Chapter 31
CLUBS
(This chapter is totally incomplete! Please send additions/corrections/stories, etc. to Lee.)
All American Gymnastics, Kennewick
A.I.M. Gymnastics Center, Moses Lake
AOG (Academy of Olympic Gymnastics), Seattle
Dale Shirley, Linda Hicks (Parker back then), Laurie Reid and Jim Wilkins were coaches.
Corine Olsen, Linda Lutz and Janine Bell were all gymnasts together at AOG, from 1982-84. "We were all class I gymnasts. I, Corine, began gymnastics at age 8, at the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club. My coach also worked at AOG and asked me to participate in the team tryouts. I ended up being chosen. At this time, AOG was still located next to Carpet World on Northrup Way in Bellevue.
Dale moved the gym to a location that is close to Lowes today. Obviously, Lowes was not in existence at that time. As time went on I became a talented gymnast. In ninth grade, I was labeled as an elite and competed at NAAG as an elite. Either my coaches or myself (honestly I can't remember who), decided I was not ready for that caliber of gymnastics and I decided to drop back to Class I. I competed as a Class I from 1981-1986. In 1985, I took 2nd place in the senior division at Class 1 state. I went on to compete at Regionals, hosted by NWA at Issaquah High School. I won vault for my age division, placed 3rd on floor and took 7th All Around. I fell off beam twice, so I did not make the National Team and settled for Westerns. I ended up missing Nationals by .2, because back in the 80's, only 6 gymnasts go on to Nationals from Regionals and Westerns. Another difference is there were only 3 age groups: child: 8-11, juniors 12-14, and Seniors 15-18. "
Apple Valley, Wenatchee
Pam Morgan was born and raised in Wenatchee. She graduated from Wenatchee High School in '81, then moved to Spokane and attended Spokane Falls Community College, and then moved back to Wenatchee and attended Wenatchee Valley College. She married her high school sweetheart in 1985 and has 2 daughters, ages 21 and 11.
How Apple Valley Gymnastics got started: Pam started working in the Rebounders Gymnastics office part time in 1994, then moved to full time office manager, helping out with classes whenever she could. She loved working with the kids, and concentrated her time on them as much as possible. When the gym was offered to her in 2000, she jumped in with both feet, changing the name to Apple Valley Gymnastics to represent the home town she loves.
A Time to Tumble, Spokane
Auburn Gymnastics Center, Inc.
Bainbridge Island Gymnastics Club
Black Hills Gymnastics, Lacey
Bleeker's School of Gymnastics, Spokane. Tom Bleeker owned Blekers School of Gymnastics in Spokane. He came from a circus/vaudeville background. Mike Armstrong bought the gym and renamed it Northwest Gymnastics Academy in the early 1980's. Tom coached in the 70' and 80's. Was quite a character. Suspended his uneven bars from the ceiling.
Cascade Elite Gymnastics, Mount Lake Terrace
Frank Lee Born in Seoul, South Korea, Lee grew up in Seattle and attended Cascade High School in Everett. UW Husky men's gymnastics team. Graduated from UW in 1989 with undergraduate degree in zoology. UW assistant women's coach 1999 to 2005. Co-Owner of Cascade Elite Gymnastics in Mountlake Terrace. Olympic coach for Ghardi Gelenhuys in 2000 in Australia. Ghardi was representing her home nation of Namibia. Five of his club gymnasts have been members of US National Teams including Mylan Dodd. Retired from coaching in 2005 to become a Firefighter/E.M.T.
Lynda R. Cottrill
1974—1979 Pierce Community College, Director of Gymnastics Program for children ages 5 to 17 years
1974—1978 California State University, Northridge Bachelor of Arts Degree
1978—1979 California State University, Northridge Secondary Teaching Certificate, Physical Education
1979—1982 Substitute Teacher Lake Washington, Issaquah, Edmonds School Districts
1979—1982 Head Gymnastics Coach Finn Hill Junior Hill, Lake Washington School District State Champions
1981—1983 Head Gymnastics Coach Lake Washington High School, Lake Washington School District Qualified to Kingco Championships
1983—1985 Head Gymnastics Coach Ingraham High School, Lake Washington School District Qualified to Kingco Championships
1982—1985 Head Gymnastics Coach, Compulsory Team Northwest Aerials, Kirkland
1985—1989 Head Gymnastics Coach, Compulsory and Optional Teams Seattle Gymnastics Academy, Seattle Coached gymnasts to State, Regional, and National Championships
1989—Present Part Owner, Gymnastics Coach, Advertising Manager Cascade Elite Gymnastics, Mountlake Terrace State Championship Teams
1992—Present Member of the Washington State Gymnastics Board Certifications: USA Gymnastics Safety Certified, Red Cross First Aid, CPR Status: Married since 1988, 2 children.
James Thompson 1997-1999 Clark Community College, 1999-2002, University of Utah, Bachelors of Biology, Chemistry Minor. 2008-present, CEG Head coach, optionals. 2003-2008, Metro Gymnastics Center, Tigard, OR. 2000-2003 Olympus Gymnastics Academy, Salt Lake City, UT. 2993-2999 Naydenov Gymnastics Center, Vancouver, WA. 2005-2008 USAG Oregon State Board.
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Clarks Capers, Longview under the direction of Myrna Clark –
Colville K.I.P.S.
Crystals Gymnastics Center/Korum YMCA, Puyallup
Desert Gymnastics & Sports Training Center, Pasco
Dynamic Gymnastics Academy, Spokane
Adana Harris owner: "Being over active as a child Adana's mother placed her in dance and gymnastics at the age of five. No one knew how much she would love it, or that these activities which were meant to keep her busy would ultimately become the center of her life. Adana has been involved in competitive gymnastics since the age of 9. She has competed and won in gymnastics meets all over the Northwest and was 1984 All-Around State Champion. Adana was a member of the Lewis and Clark high school gymnastics team for four years, and assistant instructor at Eastern Washington University (EWU). Throughout her gymnastics career she continued to dance and eventually put that knowledge to use. As a member of the Lewis and Clark Drill team she performed for many audiences and was fortunate to be a part of the highest-ranking team in the area. After graduation she became a part time Jazz lll performing group at EWU, in which she performed, directed and choreographed. Adana began her career with the Dance Emporium in 1991." (From their website, 2009)
Eastside Gymnastics
Jeff Crocket has spent the last 23 years of his life in this sport. He competed as a junior for 12 years and was a four time Junior Olympic National competitor. He moved to Seattle from Boise in the fall of 2000 after he graduated from Centennial High School. Jeff competed for the UW men’s team for 5 years. During which he became a 20 time Collegiate All American, and 8 time Collegiate National Champion on various events and the All around. He was the UW assistant coach from ’06 to ‘09 and received collegiate assistant coach of the year all three years. Jeff is the only one in the world who has performed “the Crockett” a double twisting laid out jäger in February of 2006, winning the first ever New Skills Challenge held at the Winter Cup Challenge in Las Vegas.
Edmonds (City of)
Emerald City Gymnastics Academy, Redmond
Falcon Gymnastics (SPU), Seattle
Garland's Gymnastics, Kennewick
Garland's Gymnastics is owned by Brett and Wendy Garland 1995- present, former collegiate gymnasts. Wendy: Competitive Experience: Region 5 Club gymnast NW Turners/American Academy 10 years
1973-1983
University of Iowa gymnast (Full scholarship) 4 years
All Big 10 All Around 1983 -1987
Coaching Experiences: NW Chicago Turners Chicago, IL 1987 - 1992 (Notable gymnast: Kristy Powell) 5 years
Levels 4 - 9 American Academy of Gymnastics Wheeling, IL
1992 - 1994 (Notable gymnast: Larissa Fontaine) 2 years Levels 7 - Elite
Garland’s Gymnastics: Co - Owner From 1995 - Present Current Head Girls Team Coach Levels 4-9
Personal & Life Experiences: Married to Brett, college sweetheart, and former Iowa gymnast. Together we have coached and nurtured several state, regional and national champions. I’m a mom of 6 busy/athletic children, and have been to numerous orchestra, choir, band, baseball, basketball, hockey, wrestling, soccer, la cross, skate, track, tae kwon do, dance, and cheer events. As a child I spent my summers at an all sports camp. As I grew older I attended the camp as a counselor and eventual Camp director. This gave me my first opportunity to work with children and parents. I have spent my life working with children, parents, teachers and coaches to develop a positive environment that encourages the development of children. I love the process of building, growing and the journey of progression.
George Lewis School of Gymnastics (See NWA)
German Turnverein is in downtown Seattle in the early 1900's/.
Gold Star Gymnastics, Vancouver
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Grace Gymnastics/Lakewood YMCA, Tacoma
National Champions! Lakewood WA YMCA Team won the team titles for the Championship (L9/10) and Level 8 Divisions at the YMCA Nationals Gymnastics Championships - held in Pheonixville, PA at the end of June. This is the 9th win for the Lakewood YMCA Championship Team - breaking the record (tied) with the Seattle YMCA. Seattle won their championships between 1965 and 1974.In the individual all-around competition, Mia Tabbutt brought the Lakewood YMCA their 8th Individual National Title - the most of any YMCA participating in the event. Past champions include: Joyce Tanac, Lorna Woodward, Cleo Carver, Debbie Halle, and Yumi Modre from the Seattle YMCA and Linda Metheny Mulvihill from the Champaign IL, YMCA. (Pictured are Bria, Margaret, Evanni, Mia)
From Graces' website, 2009: "Coach Kevin Milliren has been coaching for 28 years. He coached at PSSG for 23 of those years. He has been the Gymnastics Director at the YMCA for 6 years. In 1991 he was voted Washington State Coach of the Year! He is very proud of his role at Grace and feels very blessed to be surrounded by terrific staff, gymnasts, and parents. Kevin is most proud of his beautiful wife (Kelly) and two great kids (Kurtis & Kelcey)."
Optional Coaches Brian Muenz:coaching for 30 years. He attended and competed as a gymnast for the University of Illinois. His proudest moment is when the Level 10 team won the State Team Championship and the first YMCA National Championship. Jackie Bellmer: been coaching for 10 years. Her most memorable moment was when the team won the Y-Nationals for the 7th time in a row! She also enjoys watching the girls progress and be successful.
Green Lake Fieldhouse, Seattle
George Lewis took gymnastics classes here as a child.
Gymagine, Mukilteo
Owner and head coach, Kelly Donyes, has been teaching gymnastics to children of all ages since 1976. Kelly holds a Physical Education degree from Seattle Pacific University. He was a National Safety Instructor for USA Gymnastics and is on the board for GYMCERT as a safety and education contributor.
Gymnastics Arts Center, Spokane
Gymnastics East (Bellevue)
Gymnastics East (Preston)
Gymnastics Elite, Tumwater
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Gym Express, Auburn
Linda Haverly Lutz
Started Gymnastics at the Academy of Olympic Gymnastics in 1980. One of my very first coaches was Laurie Reid, she taught my pre team group. I remember thinking after my first day with her: "she's really hard, she made me sweat." Pretty funny considering she's one of the nicest people I know. Not long after that, she introduced us to Norm and then she was gone. Nancy Baumgartner took over for her. Nancy coached my group: Erin Brewer, DeAnne Dengate and a few others that I can't remember, she trained us UAIGC for a couple of years. It was very similar to the TOPS program we have now.
The 1982-83 season was my first as a Class I; Dale Shirley, Linda Hicks (Parker back then) and Jim Wilkins were my coaches. I have fond memories of the judges smiling kindly at me as I finished my routines, often times with more "stops" and "falls" than connecting parts.
1984 Regionals in Boise, Idaho was my last meet with AOG. I remember watching NAAG take 5 of the 6 spots for JO Nationals. Shortly after, AOG closed and a bunch of us went to Washington Gymnastics to work with Bruce McGhee. The 1985 season changed my life as a gymnast. I won Bars in a meet and soon realized that with hard work, discipline and self-confidence I could become the gymnast I wanted to be.
1986-89 I trained at Gymnastics Unlimited with Erin Brewer, DeAnne Dengate, Lisa Pizl, Heather Starr and Staci Wicklund. Apparently I didn't understand the meaning of hard work until I started there. My first month, I would get butterflies in my stomach just thinking about the conditioning I was going to have to do. We had 4 girls at the 1986 Class I State meet. Our last event was Beam and I was near the end of the rotation. Lisa Pizl kept coming up to me and saying "Linda, you HAVE to stick this routine!!!" No pressure! I had probably stuck only a handful of routines in work out all year. Well, the stars must have been in alignment, I got lucky and actually stayed on and we narrowly won the meet. We went on to win the 1987, '88, and '89 State Championships.
Summary Gymnastics Accomplishments/History
1980 Started Gymnastics at the Academy of Olympic Gymnastics, Pre Team: Laurie Reid, Nancy Baumgartner
1982-‘84 Competed Class I Coaches: Dale Shirley, Jim Wilkins, Linda Parker
1985 Washington Gymnastics Coach Bruce McGhee Class I State: 1st Place Team
1986-’89 Gymnastics Unlimited Coach Matt Erichsen Class I State: 1st Place Bars & Team
1987 Class I State: 1st Place Team. Regionals: 1st Bars, 2nd AA; JO Nationals: 2nd Bars
1988 Class I State: 1st Place Team. Westerns: 5th AA; JO Nationals: Participant
1989 Class I State: 1st Place Team Regionals: 1st BB, 2nd AA, JO Nat.: 2nd Bars.
1989 Graduated Hazen High School Renton, WA., Scholarship to Univ. of Oklahoma
1989 Performed giant blind front toe on handstand, Jaeger. Learned and competed a Reverse Hecht in 1
month because the aforementioned combination was too inconsistent. JO Nationals -Fell over on a straddle back handstand covered up by changing to an undergrip, glide kip, double leg jam to qualify to finals placing 2nd.
1990 AA gymnast; 1991 Big 8 Team Champions, 1992 Big 8 Bar Champion, 1993 Team Co-Captain, Big 8 Team Champions. Met Jeff Lutz while at OU, he was on the Men's Gym Team and a member of the US National Team.
1994 Graduated with a BS in Health and Sport Science, moved back to WA
1997 Opened Gym Express
2007 Sold the gym to David Hart. Renamed Harts Gymnastics.
Gymnastics 4U
Pam Cays and her husband opened Gymnastics 4 U in Kelso, WA in 2001. 2003 was their first competitive season with Levels 4, 5 and 6. In 2003 they will compete Levels 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.”
Gymnastics Inc. of Seattle (See NWA) George Lewis’ club at SPU, after he left the YMCA. Patti Lanterman bought it and renamed it NWA.
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Gymnastics Plus, Inc., Yakima Owners: Laurie and Norm Reid. Formerly named Central WA School of Gymnastics. Started in 1978, when a group of parents encouraged Norm (who was volunteer coaching at the Yakima YMCA) to open his own gym. They even helped him secure a loan to get him started. Laurie and Norm met in 1980 at a gymnastics clinic. Laurie married into the business in 1981. In 1989, they changed the name to Gymnastics Plus and moved intot the current location. Theyalso offer birthday parties, academic pre-school, and the kid's castle play area.
Reids marking 30 years of gym October 23, 2008 by Dave Thomas http://sports.yakimablogs.com/category/sportsnews/
YAKIMA — Norm Reid vividly recalls those early days of the gymnastics club he started 30 years ago this month.
“It was youthful enthusiasm that kept me going,” he recalled. “For a year and a half, I taught all the classes. I’d go from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“I distinctly remember falling asleep teaching a class of preschoolers one day,” he continued, laughing. “I was sitting on the edge of the pit and I just nodded off.”
Yet Reid, joined three years later by new wife Laurie, persevered through those humble beginnings, and this month the pair is celebrating the 30th anniversary of what has become one of the best clubs in the Pacific Northwest.
Gymnastics Plus has, by Laurie’s estimate, helped train more than 50,000 youngsters since opening its doors, and is today the region’s second oldest gymnastics club under continuous ownership.
“We had some tough times, but we always found a way to make it work out,” Norm said. “It’s been a lot of fun. It’s been a rewarding activity and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
As the club turns 30, the Reids are inviting former students to visit this month to share their memories either in stories or pictures.
“We’re just trying to give people some special thanks,” Laurie said. “I want to thank everybody who brought their kids here … and we’d love to see any of the families that have been part of the past 30 years.”
A sentimental journey for the Reids that began with small steps.
Norm Reid, who competed in gymnastics at Kentridge High School and Central Washington University, was a volunteer gymnastics coach at the Yakima YMCA when a group of parents encouraged him to start his own club, even helping his secure a loan to get him started.
“I was kind of ignorant about business … but they had a lot of faith in me,” said Reid, who opened the Central Washington School of Gymnastics in October 1978.
Norm met Laurie at a gymnastics clinic in 1980 and, after some long-distance dating, Bellevue-based Laurie “married into the business” in 1981 and they’ve never looked back. They eventually settled into their current location at 2121 W. Lincoln Ave. in 1989, and changed the name to Gymnastics Plus, to reflect the expanding scope of what the Reids were offering, including the Kid’s Castle, a swimming pool, and rock climbing wall. “We had to offer more than most (gymnastics) clubs because of the size of the community,” he said. “We had to evolve or we wouldn’t have made it.” Even with more varied offerings, gymnastics remains the primary purpose and motivation.
“We got a chance to be with some really neat, enthusiastic kids who really wanted to be there,” Norm said. “Our learning curve (at the start) was huge but the kids quickly started doing better in competitions. “After Laurie came, we became one of the top clubs in the northwest.”
The club has helped numerous gymnasts eventually go on and compete in college, or inspired them to open their own clubs, such as the one Mark Kindelspire started in Moscow, Idaho. But developing competitive gymnasts is not the Reids’ sole focus.“Our goal is to get kids involved and active,” said Laurie, who was a gymnast at Corvallis (Ore.) High School and Oregon State University. “We feel this is one of the best cross-training sports going on. Gymnastics build skills and body control that helps kids in other sports.”
One example of that is Gymnastics Plus alum Doria Holbrook, who became an NCAA Division III champion diver at MIT. “It’s fun to watch them go through high school and excel in other sports after they leave gymnastics,” Laurie said. “We feel we had a hand in helping them develop their prowess.” It’s not all about athletics, though. Surrounding the club’s athletic core is a family atmosphere the Reids have fostered. “Parents think it’s a nice, safe, family-friendly atmosphere to bring their kids to,” said Laurie, noting that their own children, daughters Brianna and Jenessa, and son Chris grew up in the gym. “The greatest compliment we can get is that (former students) are bringing their kids back to the gym because they had a good experience.”
As for the future, both said they don’t have any plans to slow down. “We just want to continue to provide a place that’s good for Yakima and the kids as long as we can,” Laurie said. “We haven’t figured out how long that will be, but I think we’re in it for the long haul.”
Gymnastics Plus, Snohomish Owned by Jean Hackel. Jen Kesler was her student in her younger years. Club was sold to Northwest Aerials in 2007, and closed in 2009.
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Gymnastics Unlimited, Inc., Federal Way
Gym Star Sports Center, Fernadale: Opened in 2008.
Gym Starz, Kent
Harts Gymnastics, Auburn
Formally Gymnastics Express, Dave Hart bought the gym and renamed it in 2007.
Island Dance and Gymnastics, Clinton
Klahhane Gymnastics, Port Angeles
LEADING EDGE GYMNASTICS NORTH, Bellingham (Now North Coast with new owners.)
Grads who went on to compete college:
Summer McCain SU
1997 Kim Carey SPU
1999 Annie Campbell OSU
2001 Tiffany Putman BSU
The gym was bought by Emma and Chris Mann, and then sold in 2008. The gym was renamed North Coast Gymnastics Academy.
Leading Edge Gymnastics Academy, Everett
Started by Bo Pederson
Coach: Kelle Riley Lehi High School- Lehi Utah 1976-1980
Utah State University- Logan Utah 1980-1983
Owner / Pre School to level 7 Coach- Kelle’s Gym Port Hadlock WA 1988-1999
Pre-School to Level 7 Coach- Leading Edge Gymnastics Everett WA 1999-2001
Head Compulsory Team Coach-Leading Edge Gymnastics Everett WA 2001-present
Assistant Optional Coach- Leading Edge Gymnastics Everett WA 2005-2008
Head Optional Coach- Leading Edge Gymnastics Everett WA 2008-present
Team Director- Leading Edge Gymnastics WA 2005-present
Accomplishments:
Level 4-7 Event and All Around State Champions 1999-present
Level 8-10 Event and All Around State and Regional Champions 2005-present
Level 4-10 State Team Titles 2000-present
Level 9 Western Event Champions 2008-present
National Vault Champion Kelsey Morris 2008
National Beam Champion Kailie Ponto 2009
Coaching Staff of the Year Awards 2006-present
Region 2 Coach of the Year 2009
Legends Gymnastics, Clinton
Lincoln Heights Gymnastics Club, Spokane
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M&M's Gymnastics, Walla Walla
Mercy Gymnastics/Pearl Street YMCA, Tacoma
CANDYCE CHITTENDEN -2006 – Present Gymnastics Program Director and Instructor, Morgan Family YMCA,
Tacoma, WA
1990-1994 &1995-2006 Instructor, Puget Sound Gymnastics,Puyallup, WA
1994-1995 Founder and Director, Murad School of American Ballet Kuwait City, Kuwait
EDUCATION 1992 Graduate of Puyallup High School, Puyallup, WA
AFFILIATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Professional Member and Safety Certified through USA GYMNASTICS since 1990.
Metropolitan Gymnastics, Kent
Owner:Yulia Hancheroff. B.S. Sports Medicine and Professional Coaching. Moscow Olympic Academy. Moscow, Russia.
Soviet Master of Sports Awarded for Mastery of Gymnastics and Acrobatics. Coach at School of Olympic Reserve. Moscow, Russia
Coached compulsory and optional level gymnasts. Started Coaching at age15. Working directly under Head Coach of Russian Federation (Mikhail
Veronin) Certified and experienced in competition judging for acrobatics and gymnastics 1985-1992.
Coach at Spartacus National Club. Budapest, Hungary. Coached optional level gymnasts. Ran clinics to train new coaches. Dance
and Floor Choreography-1992-1994
Head Coach at Tumbletown Gymnastics. Seattle, WA. Took recreational program and built into team program. Produced gym’s
first State Champion. Tripled size of program at the gym. Ran full competitive and dance program. 1994-1999
Head Coach/Owner at Metropolitan Gymnastics. Seattle, WA. Worked to create a program that has produced State and Regional
champions, National qualifiers, and NCAA Scholarship qualifiers. Have hosted State Championships, Regional Clinics, and multiple levels of meets.
Manage a gym of 20+ full and part time employees. Coordinate business and program development, advertizing and finances for gym. 10+ years of
floor exercise choreography. Have been clinician at many state and regional clinics. Have hosted and organized multiple banquets for region and state events.
1999-Present
• Certified Judge for Gymnastics and Acrobatics (Russia) 1987-1994
• USAG Professional Member 1994-Present
• USAG Safety Certified 1994-Present
• USAG Certified Meet Director 2005-Present
Mid-Columbia Gymnastics Academy, Richland
Mile High Gymnastics, Port Orchard
Mountain View Gymnastics, Spokane
Mt. Baker Gymnastics, Burlington
NASA Gymnastics, (North American Sports Academy) Gig Harbor
Opens for training June 15, 1981- Historical Events and Dates to Remember
June 1981- Purchased matting from NAAG Dick Mulvihill: June 15, 1981- Began teaching classes in Gig Harbor, WA.
Jan 1982- Opened NASA Tacoma Training Center 6910-27th Ave West Tac. WA
Feb 1982- Competed First Meet at Portland Colours Invitational in Oregon. NASA Teams Compete in Class II & III State Championships
Oct 1983- Hosted the “Goblin Cup” Invitational with 210 competitors from OR.CA. WA
1983-1985 Coach Smith serves as Washington State Chairman for USGF Class 3 Modified Program
Dec 1983-Won First WA. State Team Championship- Class 3 Modified Compulsory
Apr 1986- NASA’s Ryan Ferguson wins Pacific Northwest Championship Floor Exercise
May 1990-Opened Gig Harbor Training Studio
June 1990- NASA Trains Goodwill Games Gymnastic Venue Interpretors
Aug 1990- Coach Smith Serves as Host- USA Men’s Gymnastics Team Goodwill Games
Apr 1991- Lindsey Lauderdale wins Pacific NW All Around Championship and wins National Championship All Around- USAIGC in Las Vegas and National Championship Floor
May 1992- Open Gig Harbor Regional Training Center 2905 Jahn Ave NW #11 Gig Harbor
1992 Tiffani White qualifies to USAG National TEAM Talent Opportunity Program
Mar 1993- Hosted “Harbor Classic” Invitational with teams from around PNW
1993 Tiffani White Competes in the Western USA National Championshipsand in May Tiffani White Qualifies to US National Elite Program.
1994- Participants in Closing Ceremonies “Goodwill Games” St. Petersburg, Russia. Coach in “Goodwill Games” training camp.
1995,96,97-T. White Qualifies to USAG National Elite USA NATIONAL Team
1995 Hali Saucier qualifies to USAG National TEAM Talent Opportunity Program
1996- T.White performs Full Twisting Double Back on Floor in Elite Qualifying Zone Championship
1996 National Champion- Olympic Sport Festival- Balance Beam National Elite
1996 National Champion- American Classic- Floor Exercise National Elite
1996 Hali Saucier qualifies to USAG National TEAM Talent Opportunity Program and wins COPA Invitational Junior A Elite Division All Around Title
1996- Danielle Crowley wins COPA Invitational Junior B Elite Division All Around Title
1996 USAIGC National Championship Floor Exercise Champion T. White: All Around Champion Runner-Up Tiffani White Silver Medalist; All Around Champion Ryann Devaney
1996 Copa Invitational Child Elite Division Floor Champion: Hali Saucier; Junior Elite Division Floor Champion: Danielle Crowley
1997 Hali Saucier and M. McIntyre qualifies to USAG National TEAM Talent Opportunity Program
1998 US Classic TOP’s Elite Balance Beam Champion: Hali Saucier
1998-Hali Saucier wins TOP's Elite Division National Championship All Around, Beam & Vault and Runner Up Floor Exercise
1999 USAIGC National Championship All Around Champion E. Rice
1999-Heather Hudson qualifies to Western National Championship
2000 “Surrey Classic“- All Around,Floor and Vault Champion Heide Luong
2002- USAIGC National Championships- NASA wins National Team Championship -USAIGC National Championship All Around Championship Titles Junior A Division F. Jacobs and Junior B Division Heide Luong
2003 Brittany Helm qualifies to USAG National TEAM Talent Opportunity Program
2003 Coach John and Linda Smith win the USAG Washington State “Optional Level Coaches of The Year” award.
2004- Victoria, B.C. Canada- NASA Gymnasts win three team titles and numerous All Around and Individual event championships in the “Garden City Classic”
2004- NASA Gymnasts compete in London, England in “Friendship Cup” and participate in the Southern Ireland National Training Camp in Cork, Ireland.
Coaches L. Smith, J. Smith serve as Individual Event coaches for the five day National Camp. England 2004 “Friendship Classic“- Uneven Bar Champion Maggie Churchill
May 2005- NASA Gymnasts compete in Delta, British Columbia and win two team titles and six All Around Championship titles in the prestigious “Delta Invitational”.
May 2005- Victoria, B.C. Canada- NASA Gymnasts win the team title “2005 Garden City Classic” All Around Champion Brittany Helm
Sep 2005- NASA Gymnasts win team title in London, England at the “Capital Cup” with teams from Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, England and NASA Gymnastics from the USA. Maggie Churchill finishes 2nd in the All Around. Coach J. Smith spends 7 days coaching in Cork and Ballinaugh, Ireland with Irish National Team Members. “Capitol Cup” International Gold Medal ALL AROUND Floor & Beam in Capitol Cup: Kaela Smith
Dec 2005- NASA Gymnastics Nominated to USA Gymnastics Washington State Hall of Fame
2006- Haily Luong wins level 9 USAG Region 2 Balance Beam Championship
2006- NASA Gymnasts win championship titles in the Delta B.C. Invit.- Kaela Smith, Kyra Plitt, Madison Rich, win All Around titles.
Haily Loung competes in the open division and wins Floor, places 2nd on Beam and 2nd in All Around with Canadian National Team members..
2006 NASA Gymnastics host the 25th Anniversary “Quarter Century Cup” Invitational and “Team Reunion” at Life Christian Academy, with teams from Ireland, Oregon, Idaho, and WA. NASA Gymnasts win the Level 7 and 5 Team Titles and 6 All Around Championships
2006 NASA Gymnasts compete in Kyoto Japan the “All Japan Gymfest” and Osaka Japan and take part in training camp with Nishinomiya Gymnastics Academy in Osaka. NASA Gymnast Lauren Tossey wins Floor Exercise in International Competition “Hydrangea Cup.” Floor Exercise: Lauren Schmeiss
2006 Coach John Smith coaches at the Christmas Camp of Champions in Anchorage, Alaska with Olympic Gold Medal Coach Evgeny Marchinko of W.O.G.A. in Texas who is the personal coach of Carly Patterson 2004 Olympic Gymnastics Champion.
2006 Coach John Smith is inducted into USA Gymnastics WA. State Hall of Fame.
2007 NASA Alumni Gymnast Tiffani White Selected to Tacoma Athletic Commission Sports Hall of Fame
NASA has qualified 3 gymnasts to the Elite and TOP’s Elite program and one gymnast is a three time national team member:
Tiffani White earned National Qualification as Junior National Elite and a Senior National Elite.
Hali Saucier qualified to Nationals as a National TOP's Elite in 1998 "TOP's ELITE ALL ROUND CHAMPION" 1998
Mackenzie McIntyre qualified to Nationals as a National TOP's Elite in 1998
NASA has trained 7 USAIGC National All Around Champions. Gymnasts have competed in college for Oregon State, Michigan State, U of W, BYU, Boise, Winona State, and Hamline University.
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Naydenov Gymnastics, Inc, Vancouver
Nine Mile Gymnastics and Dance, Nine Mile Falls
North Coast Gymnastics Academy, Bellingham
Northshore Gymnastics, Woodinville
Northwest Aerials, Kirkland
I (Patti Lanterman Gable) have been involved in the sport of gymnastics since age 10. In those years I have always loved the STATE level of gymnastics-promoting the sport, helping clubs right here, working with local coaches and local judges. Making the sport better for this area, and being an advocate for the gymnasts and judges in my state.
In my career I have worn many hats. As a gymnast, I was totally dedicated to the sport. Like many top level athletes, I gave up vacations, did additional training and conditioning at home, and even lived in Connecticut to train for 1 year as an elite athlete. I attained the level of Olympic trial competitor. However, as an athlete I also gained many other important life skills that have led to my coaching abilities, business abilities and my family commitment. I began coaching at age 14, as this was a requirement of being in the elite team program when I was training in Connecticut. We were required to work 4 hours per week teaching beginning gymnastics classes. When I returned from Connecticut I began teaching for a parks and recreation program and George Lewis in 1976. George was a mentor to many, but the things he taught his athletes follow them through life. His commitment to all his team members, his love of the sport and his coaching skills all left a large impact on the students he taught, including myself.
While attending the University of Washington I taught gymnastics with George, and upon finishing my Sophomore year of college I had the opportunity to purchase Gymnastics, Inc. from George Lewis. The year was 1979 and I was19. I continued to coach, run the business and go to school for the next 2 years, graduating from the UW with a degree in Business Administration in 1981. It was in 1980 that I assumed the state director chair from Laurie Reid, and continued as USAG state chair for 23 years.
It was during the time that I first owned the gym that I began coaching the pride and joy of my coaching career: Linda Pierce, whom I coached for 10 years ages 8-18, Kim Rushing ages 8-15, Tina Barnes age 10-18, Kristen Pressentin age 9-15-and many more to follow. All 4 of these athletes are college graduates, 2 work at Microsoft, 1 at Boeing and one at Stevens Hospital as a nurse. 3 of the 4 received college gymnastics scholarships. All 4 of these gymnasts still live in the Seattle area. Both Tina and Linda continue to work in the fitness fields. The success of these athletes, and many others makes all the time devoted to this sport worthwhile.
Northwest Aerials will turn 29 years old on August 1, 2008. The history of this club actually goes back to the history of gymnastics in this state.
George Lewis started competitive gymnastics in Washington with a program at the Seattle Downtown YMCA, which then became Gymnastics, Inc. of Seattle. I purchased that program from George in 1979, renamed the program to the George Lewis School of Gymnastics, which then became Northwest Aerials in 1981. When moving to Kirkland we opened with 15 students, turning into over 300 students within 6 months of opening.
Success can be measured in many ways. We have produced numerous state, regional and national team members. We have hosted many successful sectional, state, regional and national competitions. But the most amazing part of owning my school for this long is the amount of impact one small business can have on so many lives. The program has been home to over 25,000 gymnasts, and has been a part of many of the coaching or competitive careers of coaches and judges that are currently working in this field today. The students in our program are now in the 2nd generation, we have the children of former students taking classes. Some families have been in our program for over 20 years. Children remember your name, and the gymnastics school for years after they have taken classes. Parents thank us for the great start their child had in gymnastics, because now they are excelling in academics or athletics. NWA and gymnastics has been the center of my life with over 1/2 my life being spent owning Northwest Aerials.
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Northwest Gymnastics Academy, Spokane. Originally Bleeker's School of Gymnastics, Spokane. Bleker,Tom Owned Blekers School of Gymnastics in Spokane. He came from a circus/vaudeville background. Mike Armstrong bought the gym and renamed it Northwest Gymnastics Academy in the early 1980's. Tom coached in the 70' and 80's. Was quite a character. Suspended his uneven bars from the ceiling.
Olympia Gymnastics Academy
Olympic Gymnastics Center, Silverdale
Pacific Gymnastics Training Center, Chehalis
Peak Gymnastics, Enumclaw
Port Townsend Twisters
Power & Grace Gymnastics, Ocean Shores
PSSG Puget Sound Gymnastics, Puyallup
From 1972 to 2007, the Puget Sound School of Gymnastics women’s teams have produced more that 15 national team members. Here is a chronology of achievements:
1972 Joe and Terry Rooney leave the Tacoma YMCA and open in 3500sq. ft. in south Tacoma. Brad Loan works part time in the summer while graduating from WSU.
1973 PSSG wins state in Class 1 and sends 3 girls to nationals.
1974 Brad Loan works full time.
1975 Team wins class III State, 2nd in Class II State and 3rd in Class I State.
1976 Roni Barrios, AAU Jr. National Championships, 1st Beam, 2nd Bars, 1st Class I State.
1977 1st place team Class I State, Roni Barrios, 1st AA State, 1st AA Regionals.
1978 11th Place Team National Championships, Roni Barrios 6th AA JO Nationals.
1979 10th National Team Championships.
1980 PSSG wins State in all levels, III, II, and I. Cheryl Chambliss places 3rd Vault Nationals.
1981 Roni Barrios places 10th AA at the American Classic Elite Nationals.
1982 Roni Barrios wins 3 national beam titles and 2 national bar titles from 1980 to 1982.
1983 Yumi Mordre 12th USA Championships, National vault champion, 4th AA World Trials, Makes Budapest World Team, is ranked 55th in the World. Yumi wins two gold and two silver medals in the Pan American Games. Placed 2nd in the Pan Am Trials and Games.
1984 Yumi Mordre places 9th at the Olympic Trials and ends up 2nd Alternate to the Olympic Team.
1985 Kelly Baker makes Jr. National Team in 5th . Goes to Japan and France for International meets. Brad Loan is selected to coach at World Training Camp.
1986 Catherine Williams 1st AA US Classic Elite Nationals, Elli Maulding 3rd. In the American Classic, Elli Maulding 1st AA, Mike Meyers 4th AA.
1987 Catherine Williams, Mike Meyers make National Training Squad. Mike places 11th at USA Championships and makes Jr. National Team. Michalene goes to Argentina and places 4th AA and goes to Japan for the USA.
1988 Marilyn Anderson makes Jr. National Training Squad
1989 Team wins class 3 state plus 8 other team meets this year.
1990 Julie Mountford National Vault Champion and 10th AA Jr. Nationals. Julie makes National Team Training Squad. PSSG Teams win Levels 6,7,8,9 State meets. Level 9 Team wins Western Nationals in Santa Barbara. Raeann Johnson 2nd AA Western Nationals.
1991 Christi Clifford 22nd AA at Sr. US Classic.
1992 Heidi Prosser 5th AA, Onnie Willis 7th AA, Jill Sorrenson 11th AA, Stephanie Roy 12th AA at the American Classic. All make the National Training Squad.
1993 Heidi Prosser 1st AA, Onnie Willis 3rd AA, Stephanie Roy 12th AA at the US Classic Jr. National division. Onnie and Heidi compete in Japan Jr. World Invitational. Heidi wins a bronze on floor and 5th AA. Onnie places 8th AA. Level 10 team wins State.
1994 Onnie Willis wins bars at the American Classic and places 10th AA. Onnie places 25th at the USA Championships. Julie Mountford qualifies to the US Gym Festival. Emily Pritchard and Tammara Diles compete at the US Classic. PSSG wins level 5 and 7 State.
1995 Onnie Willis places 18th at the Championhsips of the USA. Tammara Diles and Emily Pritchard qualify to the USA Gym Festival. PSSG wins 5 and 6 State.
1996 Onnie Willis places 8th AA at the American Classic and makes the USA International Team. Tammara Diles places 5th AA Jr. national division, and Emily Pritchard places 10th in the Sr. National division. Level 6 teams win 6 invitationals and state. Raimy Iselin makes TOP National Team.
1997 Raimy Iselin wins level 8 State. Onnie Willis and Michele Sayer win Level 10 State.
Kristina Baskett and Raimy Iselin win NW Regionals AA. Level 8 Teams win 5 invitationals. Team gets 2nd at the Overall Team meet Emerald Challenge. 4 gymnasts qualify for level 10 Nationals. Onnie Willis places 5th in USA on vault. Kristina Baskett places 1st in the nation for 10 yr olds in TOP. Andrea Peterson, Josie Hancock, Raimy Iselin make it to National TOPs Testing.
1998 Level 9 team wins state. Kristina Baskett wins level 9 State and Regionals, gets 7th AA at Western Nationals. Raimy Iselin and Jules McCraw win 9 State. Meagan Killpack wins 10 State. Onnie Willis wins PNOI, Flips, Emerald Team, 10 Regionals, and Level 10 National Champion in the AA. Onnie wins Nationals on Beam and Vault. Team wins Emerald CUP Challenge. 6 girls go to Nationals. Kristina Baskett wins international meet in Monterey , Mexico.
1999 Level 7 team places 1st in 6 invitationals, and places 2nd at state by .025. Emily Pritchard wins state and Regionals, and gets 36th at JO Nationals. Kristina Baskett places 3rd and 2nd at the National Challenge meets and gets 5th at the Festival Championship. Makes the National Training Squad. Kristina is selected to go to the Pan Amercian Training Camp.
2000 Level 8 team wins 5 invitationals and wins state. Josie Hancock wins AA 37.2. Amanda Sinclair wins Level 8 Regionals with 37.075. Tiana Jean wins Vault and Floor with 9.15 and 9.55. Meagan Killpack qualifies to J.O. Nationals, and Kristina Baskett is invited to an International meet in Puerto Rico and wins Vault. Kristina qualifies to Jr. Internatonal and competes at the US Classic in Tulsa and places 4th on floor.
2001 Level 7 Team goes undefeated in 5 straight meets. Tiana Jean, Mallory Spika, Maggie Hayes qualify to Western Nationals in Level 9. Raimey Iselin qualifies to J.O. Nationals.
2002 PSSG won 13 different meets this year and continued a 5 year run winning the level
4 sectionals. We had three regional champions in Level 8 Raquel Turnbow, Level 9 Mallory Spika, and Level 10 Josie Hancock. Including Alia Loan in Level 9, Mallory and Josie Hancock made it to their respective nationals. Mallory Spika becomes Western national bar champion and 9th All-Around at Western Nationals. Alia placed 12th on bars. Kristina Baskett goes to Costa Rica for an international meet and wins it all, and beat all age groups with a 37.375 AA. Kristina Baskett places 18th Jr. International at the Championships of the USA, just .075 from the national team. The national staff said she would probably be named to the team this year.
2003 PSSG qualifies 4 to Western Nationals, Tana Loan, Alia Loan, Magggie Hayes, Rebecca Turnbow. Alia Loan places 7th AA, 4th Beam, 6th Bars at Western Nationals. Kristina Baskett goes undefeated in 5 invitationals during the season and qualifies to USA Senior International Elite. Kristina Baskett qualifies to the Championships of the USA in the Sr. International Division, then has a foot injury and does not compete.
2004 PSSG qualifies 3 to Level 10 Nationals, Alia Loan, Raquel Turnbow, and Raimey Iselin. Alia Loan places 2nd AA 37.425 at Regionals, Raquel 4th , and Raimey 4th
Kristina Baskett wins 4 Invitationals and qualifies to Sr. International Elite Classics. Level 5 Team wins small team State, Level 6 second in State.
2007 Sold the gym to Jeff and Linda Lutz. Renamed PSG - Puget Sound Gymnastics. Brad got the gym back in 2010.
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Puget Sound Gymnastics and Dance, North Bend - Penny Loan owner.
Rebounders Gymnastics, Wenatchee. See Apple Valley Gymnastics
Reflections Gymnastics, Everett
Rising Stars Gymnastics, Marysville
Roach Gymnastics
Owned by Melanie Roach. "Mother of three small children under the age of six, one of whom is autistic, wife of fourth term incumbent Washington State House of Representatives legislator, Sunday school teacher AND one of the strongest women on the planet who's in the final stages of preparation to take on the world at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Focused, determined, organized and extremely time-efficient are just the tip of the iceberg of Melanie Roach." Quotes from her website http://www.qsports.net/web-roach.html
The following information and pictures are from her website:
" Melanie's Story - As an aspiring young gymnast, Melanie's commitment to excellence took her all the way to the Washington State High School Championships but an injury sidelined her for the competition. Rehab included her introduction to free weights and soon thereafter a future, and powerful, star was in the making.
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JOHN AMIS / AP |
Shattering the stereotypical body image of weightlifters, the petite former gymnast quickly made it clear that strong things come in small packages - really strong things! Her first competition, the 1994 American Open, also brought her first trip to the medals podium with a third place finish. In 1996 Melanie made the personal commitment to pursue her potential in weightlifting to the fullest and set her sights on the 2000 Olympic games. She soon thereafter stunned the weightlifting world by exceeding the world standard in the clean and jerk at the 1998 US National Championships. She had become the #1 ranked US weightlifter and the first one in history to clean and jerk more the twice her body weight. She was poised for a 2000 Olympic debut.
Devastatingly, weeks before the Olympic Trials competition Melanie suffered a serious back injury. Her Olympic dreams, along with any future in the sport appeared to be suddenly over.
With her athletic career in shambles and apparently behind her, Melanie picked herself up and moved on. he she opened a business and started a family. She put her energy into assisting her husband, Dan, in his election to the Washington State House of Representatives while opening her own business - Roach Gymnastics, Inc. Her husband is now in the midst of his fourth term, her gymnastics school serves over 500 students and together they have three young children. All the while Melanie still yearned to compete.
In the summer of 2005, Melanie decided it's never too late to chase your dreams. She returned to weightlifting but was quickly hampered by recurring back problems. In October of 2006, she underwent state of the art back surgery, known as microdiscectomy, performed by Dr. Robert Bray at LA's D.I.S.C. Spine and Sports Center. The result was her 7th US National Championship (2007) and the first time since 2000 that she clean/jerked twice her own body weight. She was back!"
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Rodeo City Gymnastics, Ellensburg
Seattle Gymnastics Academy
Seattle YMCA
Early 1900's Seattle YMCA and AAU had gymnastics competitions. Sheridan (Sherry) Bertiaume. Mr. Bertiaume had been at the Seattle YMCA as a physical education director from 1914-1916. When Roosevelt opened in 1922 he moved to the school as a physical education teacher and boys' counselor. George Lewis went to the "Y" where he trained himself and hoped to interest other men, including Tommy Thorson, in working on the gymnastics apparatus. Since he always enjoyed teaching others, he had classes for young people. George was also fond of, and skilled in diving. He competed both for the YMCA and Roosevelt High School on the swim team. While at Green Lake Fieldhouse he participated in tumbling and gymnastics. He began volunteer work at the Seattle YMCA from 1939-42. 1932 -1939 - Seattle YMCA sponsored state high school invitationals. 1940-1945 - Not much happening in gymnastics during the War Years. The Seattle "Y" did have gym classes.- George Lewis is noted for bringing the first trampoline to the west coast in 1940.The first competitive open meet after the war was in 1947 and was conducted by George Lewis.
In 1950 Eric Hughes brought one of his students, Rudy Peterson, to compete at a gymnastic meet at the "Y" and that is where these two met. Thereafter they did hand balancing together and performed at shows in order to further interest in the sport. Eric had children's programs but he was only able to accommodate boys at his UW facility so when he got calls to teach girls, Eric referred them to George Lewis at the downtown "Y". Thus George started with the girls programs. The first of these girls was Patsy Walkup beginning in about 1957 and 1958. Also included were the Suver girls, Ann Berger along with Terry Hildebrand, Frank Gato, Ken Lombardo, and Dale Shirley. This group of people would train at the Seattle Y on Wednesdays and apparently would also go to the UW. Dale McClements began in 1959 as a student at Highline High School. She went to Gym Kamp that summer and then to the "Y" with George and often to California with Bud Marquette. 1951 - Seattle YMCA hosts Pacific Northwest AAU Championships. (Joint sponsorship.)
In 1962 the Nationals were held in Seattle in conjunction with the World's Fair and Dale won the all-around. That meet was a trial for the upcoming World Games in Czechoslovakia that coming summer. Dale was a member of that team and George was a coach. Later more girls were attracted to the sport and began competing. George took these girls, as they became more skilled, to AAU, YMCA, National and Canadian championship meets. George Lewis would call George Gulak, who was National chairman of AAU gymnastics, and find out where the meets were held and how to obtain entry forms. Thus, these girls had the opportunity to attend meets around the country and Canada. Some top name girls came to Seattle in order to train with George. (Including Avis Tieber Jamieson and Doris Fuchs Brause.) Many Seattle girls were offered scholarships to attend other colleges and compete on teams in other places. The program at the Seattle "Y" attracted many high school Physical Education teachers. George gave workshops, invitational meets and helped many gymnasts go to other meets and invited them to workouts at the YMCA.
In 1973 the Seattle YMCA team won the YMCA Nationals in New Orleans. In picture at left, Top bar: L to R: Jan Anten, Patti Lanterman (Gable), Terry Lanigan; Low bar: Sue Middleton, Donna Burian; Standing: Janette Anderson, Debbie Halle, Sue Swenson, Laurel Anderson (Tindall) and Jill Johnson. Front is George Lewis. Debbie Halle was 3rd AA, 2nd FX and Bars, and Laurel Anderson (Tindall) was 2nd on vault.
This was high caliber gymnastics - Bart Conner, who was the JO champion the previous year, competed at this meet. This meet had the elites of the day.
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Skagit Valley Gymnastics, Mount Vernon
Michelle Manduchi owner. Starting in 1974 at the Anacortes YMCA, Skagit Valley Gymnastics began. A year later, a second location at Cascade Middle School in Sedro Woolley opened. A couple of years later a 3rd location opened in Conway and then a 4th on Camano Island. In 1983, they opened in downtown Mt. Vernon and had their first "gym". No more putting up and taking down equipment daily. At that time, they added Dimension to the name. In 1996 they opened in their current location near the community college. In 2006 Michelle sold the business to Bruce Blake until 2008 when Michelle took it over again. Michelle did high school gymnastics and in 1972 was the regional tumbling and trampoline champion.
Sky Valley, Monroe
Sno-Co. Gymnastics Club, Everett in 1970’s: coaches: Dan Hunter
Southern Washington Athletic Club in Centralia (which later moved to Chehalis),
SOGA Spokane
Spokane Elite Gymnastics Sold in 2010 and the name was changed to Spokane Gymnastics, owner Nadine Burgess.
Spokane Junior Gymnastics Academy
S.P.O.R.T. Gymnastics, Wenatchee
Summit Artistic Gymnastics Academy, Maple Valley
Twisters, Port Townsend
VEGA Vancouver Elite Gymnastics Academy, Camas
Washington Gymnastics Bruce McGhee
Yelm Gymnastics Center
Zero Gravity Athletics, Poulsbo
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