Performing at the Palace

The last Thursday night was the Detroit Pistons halftime show and it went GREAT!!! God was with us on the mats in such a big way and helped us perform a fantastic show.

The day was not without challenges. We were late getting to the Palace, we were there before the game but way past the time we were expecting to arrive. Between traffic jams and accidents we got there a half hour before the game. Then we were unable to do a proper warm up due the fact we had to use a loading dock to warm up on and change uniforms in a space about as big as an average livingroom. It was humorous to observe the gymnasts keeping an eye out for a basketball superstar, Tiffany McKinzie was pretty excited just to wave at one.

So when James did our music I had him add one minute of non routine music for us to use during set up, then our routine music, and then one minute of music for take running off the court. We start running out of the tunnel and I didn't hear our music, they played a minute of their own music and then started ours! This is were the team was just simply spectacular. They started the tumbling part of our routine and when it came time for our stunting moves I started our 8 count and they kept going without missing beat. It was one of the greatest adjustments I have seen a team make during a performance.

The team did an incredible job, only missed one routine, and had a ton of fun during the whole experience. We have already been asked back for a return performance later this year with a possible appearance during the post season. Thanks for all of your support and prayers! Remember, be infectious Christians.

So Good, So Far

Eight weeks of practices have come and gone already. It is hard to believe the year is passing so quickly, I guess everyone says that but it doesn't make it any less true. I didn't think we would be as far as we are so early in the year. On a weekly basis something or someone continues to surprise me and encourage me about the potential contained within this year's team.

I guess the biggest news is the Detroit Pistons halftime show tomorrow. It is a HUGE deal for each of the gymnasts on the team and the Gymnics program as a whole. Two nights ago we had our first practice with carrying the mats in and setting them up...not an event to remember. We were bumping into each other, going the wrong way, tripping over mats and velcro and running to the wrong spot. But the last night the team stepped up and performed better than any previous practice. They set up the mats quickly and orderly and started to look like a professional sports acrobatic team. Within seven minutes we have to set up the mats, perform the routine, and tear down the mats. Last night we did it in 7:10! I know we will only get faster as we practice but to be so close so early in our practices sessions is exciting. I think it is safe to say we are all a little nervous...even me.

It has amazed me how fast the team has bonded together and and developed a work ethic that promises to yield a dramatic show for the tour season next semester. There is no way we could have produced a performance quality show unless every gymnast worked to master the skills they were responsible for in the routine. Granted, the routine is not finished and in Detroit we are going to perform the first draft of the routine but what a first draft! Even off the mat the team is developing friendships and bonds that continue to make us a stronger team. A couple of weeks ago many of us went paintballing in Niles and had a great time. Big props to the girls who show up and shot it out with the guys on the team. I am always going to remember the belly button bruise on Drama, Paul playing in a tank top and coming away looking like he had the chicken pox, the suicide round where everyone shot until they were out of paint and getting shot in the head three times. I counted 15 bruises on me and those were just the ones I saw, I think I was targeted a few times.

The new uniforms have all come in and the team looks fantastic! We have new performance uniforms for both the men and women on the team and they match perfect. On the back of our sweatshirts is the biohazard logo of the team. It is important me as the coach to keep the team Christ-centered in all that we do, wear, perform, and witness. The biohazard logo with the crown of thorns in the middle helps remind us we should be infectious Christians, having a life saving influence through Jesus Christ on those around us. Hopefully the uniforms we wear will not only help the Gymnics present a professional image but also be a constant witness.

Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to prepare for the Pistons and the rest of the semester. He has work great things already and I pray we will continue to allow Him to have a guiding influence on our team.

Coach