Chapter 26

Washington State Judges

* denotes pioneer in Washington judging

Ames, Patty (Renton, National)

Patty started gymnastics, "to stay away from home". She started in 6th grade (1969) and continued through junior high school and high school. After high school she was married and then started coaching. She started judging high school gymnastics in 1987 and joined NAWGJ in 1989. She coached seven years at the high school level, three years at Lindbergh High in Renton, and four years at Kentridge in Kent. At Lindbergh, Patty lead them to the league championship her third year, and all city champs her third year at Kentridge, and qualifying several gymnasts to state. Patty got her National rating in 2001.

Ayres, Dr. Nola (Bellingham, Elite/National, State Judging Director 2000-present)

Physical Education teacher and girls gymnastics coach from 1970- 2000 at Sehome High School, in Bellingham. Her teams won more state championships than any school in the nation (384-1), 22 state titles. She began teaching at Whatcom Middle School from 1968-70. Nola did not coach for a total of 5 years in that period because of back surgery and four years of graduate work. WIAA High School Assoc. president 1980 and 1981. Returned to coaching in 1999 and 2000. Nola got her BA from Western, her MA from City University and her Ph-D in the Philosphy of Sports Psychology from Warnbourgh, which is internationally ISO accredited. WSGCA Gymnastics Coaches Hall of Fame 1999. National High School Coach of the Year 1986, National Federation Coach of the Year 1985. Inducted into Western Washington Hall of Fame 1991. Since 2000 -Current NAWGJ-WA State Judging Director. National rated judge since 1997. WIAA Hall of Fame 2006. Optional Judge of the Year 2001, 2002, 2007. USAG WA. Hall of Fame 2006. NCAA Regionals 2006, 2007.

Barker, Karen (Coberly) (Bothell, Level 10)

Competed Club 1983-1990 (Eastside Kips, Gymnastics East, Sportastiks, all in Bellevue.) Competed at Sammamish H.S. for Jerry Penney 1990-1994. Was Sehome High School Assistant Coach 1995-2000, Head coach 2000-2001- 2nd in state 4A. Coached at Bellingham Middle Schools 1996-2000, Leading Edge Gymnastics Academy North 1995-2001. Became a Judge in 1999.

Bauman, Kellie (Lacey, Level 9)

Bell, Janine (Maple Valley, Level 10)

She began gymnastics at age 8, at the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club. Her coach, Dale Shirley, also worked at AOG (Academy of Olympic Gymnastic) and asked her to participate in the team tryouts. 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. Corine Olsen, Linda Lutz and Janine were all gymnasts together at AOG, from 1982-1984. They were all class I gymnasts. In ninth grade, she became an elite but dropped back to Class I and competed as a Class I from 1981-1986. Competed at the AAU Nationals in 1982, and USAIGC Nationals in 1984. In 1985, she took 2nd place in the senior division at Class 1 state, then went on to compete at Regionals, hosted by NWA at Issaquah High School. She won vault for her age division, placed 3rd on floor and took 7th All Around. She fell off beam twice, so did not make the National Team and settled for Westerns. (She ended up missing Nationals by .2.) When the compulsories changed in 1985, she decided to concentrate on optionals. (NOTE: Janine states that she and her fellow gymnasts had great respect for Noelle Buell. "When we competed against her at Regionals and meets in Oregon -when she was at a meet, we never had a chance in the world to beat her on vault.") She received a full ride to Washington State University, but competed for WSU for only 1 year because the program was cut in 1987. Degree in Human Development, with a Minor in Early Childhood Education. She now works for the YWCA as their downtown Seattle director. Her daughter competes in gymnastics for Gym Express. Became a judge in 1995.

Bjella, Lee (Renier) (Everett, Elite/National, NAWGJ WA board 1988-1992 /2002-present, Webmaster)

Gymnast 1967-1978. Judging since 1974. Coached from 1974 through 1982 in Minnesota and North Dakota, then periodically throughout the years in WA. Worked the summer of 1976 during college with her team at the National Summer Palaestrum in Michigan, and was taught how to tumble by 1940's National Tumbling Champ Joe Giallombardo. Bemidji State U (Bemidji, MN.) gymnast 1974-1977 coached by Kathy Reilly Healy. (Program started by Dr. Eric Hughes, and teammate of Diane Palmer.) Holds the record score on Unevens. University of North Dakota gymnast 1977-1978 (MVP) coached by Dale Anderson who had been a Turner gymnast in Minnesota. P.E. degree from Bemidji State University 1979. Asst. Coach BSU, 1978-79. Coached the Bemidji State University Team in 1980. Judged D3 College Nationals 1984. Moved to Washington State in 1985. Elite judge 1997. USAG WA Judge of the year 1990 along with Karen Wisen. USAG WA Compulsory judge of the year 2001. USAG WA Judge of the Year 2004. WIAA High School Technical Director 3 years (1991-1994). NAWGJ WA board 1990-1992, 2001to present. Judging Highlights: vault assistant 1990 Good Will Games, Seattle. NCAA Regional Meet 2002 W.VA.; NCAA Regional Meet 2004, OSU; 2006 LSU; 2007, Denver. USAG College Nationals 2004, 2007; Westerns 1999,2002, 2007. Pac 10's 2006, 2008. JAS Judges assigner for Northwest region 2008-2011.Web Design Cert. from EvCC 2008.

Bousquet, Sheri (Vancouver, Level 8)

Bruck, Ashley

Buell, Noelle (Draggoo) (Tacoma, National, NAWGJ WA Board 1998-2002)

Started gymnastics at age 8 in Tigard OR with Pacific Northwest Gymnastics Twisters with Wayne McClements as coach - his sister is Dale McClements Flansas Kephart. Started because her sister's friend was a competitive gymnast and she idolized her. Competed Class 3 through Class 1 and even tried elite for one year before she dropped back to class 1. She was a class 1 for 7 years. Dale Flansas did all the choreography for her during entire club career. On the region II national team in 1985 and competed at Nationals, qualified for vault finals. Also qualified 2 years to Western Nationals, and probably 6 years to regionals. Best event was vault and won numerous competitions on vault. Vault was a handspring double full and she competed a 2 1/2 at nationals, but did not land on feet. Competed for Boise State from 1987-1991 - 4 year letter winner. Started judging at age 16, in 1985, and her mentors were June Houghton and Vad Woodside. Judged through high school and college. Received National rating in 2001. Judged USAG small college Nationals in 1997 in Seattle.

Carlson, Becky (Snoqualmie, Level 9)

Becky started taking gymnastics when she was in the fourth grade at a gym in Yankton, South Dakota. (Yankton Gymnastics Academy) She started off as a class 4. After two years at that club she switched to a gym located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It was located 90 miles away from her house, so she had to live away from home during the summers. After five years at that gym she moved on to another gym. The next gym she attended was All American Gymnastics Academy, currently still located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Becky finished up her career there as a level 8. Started judging in 1998 while attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. At first meet she judged, she had to judge with Tom Knoll on floor! Judging here in Seattle since 1999.

Carlson, Leslie (Redmond, Level 9)

"My personal claim to fame in the actual performing of gymnastics skills is that I can do a terrific cartwheel. Beyond that my personal sport of my teen and early adult years was Volleyball (where I was briefly a member of the USVBA team) and softball." Her daughters, Christie - formally a level 9/10, and Erica - formally a level 8. "After spending over 17 years watching the numerous skills learned and performed by team members and other contestants I was hooked." When Christie moved on to college (and a coaching position at Wings Gymnastics Center in Boise, Idaho) Leslie moved into the judging role, starting with high school and moving onto club. "Just being part of this great sport has been very rewarding and I look forward to continuing with my gymnastics education."

Carson, Ben (Level 8)

Cays, Pam (Longview, Level 8)

Pam began gymnastics at age 5 and competed for Clarks Capers under the direction of Myrna Clark. She began coaching when she was 15 years old through the local YMCA Coaching Certification program. After High School she pursued a career in Physical Therapy and coached gymnastics recreationally and also a competitive Boys Team in Southern California. Pam moved back home to Washington to raise her 3 children and pursue her professional career and left gymnastics behind. In 2000 she was asked to teach a tumbling class at the local dance studio and again experienced the gymnastic bug. "My husband and I opened Gymnastics 4 U in Kelso, WA in 2001. 2003 was our first competitive season with Levels 4, 5 and 6. This year (2004) we will be competing Levels 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8." Pam tested Level 5/6 in 2003. "Currently my goal in gymnastics is to bring attention to Group Gymnastics both the competitive side of Team Gym and the recreational side of Gym Fest."

Chadwick, Laurie

Clark, Myrna (Lonview, Level 5/6)

"I owned and operated Clark's Capers Gymnastics Academy/Clarks Columbia for over 30 years in Lonview, WA. Our Traveling USGF teams competed throughout our region, and Canada. I also coached the Kelso Jr. High School Gymnastics Team to win League Championship for several years in a row. I retired from Gymnastics and thought I was through with that part of my life. Then Kelso High School started a gymnastics team in 2002 so I jumped back in as head coach and this year will be my fourth year coaching the team. I am enjoying this new faze of my life as a judge."

Clarke, Stella (Seattle, Level 5/6)

Started gymnastics in 1985 and Mary Lou Retton was her inspiration. Stella competed Class 4 for a few years and then high school as well. She got involved in judging because she wanted to stay active in the sport somehow and support its growing popularity. Gymnastics also inspired her to take dance classes as well. Her favorite gymnasts of all time have been Svetlana Boginskaya, Melissa Marlowe, Svetlana Khorkina and Daniela Silivas, the first three being because they were tall like her! Through her experience, Stella has learned that in order to succeed in this sport you MUST have the support of your parents, and that gymnastics is a great sport that can open doors for other activities. Judge since 1994, but only judged for one year and then came back in 2000.

Coulter, Kristin

Crane, Kori (Mount Vernon, Level 10)

Kori has been judging for ten years. She started gymnastics in recreation classes as a youngster in grade school and competed in high school for four years in Vermont. I coached high school for four years in Vermont and two years in Washington state. She judged in Vermont, New York and New Hampshire beginning in 1994 because they were so serverely lacking judges for both high school and club in that area. Kori continued judging in Washington when she moved here in 1997. "I remember the first meet I went to judge, I was quite nervous and I was talking to my mom about it. As always, trying to help, my mom said, "Just remember, the girls are counting on you." So much for putting my mind at ease! However, it is always something I think about when I go into a meet."

Crawford, Kathy Pederson (Auburn, National)

Kathy and Kelly Feuer went to the same high school (Sheldon High School - Eugene, Oregon) and their coach suggested getting involved in judging. Kathy competed in the junior high program (also competed in trampoline and horizontal bar, 6 events for all-around, maximum score was 6.00/event). During high school, she also took classes at the National Academy 2-3 days a week. Best event was bars. Junior year, she was 3rd in District and 6th at the Oregon State meet on bars. Her highest score during the season was an 8.50 which was pretty good back then. Her coaches were Shirley Veeck and Cliff Magnuson who taught her to have a positive mental attitude. Began judging in high school - used to judge the junior high meets for free. Rated since 1981. National rated since 2001. Started judging high school right after graduation in 1977. While attending college (University of Oregon), she continued to judge junior high and high school meets and took a course from Shirley Rhoads on USGF rules. She passed the test and didn't know she had passed until she was in Guadalajara, Mexico on a 6 month exchange program. She judged a few meets then returned to Mexico until July 1984. Coached at the National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics in Eugene at their summer camp through the year of 1987 when she took a teaching position in Winston, Oregon. She, with husband Miles and son Ian, moved to Washington in the summer of 1989. Kathy also has a daughter Paige who is a gymnast.

Denny, Judy (Everett, Elite/National, NAWGJ WA board 1994-2004)

As a high school student, Judy participated in tumbling in GAA. (Girls Athletic Association in most high schools in the 1950's through 1970's.) "We got a wooden beam and swedish box - our first gymnastics equipment." She went on to nursing school. (There were not many opportunities to participate in sports, and even colleges at that time had very limited womens sports.) "My contact with gymnastics started again when my daughter wanted to try it. I started to judge as my interest in the sport grew and I found sitting on the sidelines and being a parent was not enough." Started judging in 1985, became an elite in 1997. Judged college regionals 2003, 2004, 2008 and NCAA Nationals in 2003 and 2004. Judges high school, club and college. Judy is also a Trampoline and Tumbling Judge and USAG T&T Board 2002-present. State Judging Director for T&T 2002-present.

Duncan, Tracy (Otis Orchards, Level 10, AWGJ WA board 2002-2004)

Tracy began gymnastics in her local junior high school program. She enjoyed it so much her parents enrolled her in Bleeker's School of Gymnastics in Spokane. Tracy was a Class II and then Class I level gymnast in club while also competing in high school. She began coaching for Bleekers at the age of 14. Tracy got a scholarship to Spokane Community College. "I continued coaching and this was the year I also began judging. It was part of our work study program at SCC." SCC won the NJCCA's that year, but then Tracy quit competiting to get married and have children. She has coached in Washington, California, and Louisiana. The Duncans moved back to Washington in 1994, and Karen Renner convinced her to judge high school and then club. Currently, Karen and Tracy coach University High School together.

*Eilers, Marge (Renton, Level 10)

Seattle native and graduated from Franklin High School. As a child in elementary school, she was a frustrated gymnast. She just didnąt know gymnastics existed nor were there many facilities available to be a real gymnast. Her local "field house" in the Rainier Valley offered "acrobatics" as it was called. The hardest stunt they did, "was to do a dive forward roll over quivering children laying in a row on horse hair mats hoping they were able to achieve this difficult maneuver." She thinks 7-8 kids was her ultimate achievement. Her daughter, Kim, started gymnastics at Renton Gymnastics Unlimited in about 1975. Kim showed some talent and was quickly added to the team. Kim also took ballet at the British Dance Academy for about 3 years. Marge watched almost every class, which was a good background for judging. Marge took a judging class from Karen Patoile Wisen in about 1976 at Highline High School for about 5 weeks. Pat Hatmaker also was an instructor when Karen had to travel to far-a-way places for international meets. Actually judging a meet was not in the plans, only information. She was persuaded to judge a junior high meet with another parent. She was as scared as the students and "threw" all the scores. Of course, the scores were "right on". As is said, the rest is history. She still judges junior high meets. Marge assigned judges for high schools and junior high school meets for 11 years for the North Puget Sound, Kingco, Metro Leagues and 8 junior high leagues. She still assigns judges for 5 junior high leagues. Marge also coached the Nelsen Middle School team for about 8 years. She teaches high school students to judge every spring for junior high meets hoping to keep a few in the ranks. "They usually go off to college and don’t return to judging." Marge now judges some of the children of children she used to judge. USAG WA Compulsory Judge of the Year 2006.

Folk, Ranee (Vancouver)

Graisy-Adams, Barbara (Vancouver, National, NAWGJ WA board (sometime in 1980’s) 2004- )

Barb started gymnastics at Lakeland High school in North Idaho in 1970. “We had club only and taught ourselves out of books to do such high level moves as walkovers, handsprings and back tucks! Even shoulder rolls on the old 2x4 on top of a bar support beam.” Her highlight was doing a beam routine in the Kootenai County Junior Miss Pageant. In 1978, Pat Guttormsen, a Brevet judge in southwest Washington, got her into judging. (Pat was USGF regional chair and Washington SJD. Pat was quite the character. She raced pigeons with her husband. Varina French started her in judging, and she coached a high school team and was a PE teacher.) Barb judged the Australian National Team Championships in 1993 while accompanying a US high school group on tour. Assisted at the Good Will games in Seattle in 1990. National Federation Judge of the Year for WA State (High School) 2001. Judged many High School State Meets and USAG State Meets. NCAA Regionals 2008.

Green, Denise (Castle Rock, Brevet, NAWGJ WA Board 2002-present)

Denise was raised in Oregon where she was a club and high school gymnast. Gymnast at Pacific University at Forest Grove with Varina French as coach, from 1974-1976. Denise coached in Oregon in high school and club programs in St. Helens from 1980-1984. She has been a judge since 1975, Elite rating in 1985 and Brevet since from 1994. Judged Westerns or Nationals since 1996. Speech Language Pathologist. USAG/NAWGJ WA Judge of the Year 2003, and 2005.

Greso, Chris (Everett, Level 10 and Mens Brevet)

Was Everett High School gymnast 1975-1978. 2nd in State on PH in 1978. Was gymnast at Sno-Co. Gymnastics Club in Everett 1974-’79 coached by Dan Hunter. Coached at Reflections Gymnastics in Everett 1979-’81; Mount Lake Terrace Parks and Rec. in 1980; Franklin H.S. girls team Head Coach in 1983; and SPU asst. coach 1984 -’88. (SPU was NCAA II Nati’l Champ in 1986.) Chris enjoys ballroom dancing.

Hammond, Noel (5-6)

Hane, Ashley (Bruck)

Began gymnastics at age 3 in Kennewick, WA. Competed for MCGA through the 1980's and reached AO(Advanced Optional)& Class I. Best events were vault and floor. Two-time state champion in club on vault and went on to place 2nd at Region 2 Championships in Boise ID. " The judges told me that day that I was the only gymnast they had seen at my level at that time compete a front hand front tuck ½. (remember, this was back in the 80s). My claim to fame and one of my proudest memories is being one of only two girls from Eastern Washington to ever compete a full-in on floor." After club gymnastics she competed for Kamiakin HS in 1993-94.  2nd in the state vault final 0.05 behind the great Farrah Fabien. Both competed front hand fronts. "I have just begun my judging career and find it so exciting to be giving back to a sport that meant so much to me for so long."

Hansen, Pier (Olympia, National)

Pier began gymnastics at age 9, competing for Southern Washington Athletic Club in Centralia (which later moved to Chehalis), followed by clubs in Toledo and Longview. Pier notes that it was very tough trying to find a gymnastics club that was able to stay in business in such depressed areas. She also competed for OGA, Olympia Gymnastics Academy, in the early 1980's. She had a major injury in 1982, fracturing her back in multiple places, ending her competitive career at age 15. Pier went on to coach at clubs in Centralia and Longview and also coached at NASA gymnastics, which included taking several members of the team to St. Petersburg, Russia, to train at the Red Army Gym. They were able to watch the Goodwill Games, as well as participate in the closing ceremonies of the games. Thanks to Pam Hilts, who talked her into taking a judging test, she also found another way to stay involved in the sport that she loves. Pier received her first judge's rating in 1986, and judged her first meet with Barb Graisy-Adams. After the first routine, Pier says she had very little written down on the paper. Barb told her not to worry about it, and to just keep trying. "That's what I've been doing ever since!"

Harper, Pamela (5-8)

Harris, Tori (5-10)

Hiebert, Teresa (Bellingham, Level 9, NAWGJ WA Board 1996-2000)

Competed for Bellingham High School 1970-1974. Teresa began coaching while still in high school for Bellingham Parks and Recreation on Saturdays. (15 years) She coached middle school and the Bellingham High School Team 1990-1994. In 1984, Teresa and her then husband started their own gymnastics club renting the Whatcom Middle School. Started judging in about 1985.

Keller, Hollie

Keniston, Tracy

Kiss, Dawn (Gig Harbor, National)

Competed at Shields Gymnastics School in New Jersey. Competed at Franklin Township High School 1981-1984, and then at James Madison University, VA. 1984-1988. Coached rec classes and special needs kids. Became a judge in 1993 - talked into it by David Mackey! She is a Geriatric Physical Therapist. Dawn has judged numerous state and high school state meets. USAG/NAWGJ WA Compulsory Judge of the Year 2002. National Federation Judge of the Year for WA State (High School) 2002.

Lawhorn, Michelle Pohl (Selah, Level 10)

Competed club gymnastics in Minnesota at Munsinger Gymnastics. National Team member - Elite gymnast from 1978-1982. She got her BS in Public Health Education specializing in physical therapy from Utah State University in 1986 where she was on a full four year gymnastics scholarship. Michelle was ranked number one going into Nationals but shattered her ankle on the take off for a triple full. She obviously didn't get to finish Nationals, and she red shirted a year. NAWGJ rated judge since 1982. Judged many 8-10 regional meets and all Nevada State Championships from 1987 until she moved to Washingon in 2003. She coached all levels of gymnastics from 1981-1994. Michelle was also the Nevada State Judging Director from 1993-2003. Awards: Cache Chamber of Commerce and Female Athlete of the Year.

Link, Bethany

Lofton, Chrystal

Lovett, Pam (Swan) (Oak Harbor, Level 10)

Gymnast in Aurora, Ill. Aurora Turners 1980-1989. Bud Marquette coached her at the Turner Camps. High School gymnast 2 years. College gymnastics at U. of Illinois 4 years and by the end of that four years had had four knee surgeries. Coached in Ill. and Florida before coming to WA in 2001. Began judging in 1994. Volunteer at the 1991Worlds in Indy, and at the 1996 Olympics. She judged AAU Nationals in 2001 and Turners Nationals in 1999.

*Lucero, Donna (Snohomish,Level 10, State NAWGJ Board 19 -2004, former SJD)

Former NAWGJ State Judging Director in the late 1980's and early 1990's. West Seattle High School student. Started judging 1972, high school. Pat Hatmaker and Kay Canedy got her into club judging. 1977-1989  12 Year Executive Assistant to Washington State Judging Director. 1989-1994 Washington State Judging Director. 1984-1996 15 Year Region 2 Championships Judge. 1974-1998 25 Year Washington State Junior Olympic Championship Judge. 1979  Junior College National Championship Judge. Junior Olympic National Championship Judge - Level 10. 1978-2008 Mentor Judge for more than 30 years in Washington State. 1974  Founding member NAWGJ WA. Inducted into the USAG WA Hall of Fame 2008. WOA Judge of the Year 2008.

 

MacAfee, Barb (Spokane, National, State NAWGJ Board- Assigner)

Did college gymnastics at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 1970, 1971, 1972-balance beam and floor exercise. "Competed the floor exercise on the wood floor in the gym--back then if you did a back walkover you were something to see. My beam routine kind of looked like the level 4 routine--boy have things changed." Barb went on to teach and coach gymnastics at Rolling Meadows HS in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. She started judging in 1973-1974 and can remember judging with Erna Wachtel. Erna gave Barb some really good advise - always judge what you see. "JO meets back then used to be marathon meets lasting all day. It seems we've come back to that format."

McKenzie, Tracy (Level 10)

Moore, Michelle

Moreno, Tricia Cusimano (Richland, Level 9)

Competed for Kennewick High School, 1990-1994. Coached rec classes at Mid-Columbia Gymnastics 1993-1996. Coached at Lilac City Gymnastics 1997-1999. Tricia was a cheerleader at Eastern WA. U. Asst. coach at Southridge High School at present. Judging since 1994. Tricia is a first grade teacher in Pasco and group fitness instructor at World Gym in Kennewick.

Murphy, Theresa (Peterson) (Gig Harbor, Level 8)

Went to Lincoln Heights Gymnastics Club from 1976-1980's. Coached by Terry and Vicky Kelly. Theresa then went to Gymnastics Arts Center, also in Spokane, where she competed as a Class 1. Attended Shadle Park High School and was coached by Lyle Pugh, from 1976-1980. Went to Spokane CC, coached by Rick Harrison. (National Champs), then 2 years at Eastern Washington University where she was coached by Rusty Wellman, and asstistant coach Kathy Harrison. Teresa went on to become a Level 10 judge.

McCoy, Sharlene

Okazaki, Susan (Ideta) (Seattle, High school judge)

Olsen, Corine (Frohm) (Lake Stevens, Level 10)

Newport High School gymnast 1985-1988. SPU gymnast 1988-1992. All American Bars in 1990 and 1991. MVP 1991. National Team Champions in 1992. Coached Newport High 1993-1995. 1st State Championship for Newport in 1994. Started judging in 1991. Married and the mother of four. USAG WA Compulsory Judge of the Year 2006 and 2007.

Ostrand, Susan (5-6)

Palmer, Dianne (Ritchie) (Pullman, Elite/National)

Owner of Palouse Empire Gym (ID.)1989 to present. high school gymnast two years, in Minnesota. College gymnast at Bemidji State University, Minnesota, 1971-1975. (Program started by Eric Hughes, teammate of Lee Bjella.) Head coach at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota 1975-1979. Assistant Women's Coach at WSU 1979-1986. (Under Al Sanders.) Coach at Sun Country Gymnastics in Gainsville, Florida 1987-88. Has been a judge for 25 years. Elite rating in 1997.

Pemberton, Katie(5-6)

Ratliff, Dean (Bothell, Elite/National, Former NAWGJ Washington SJD 1994-2000)

1990 WGA rec coach. 1992-'93 Emerald City Gymnastics compulsory coach. Ballard High head coach 1993-'95. NAWGJ member since 1988. Elite rating in 1997. In 1996 and 1997, Dean was the meet director for the USAG small college Nationals held at SPU. He judged High School Nationals in 1995, 2002, 2003, and 2004. Judged Pac-10's in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2004. Judged the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame Meet in 2002, 2003,and 2004. High School Technical Director 1994-present along with being the Meet Referee at the State High School Meet for each of those years. In 1995, 1998 Dean judged the Western Independent College Championships. Judged the NCAA Regionals: Region 1 in Corvallis in 2000; North Central Regionals in Salt Lake City in 2001; West Regional in Corvallis in 2002; Southeast Regionals in Athens in 2003. NCAA Nationals 2001. USAG/NAWGJ WA Judge of the Year, 1994. National Federation Judge of the Year for WA State (High School) 2000. USAG Small College Nationals 2008.

Reed, Earla (Gig Harbor, Elite/National)

Gymnast at Marcus Whitman Jr. High, and South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard. Went to State in 1977 and 1978. Started judging in the fall of 1978. Coached at Bremerton YMCA, Lakewood YMCA, OGC in Bremerton and ran her own recreational gymnastics business called Sunny Gym Gymnastics in Port Orchard. Earla got her elite rating in 1997.

Reese, Randilynn

Reid, Laurie Metzger (Yakima, Brevet, Regional JO Program Chair., NAWGJ board 2004 -present)

Competed at Corvallis High School 1968-1970. Competed for Oregon State University 1970-1973 for coach Sylvia Moore. Qualified to Nationals on bars in 1973. In 1973 she moved to Los Altos, CA. and worked for Los Altos Twisters for two years, head coach beam and floor. Started judging in CA. in 1974. In 1975 moved back to Corvallis to finish college, and continued judging with Arlene Crosman as a mentor. Coached a rec program at Linn-Benton CC. 1979 graduated with Phys. Ed. Degree, then moved to Bellevue and coached for Dale Shirley at AOG for a year. Moved to Yakima in 1981 and married Norm. Coached all levels including elite 1983-'84. Yakima, WA. Laurie began judging in 1976 and in 1981 she earned her Elite rating and her Brevet in 1993. USGF WA. State Director 1983-87. 1990 Seattle Goodwill Games Master Scorekeeper. 1997 Region 2 JO Program Chair. USAG Washington Judge of the Year 1992, 2002, and Optional Judge of the Year 2006. NAWGJ WA board 2002 -2008. 2005 Recipient of Dick Mulvihill Award. Co-author of 2005-2013 USAG Compulsory Routines. 2006 USAG Region 2 Judge of the Year. USAG WA. Hall of Fame 2007. Gym Plus owner with husband Norm. Three children.

Renggli, Jan (5-6)

Sawyer, Todd (8)

Swensen, Michelle (Thompson) (5-10)

Roberts, Rhona (Seattle, Not rated -High school judge)

Former gymnast at Deer Park High School, coached by Sharon Johnston. Junior college Spokane CC (National Champs 1980-1981, 1981-1982 with Teresa Peterson Murphy, Karen Erickson Renner and Lisa Bollinger who was from Wenatchee and married Olympian Jim Hartung, living in Lincoln, Neb.) Coach Rick Harrison. Started judging 1981-1982. WSU 1984-'85 coached by Al Sanders (deceased). She has judged high school gymnastics in the Seattle area for many years.

Swanson, Melody (Pullman, Level 9)

Melody started gymnastics in 1984 at Spokane Elite Gymnastics. In 1988 she won the state championship on balance beam for Class III. She continued club gymnastics until 1991 competing through Level 8. Melody then competed four years of high school gymnastics at University High School. She was a varsity member of the team which won the Greater Spokane League championship three years in a row. After high school Melody coached a recreational gymnastics class at Washington State University. After college she returned to Spokane and began judging junior high and high school. Melody got her rating in 1998 and has been involved with both club and high school judging ever since.

Tavog Fussner, Katy (Edmonds, National)

Started gymnastics at age five in suburban St. Loius. Competed Class II. Coached at Cascade Elite 1994-2004. Started judging in 1995.

Thieme, Katie(5-6)

Tindall, Laurel (Anderson) (Brier, Brevet)

Student of George Lewis, elite gymnast from 1969-1975. 1971 Pan Am Games trials. 1972 Final Olympic Trials. 1973 World Championship team trials. 1974 AAU National Team. UW gymnast 1972-1973. SPU gymnast 1974 -1975. AIAW National Vault champ 1973 and 1975. 10-time All-American. Seattle Pacific University coach from 1975 to present. SPU won 3 National Division II titles, 1986, 1992, and 1997. 15 national champions and 121 All-American athletes. 20 straight seasons of top 4 National finishes in team competition. Four time Collegiate Coach of the Year. Falcon Gymnastics Club Director and Head Coach from 1981 to present. 1972-1981 Gymnastics Inc. club coach. Coached at Jerry Penney's Christmas Camps in the 1970's. 1996 to present Washington State Board. USGF State Chairman from 1976-1983. USGF/USAG Region 2 Chairman 1983-1995. Brevet level Woman's judge having judged several USGF/USAG Regional and National meets. Inducted into 2004 USAG WA. Hall of Fame. Inducted into the Seattle Pacific University Hall of Fame 2005. Co-coach of the year in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, 2005. Married with two children.

Thieme, Katie (Tumwater)

Thompson, Michelle (Svensen) (Olympia, Level 10)

Born and raised Leduc, Alberta. Gymnast in the Leduc Kanata Gym Club (1984-1989) after watching the '84 Olympics. Mary Lou Retton was her inspiration to get involved in competitive gymnastics. Before then, she had been involved recreationally. Michelle coached all level girls, and started judging in 1990 since there was a shortage of judges in the province. Moved to Washington in 1999 and back to Canada in 2005.

Urfer, Jan (Port Angeles, Level 10 , State NAWGJ WA Board 2000-present)

Learned to love gymnastics in P.E. classes. Attended CWU, and again, there was no gymnastics program so she took PE classes - called gymnastics apparatus. Jan is a music teacher in Port Angeles, and she took the Class III judging test in 1978. She then took over the local junior high program when the coach quit. She helped establish a recreational program with the YMCA, to fill a gap created when the district dropped the junior high school programs. Jan became a full time assistant and became head coach at the beginning of the 1989-90 season. She served on the High School WSGCA Board since 1988 and was President from 1990-94. Currently treasurer and rep for the Narrows League. 1998 NFICA Section 8 Coach of the Year for Special Sports and elected to the WIAA -WSGCA Hall of Fame in 2001. She judged during 1978-79 high school season, quit judging, then started again in 1993 or 94. NAWGJ WA state board 2 years around 1995, and board member 2000-2004.

Wendt, Kristin (5-6)

*Wisen, Karen (Redmond, National, NAWGJWA Board 2004-present)

Karen started competing in the 7th grade on the Mercer Island tumbling team. She transferred to the UW after competing in Minnesota at Gustavus Adolphus on their very first gymnastics team. Karen became captain of the team which took 2nd at the first ever Collegiate Women's Invitations Gym Meet. (Southern Ill.) Started judging while still at UW. She went with George Lewis and his team to USGF Nationals. A judge didn't show up, so Jackie Kline Fie had Karen judge. The next year they sent her to the Pan Am Games and then the FIG course in Madrid! Coached at Ingelmoor High School from 1968 to 1976. Won King-Co every year and won 3 State Championships. Became Brevet judge in the early 1970's. Judged the 1984 Olympics. USGF/USAG Regional Technical Director 1971-1996. Karen was inducted into the WIAA -WSGCA Hall of Fame in 1998 and the USAG WA Hall of Fame in 2004. WA. State Judge of the Year 1991.

PAST WASHINGTON NAWGJ STATE JUDGING DIRECTORS

USAG/NAWGJ STATE JUDGE OF THE YEAR RECIPIENTS:

Retired Judges

*Canady, Kay (1944? -1986 ) (Class 1,Former NAWGJ State Judging Director)
Kay was a wife, mother, teacher, judge and State Judging Director. She was born in Long Beach, California, went to the University of Oregon, moved to Seattle, married and had two children. Kay taught Physical Education at Lincoln High School in Seattle and then substitute taught for a number of years. She became a judge in 1970 and rose to the Elite level. She was SJD for 8 years. Her friends and colleagues remember Kay as a very giving and loving person with a great sense of humor, who adored the gymnasts and enjoyed helping all members of the gymnastics community. The devastating disease of breast cancer took Kay from us in 1986. The Washington State Judges Open was renamed in her honor shortly thereafter.

Feuer, Kelly Tarpenning (originally from Oregon,Elite/National)
Kelly got into gymnastics because her older sister did it and it looked like a lot of fun. She was in junior high school when she started taking classes at the National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics run by the Mulvihills. Competed in high school and the team finished 2nd in the state meet her senior year. Named Most Inspirational gymnast her senior year. Started judging high school gymnastics in Oregon in 1977. Kathy Crawford and Kelly went to the same high school (Sheldon High School - Eugene, Oregon) and their coach suggested getting involved in judging. They started judging at the same time after graduation. Became a rated USGF judge in 1982, beginning with Class III rating. Class I rating in 1984. Elite in 1993 while living in Atlanta, Georgia (Region VIII). This was changed, of course, to 'National' rating in 2001. She has judged in three different regions while living on the West Coast (San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Eugene, Portland, Seattle) and judged many Optional and Compulsory state meets. Judged NCAA collegiate regionals at LSU 2002, USAG National College Championships at UC Davis in 2001, Division 2 Regional Championships in 1999,2000,2001. Level 8 (region 8) 1993. Kelly worked at the 2004 Olympics in Greece for NBC. (Actually, this was Kelly's fourth Olympics! She worked alongside her husband Tom at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He was the producer of Track and Field for NBC's "Triplecast" coverage. Kelly worked as a spotter/statistician for the commentators. She worked the 1996 Atlanta Olympics also at the Track and Field venue as a field event spotter and tape logger on the regular NBC broadcast. In 2000, she worked for Quokka Sports, and internet sports company while at the Sydney Olympics. She did live written commentary of the Men's and Womens Artistic Gymnastics for the website. In Athens, she worked the Track and Field venue. Way to go Kelly!)

*Hatmaker, Pat (1941-1999) Issaquah Retired from judging to coach
Taught at Issaquah H.S. Worked in the development of judging in girls gymnastics. Coached the girls team at Issaquah High for many years. Coach of the year in 1995. Inducted into the WIAA -WSGCA ymnastics Coaches Hall of Fame in 1998. Inducted in the first USAG WA. Hall of Fame 2002.

Hickey, Priscilla (Connecticut, Brevet,Former NAWGJ Washington State Judging Director)
Former UW gymnast in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Also coached at Bellevue High School.

*Johnson, Liz
First SJD in Washington. She was from Bothell and taught in Shoreline.

Karsch, Valarie (Vancouver)
Competed in High School in Southern OR. (Mid 80's).Coached team kids for 2 years right out of high school. Had knee surgery so she decided it was a good time to learn to Judge. "As I was coaching, I had many questions, but it was hard to get the specific answers I wanted. If I knew more, I would be a better, more confident coach." Moved to Vancouver in 1987, got a hold of Barb Graisy (Adams at the time) and started studying for the compulsory test with Vad Woodside. Had kids, tried to test whenever she could. Very involved in Middle and High school gymnastics since 1990. Head Coach at Prairie High School and assign for Middle School. Took a few years off of club judging.