Tryouts + 2 weeks

TRYOUTS

Who knew what to expect when tryouts started this year. The last two years I overestimated how many would show up so this year I kept my expectations a bit more realistic, I was hoping for 32 gymnasts.

I was expecting to see about the same amount as were on the team last year with just a few more that show up for the first couple of nights. It was 7:50 and tryouts started at 8:00 but there were eight people in the gym besides my captains….EIGHT. Numbers had been something I had been taking to God in prayer just about every single day leading up to tryouts. I didn’t know how many were going to show up or even how big He thought the team was supposed to be. I just left everything in His hands and had faith the outcome had a purpose. Jessie Helm turned to me and said, “Not many girls to choose from this year.” In fact there were only three in the gym at the time. I replied, “I am not worried, I have been praying about this and I know we will get who we are supposed to have.” As soon as those words were out of my mouth people started streaming through the door! We ended up with 18 more people trying out this year than last!

Tryouts went smoothly and we ended up with 28 on the team which is 1 more than was on the team at the end of last year. There is a great amount of potential on this year, and the team seems like they will work hard. Many freshman made the cut this year but overall we have a ideal mix of athletes that will help ensure a consistent talent pool for the future. I am excited and encourage by the gymnasts God has blessed me with, I can’t wait to get started on this year’s program.

+2 Weeks

So we are two weeks into the practice year and things have been moving along at a steady pace. I must admit, the rookies are catching on much faster that I thought they were capable of. Most of our pyramids are hitting already, butterflies have all hit, tossing groups are all hitting back tucks and flairs, 2-1 stunting is well ahead of last year, and the tumbling sequence has a great start. I am extremely pleased with the progress so far.

On October 23 we have booked a performance with the Detroit Pistons! This is very exciting new for us and our program. Again, this is an answer to prayer. The night before we got the go ahead from the Pistons we prayed about it in captain’s meeting before practice. It is no small thing to be a part of a program that is growing and showing so much potential like the Gymnics. We several more dates up in the air right now so keep praying for us that God will use us the most effective way possible.