July 22, 2019 at 12:56 p.m.
Gymnasts get three-week summer refresher
Gymnasts get three-week summer refresher
The gymnasts are in the midst of a three-week summer session that includes a mix of open gyms and contact days.
"Really, the big thing we're doing is trying to touch base with the returning girls, trying to get some of our new freshmen in and just trying to get back on the equipment," coach Heather Sturtevant said during an open gym last Thursday at James Williams Middle School. "Some of these girls haven't been able to do any gymnastics since season ended, so it's a matter of getting the body used to doing things."
That's the backdrop for the session, which runs through the end of next week. It's one part knocking the rust off from the end of last season and one part setting the foundation for next season.
"A big focus for the high school girls is starting to block out our routines, picking our music, (saying), 'In a great world, these are the skills I'd like to be in there,'" Sturtevant said. "That helps target their practices so they can either regain a skill or get some new skills.
"I'm super excited with some of the girls that have been here already. They're looking at being more creative in their skills and combinations. I think we're going to have some exciting routines to watch."
That also helps come Nov. 11 when the first practice of the winter takes place.
"If we already have some of the choreography, already have music picked, then we're just hitting skills, conditioning, really focusing on that aspect as opposed to taking a few weeks (to create routines)," Sturtevant said. "Once the season starts in November, our first meet is in four weeks - and we have Thanksgiving in there - so we really have to use our time incredibly efficiently once the season starts."
The rub for the team is gymnastics is one of a handful of WIAA sports that does not allow for unlimited coaching contact in the summer. Sturtevant and her assistant coach April Denis only have five days where they can actively instruct in a group setting. Sturtevant said most of those days will take place this week as she tries to encourage gymnasts to try certain skills and certain events.
"We're kind of picking and choosing when we say, 'OK, now you have to do this,'" she said, noting uneven bars will be a point of emphasis during the contact days. "These few days have been really more kind of letting them do it themselves and get back going. Next week will be a little more structured, being more of our five, hardcore, contact days."
Another benefit of having three weeks is it affords team members more opportunities to fit some time on the gymnastics apparatus into their busy summer schedules.
"Summers are tough. It's just kind of the new climate of what our girls are going through," Sturtevant said. "A lot of our girls are working. They're working full time. They're coming in on their one or two days off, as opposed to when they'd only work a few hours a week. Now they're working full time. That's why we extend it for three weeks so that they can at least get a few days in each week."
For the youth
Middle school gymnasts have been encouraged to join the high schoolers this week, with practice taking place 10 a.m. to noon at JWMS.
Next week, following open gyms, the team will hold its five-day youth camp.
The camp will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. next Monday-Friday at JWMS and is geared toward those interested in learning gymnastics or those currently in Levels 1-3.
Participants will learn beginning and intermediate foundational skills on floor, balance beam, uneven bars and vault, as well as individualized training as needed. They will also learn routines on floor, beam and bars.
"We'll definitely have our high school girls out helping with that," Sturtevant said, noting there are still spots available for interested gymnasts. "That's a pretty big fundraiser for us. We're hoping we can get more girls to come."
The cost of the camp $65 and includes a RHS gymnastics T-shirt and entry to a home RHS gymnastics meet. For more information, contact Sturtevant at 715-550-7952 or [email protected].
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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