Author: Rick Mc

This was common practice, back in the bad old days. Growing girls lined up, the coach with a clip board.

Back in the 1970s I recall boys at the gym getting a hold of the weight records binder, teasing the girls. … I was one of those boys.

But in 2011 it’s not recommended to weigh female gymnasts. A coach should keep tabs on the growth & weight of each athlete, but it should be done in a positive manner. Confidentially.

Talk about food as fuel.

Female gymnasts are often heavier than they look. Dense bones and a low fat/muscle ratio makes for a deceptive weight.

There’s a thread on this topic on Chalk Bucket.

Weigh in in the comments, if you have an opinion.

Talking to Nick Blanton about his Professional Coaching Diploma program at International Gymnastics Camp reminded me I had not linked to any of his videos in some time.

Here’s the newest edit.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Check more videos on the amelieblanton YouTube channel.

Michigan State senior gymnast Kathryn Mahoney (Western Springs, Ill.), who underwent successful surgery to stabilize her C6 vertebra after fracturing it while vaulting in a Dec. 29 practice, was discharged from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago on Friday, April 8. Mahoney will now continue her rehabilitation with the RIC as an outpatient from her home. …

The Spartans dedicated their 2011 season to Mahoney by wearing removable tattoos on their cheeks in the shape of a heart around a $ to signify Mahoney’s nickname, Money. The logo was also etched into each their leotards this season on the left shoulder. …

A fund has been set up for Kathryn Mahoney at the MSU Federal Credit Union, and donations will be used for any necessities that she needs as she begins the post-operative, recovery stage. …

MSU Spartans

Related links:

• Full In Full Out – Kathryn Mahoney update
• WLNS – MSU Gymnast Returns After Devastating Accident (VIDEO)

GOOD LUCK to everyone at Provincials in my home Province.

Lethbridge, AB…More than 500 athletes, judges and coaches from across Alberta will gather in Lethbridge to participate in the 2011 Artistic Gymnastics Provincial Championships on April 15 – 17. The Alberta Gymnastics Federation and the West Wind Gymnastics Club are proud to host this provincial competition which is being held at the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness at the University of Lethbridge. …

AGF

official competition home page

This is one of the best introductions I’ve yet seen on the transition.

Click PLAY or watch Raj on YouTube.

Cirque du Soleil scout Stacy Clark will be attending both WAG and MAG NCAA Championships, but there’s no kiosk this year. (Leave a comment on this post if you wish to rendezvous with her in person.)

Last chance to apply for the audition in Orlando, FL, May 8 & 9, 2011.

Thanks Marceline.

~ by site editor Rick McCharles

Men’s NCAA Championships, April 14-16, Columbus, Ohio

Women’s NCAA Championships, April 15-17, Cleveland, Ohio

details on USAG – NCAA Gymnastics Championships take over Ohio

I depart tomorrow, my first trip to Ohio. Aside from jumping back and forth between the College Championships, I’ll drop in on Region 5 Championships running concurrently in Cleveland.

… And I should find time to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Cleveland Rocks.

Will try to arrange a meet up after one of the competitions at each NCAA meet.

EliteAthlete10 on College Gymnastics Board asks ” What team will be the first to wear these as part of their warmups?”

Unorthodox Gymnastics is pondering something a little more extreme, designed by Kobi Levi.

I heard of no scandal or controversy regarding Miss Tatiana at Europeans. Perhaps she’s maturing.

Click PLAY or watch her impressive Bars on YouTube. (age 9 age-10 at that meet)

littlemissgymnast has video of her Floor and Beam (already in heel pads) – When we were young – Tatiana Nabieva

Anne on Gymnastike is posting previews of teams leading up to NCAA Championships this coming weekend in Cleveland.

The one I’ve liked best (so far) is Georgia. It’s a superb run down of how a Head Coach thinks and plans for the peak meet of the year.

… they are coming in this year with something to prove after falling short of the Championships last season. We chatted with head coach Jay Clark to give an in-depth preview of this year’s Georgia team, their potential lineups for the Championships, and some of their key athletes.

The 2011 Georgia Gymdogs are: Bekah Bennetts, Mariel Box, Kati Breazeal, Lindsey Cheek, Noel Couch, Kat Ding, Kaylan Earls, Cat Hires, Hilary Mauro, Cassidy McComb, Laura Moffatt, Gina Nuccio, Christa Tanella, and Shayla Worley.

Georgia will compete in the first of two preliminary sessions, facing UCLA, Oklahoma, Michigan, Arkansas, and Illinois.

Click PLAY or watch it on Gymnastike.

http://www.gymnastike.org/embed/NTM1NDgzMDY5

Watch more video of 2011 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics National Championships on gymnastike.org

Jay’s looking much more relaxed than earlier this season …

“Nothing to lose. Compete fearlessly.”

Don’t count Georgia out.

I think Florida will win. But if they falter it will be Oklahoma or Oregon State, a team that has not yet won. If #1 Alabama or UCLA wins it all, … I’ll be surprised. Not shocked, but surprised.

Update: read Aunt Joyce’s – Georgia Championships preview

Coach Howard has been posting prolifically on Gymnastics Zone.

He has a detailed write-up of how athletes should prepare for practice, summarized in a checklist.

• Physical Preparation for Practice
• Psychological Preparation for Practice
• Steps for Success on the Day of Practice
– What to Do When You Get to Practice
– Learn Visually
– What to Do After Practice

Open the document on your computer –
How To Get The Most Out Of Every Gymnastics Practice (PDF)

I got that by subscribing to his website. Recommended.

There’s much, much more on Gymnastics Zone.