California southern bay area and dropped in on a couple of gym.

Imagine walking in on Alexandre Tkatchev, yes..that Tkatchev; he of the famous Bars element. This tells MSO that Abra Slater (what a dynamite lady) and company are serious about getting West Valley Gymnastics back to it's former glory. Abra, who has coached four Elite level gymnasts, and Mr. T (this guy still has the looks that at one time made him the strongest gymnast in the world) run a tight ship yet the girls seems to be really enjoying themselves. MSO was there to see promising star Jamy Garcia, and she did not disappoint. Also catching MSO's eye were Megan Rasoull and Theresa Chow. And, in an awesome display of clean, dramatic moves on floor, Rachel Brown showed these coaches have something big in the making. Another first from MSO: We know we are going out on a very thin limb calling attention to one so early in her career. But you had to have seen her to truly understand why MSO predicts Rachel will be a big name in this sport.

At the other end of the San Tomas freeway MSO visited with Justin Howell and the wonderful folks at Airborne Gymnastics, a gym that has made the MSO Top Ten Teams list several times, most recently at #3. Our principal reason for being there was not practicing (maybe next time Gina Costa) but a special treat was Desi Borgesi. MSO is sure you know the name after the great season she had last year. Emma Craig was noted both for impressive gymnastics and great attitude. And another Borgesi, little sister Chloe, looked beautiful on beam. Airborne has there own future in the making: Destinee Henderson. She may not look like much walking around, and indeed even gets lost in the crowd, but watch for her this coming season.

Airborne has a large contingent of seniors and will field a strong Level 10 team this year. For most gyms this mean the following year they start to rebuild. But not this club. Their Levels 9s will also contend. One gymnast that could have a breakout year is Anna Jaworski. If she gets it all together, and with Justin at the helm Airborne could really “contend”; and MSO means finishing #1 in the country.

Do you remember the legendary Stormy Eaton? One of his all time great Desert Devils gymnasts, Liz Crandall, is coaching at Airborne. Now that is gymnastics pedigree: Coached by the best, coaching the best.

The 2008 Top Ten Women's Teams in America

Dear MSO, how do you know which club wins when clubs have the same name?

This is an excellent question. Sometimes the host gym will use any abbreviation or grouping of letters when entering a club into the computer; or perhaps they are simply using what is on the entry form. In any case, it makes it harder to identify the club; but only at the Invitational level. At the Qualifiers, certain names start to jump out at you, which is why when choosing the top ten clubs MSO starts at the national level meets and works backwards from there. When all else fails MSO relies on the USAG # for the individual gymnasts. The rest is purely results.

18 gyms had great years and were all grouped towards the top of the standings, but did not make the list. As many know by now, joining the list of the best teams in America out of thousands of clubs is not easy. The 2008 Top Ten Women’s Teams in America were, from Level 10 to Level 8, producers.

This year’s list included three clubs from California. While in gymnastics terms NorCal and SoCal are different states, the reality is that it is still one great place for competitive gymnastics. The Pacific Northwest also flexed some muscle and two clubs displayed awesome accomplishment. Oregon Gymnastics Academy (OAG), and Leading Edge Gymnastics (LEGA – Nice job Tony!) deserve special recognition. Two others clubs, of those 18 clubs that made themselves noticed, that had great years, but just missed the list are Michigan Elite, and Bay Aerials.

A special message to Gina and company at Gym World East – You have MSO’s attention. As for individual gymnasts that caught MSO’s eye, while the top ten list was being complied we start with PGA’s Cheyenne Adamonis. Three others were Eriel Santagado (Kitty’s All Stars – a future beam national champion?), Kelsey (Buffy) Morris (LEGA – a role model for a young team), and Andi More (Trevino’s). Meredith Magjuka of Wright's also must be mentioned with her remarkable 1st AA finished at Nationals. Without going into details, suffice to say this kid has the heart of a champion.

Finally; these four young ladies from Chow’s which finished in this order at the Level 8 Championships: Katelyn Paulsen (1st AA), Mallary Pecinovsky (2nd AA), Morgan Schmaltz (3rd AA), and Madeline Schmaltz (4th AA). Morgan and Madeline are twins, and with this lineup watch for Chow’s on a future Top Ten Teams List.

And here are MSO’s 2008 Top Ten Women’s Teams in America:

You need not be a big traditional powerhouse to make the list. At Number 10 is Folgers who did a lot with limited numbers. How many gyms their size sends 8 gymnasts to National level competition? This year with Samantha Pedigo and Marissa Housley both finishing in the top ten nationally, Folgers made themselves known.

The # 9 gym, GAGE, did not finish as high as in previous years but their coaching staff keeps turning out great competitors.

Wonderful to see Parkettes, #8, once again at the very top as a competitive club on this their 40th anniversary. A gym made up of teams (Levels 5, 6, 7, 9, & 10) of state champions, the Colorado Gymnastics Institute comes in at #7.Orlando Metro, a home for top gymnasts, is #6, another MSO “Atta-Boy” to Jeff and his staff of professionals who keep producing champion level competitors. When MSO says Gliders, MSO means as in Charter Oaks, as in awesome year! At #5 they also have a young coaching staff that is Hecka good. A powerhouse type year in a state (and region) full of strong gyms. That is why Gedder’s Twistars is #4. #3 Airborne is one of those name other clubs have, but this is the high flyer in Santa Clara. Most likely known for men’s gymnastics (home to John Roethlisberger) the women at #2 Twin City Twisters made a strong statement this year, and MSO will love watching them compete at the collegiate level. Who is the Top Club in America? MSO could write a book on what these gymnasts and their coaches accomplished. Across the board, all levels, at Invitationals and Qualifiers, they were consistent. To be NUMBER 1, you had to get past BYERS OF SACRAMENTO. MSO is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Gymnast of the Year.

Young Guns Wanted

MSO is looking for outstanding junior coaches as part of MSO’s “Future Leaders of Gymnastics Highlighted” profile. If you meet, or have a coach in your program that meets the following qualifications please send MSO their names, the name of the club or university where they are currently coaching, the name of the club and college where they competed gymnastics (if applicable), and the level or event they coach.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. 7 or less years as a coach

2. Is an assistant at the club or collegiate level

3. At least one (1) full season as a coach

4. Has coached at least one (1) Sectional, State, or Conference Champion

Special Note: If you own your own gym then qualification #2 is waived, meaning you can be the Head Coach.

Thank You Coach

Shawn Johnson of Chow’s Gymnastics in West Des Moines, Iowa found a special way to thank her coaches, Lian Chow and Liwen Zhang. Shawn has their names inscribed in the coaches’ native Mandarin on her competitive leotard. Now that is creative.

Welcome to the New MSO

As MSO enters our 8th year we express our gratitude to the thousand of clubs and tens of thousands of gymnasts and their families that have made MSO the #1 website in the country for club gymnastics. The new design is set up by features:

Current Issues and Old News has replaced the old MSO home page. This is where MSO will post anything that is brought to MSO’s attention. Visit MSO often and stay on top of what is happening in club gymnastics across the country.

Calendar and Results is where you can find a list of upcoming meets, and the results for those meets people have sent in scores for. Can’t find your meet, or don’t see the results for a specific meet? Contact MSO.

Cheer. As more clubs build out impressive cheer programs MSO is going to help promote their effort. This week for example, MSO helped produce a Dance, Cheer, and Pom clinic sponsored in part by the Phoenix Mercury WNBA team. Want to promote a cheer related event nationally? Camp? Clinic? Send MSO the information and we will post it in our new “Cheer” section.

Who are the Top Ten Teams in America? Who is the 2007 MSO Gymnast of the Year? Check out Honors.

MSO’s favorite section, and MSO believes soon your as well is Profiles. This is where we will look at gymnast from across the country. Read about what makes a gymnast great, hard working, or just plain special. The first profile is a write up on the person who will conduct the interviews; Amy Presan. Who should Amy be talking to? Let MSO know.

Senior Watch is not about high school seniors. Well, not entirely. Senior Watch is about club gymnasts who are starting to consider college level gymnastics. Find out who is going where. What schools are in play. And, anything else about the gymnasts who are competing in their final years of club competition.