Virginia Techniques Start Season Strong

The VA Techniques’ competitive gymnastics team began another exciting season with the 3^rd Annual Magflipicent Mock Meet.  Sponsored by the VTGI Booster Club, nearly 50 athletes competed on all four events for family, friends and VTGI members.  

The judges and coaches gave awards to many of the gymnasts for their outstanding performances.  Sportsmanship prizes were awarded to one gymnast in each level including Jenny Shaffer (level 4), Maddie VanAken (level 5), Leah Ganey (level 6), and Stephanie Goetz (levels 7-10).  The “Rock Star” award recognizes gymnasts who have an outstanding competition.  These gymnasts must have no falls or major wobbles, great sportsmanship, a positive attitude, and great expression in routines.  Emily Garst (level 5) and Emily Strom (level 7) earned “Rock Star” awards.

The 2006-2007 girls team is bursting with more talent and higher level skills than ever.  This season, the Techniques will debut 13 new level 4 athletes starting as young as age six.  These athletes, in addition to the seven returning level 4 gymnasts from the past season, hope to rank in the top ten teams in the State Championships in May.

Gymnasts in the program (levels 4-10) have an exciting meet schedule planned.  Athletes will travel throughout the state of Virginia and the eastern United States. Team members are particularly excited about participating in the Big Dog Meet, hosted by gold medalist Carly Patterson, and the Flip Fest Invitational hosted by former Olympians John Macready and John Roethlisberger.  In February, 19 upper level gymnasts (levels 7-10) will travel to the Magical Classic in Orlando, Florida. 

The Virginia Techniques Team will conclude the season by traveling to the Virginia State Championships.  Level 8 – 10 gymnasts expect to end the season with trips to State Championships as well as Regional and National Championships.  Girls, ages 6 – 17, from throughout southwest Virginia compete for the Techniques.  For more information on our competitive team, please visit our website, www.vatechniques.com or call 381-5151.