1 Rating / 1 Comment
What flies and flips and twists and sticks?
The trampolinists & tumblers from the Palaestra Sparks Trampoline & Tumbling Team in Farmers Branch! These athletes won top honors at the USA Junior Olympic Trampoline & Tumbling National Championships held in Kansas CityMissouri June 30-July 6th.
When the trampoline was introduced as an Olympic sport during the 2000 Olympic Games, its feats of daring attracted many youngsters. Athletes compete on three apparatuses in the T&T program: Trampoline, Double-mini trampoline and a Power Tumbling rod floor. Athletes compete against their peers by age group and by level of expertise. “T&T” is an exceptional way to build strength, muscle control and body awareness… and it is FUN!
The Palaestra Team qualified 16 athletes for this prestigious and challenging competition. Members of the National Team are: Ashley Alexander, Bria Brackett, Katie Campbell, Alexandra Fincher, Victoria Lovell Jennifer Meneely, Katie Mentesana, Jenna O’Brien, Hannah Sheaffer, Kristen Stevenson, Stewart Brackett, Austin Clayton, Andrew Shurtleff, Gracie Gonzalez, Meghane Poulet and Elena Petropolous.
“These athletes must work many hours all year to qualify for this National Championship,” said Becki Weathers, manager and lead instructor of The Palaestra. “They competed at rigorous local, state and regional meets to earn this honor. There were over 1,500 athletes from across the country competing in Kansas City.”
Andrew Shurtleff won the gold medal in Double mini level 9 age 11 and bronze medal in Tumbling level 9. He also finished 4th in Trampoline level 9. Andrew also earned a spot on the National Jump Start team which takes only selected top athletes from across the country and exposes them to top competition and National Coaching.
Austin Clayton brought home silver in Double mini level 9 age 13-14 and earned a top 10 finish in Trampoline level 9.
Katie Mentesana earned a bronze medal for her work on Double Mini level 8 age 12.
Alexandra Fincher medaled in Trampoline Level 6, age 11 as one of the top 6 in the nation and finished in the top 10 in Double Mini level 6.
Jennifer Meneely medaled in Tumbling, at level 5 age 15 & over finishing 5th.
Members of the team who also finished in the top ten in the country included:
Stewart Brackett – Double Mini – Level 8 age 13-14.
Victoria Lovell – Trampoline, level 6 age 11.
Hannah Schaefer – Tumbling, level 6 age 12 and Double Mini – level 7.
Palaestra coaches include Teresa Alexander, Erin Fortner and Keith Baker. “These coaches have substantial gymnastics and coaching experience and are a privilege to work with,” said Head Coach and Team Manager, Becki Weathers. They are a key reason why The Palaestra has been able to field a competitive T&T team for the longest time in our area. The Palaestra coaches have not only helped train Junior Olympic Age Group Champions, but have also trained USA World Age Group National Team Members, USA World Team Members, IndoPacific Athletes, as well as Junior and Senior Elite Athletes. It takes unique skills to coach athletes on trampoline and tumbling. We work hard to find the right talent to work with our athletes.”
The Sparks come from across the North Texas communities including Addison, Carrollton, Dallas, Farmers Branch, Lewisville and Coppell. The Palaestra also offers instruction in artistic gymnastics, movement education, dance and cheerleading. “The Palaestra offers families Fun, Fitness and Friendships for every child, every age and every ability! We love what we do.” said Ms.Becki.
The Palaestra is located at 3550 Gardenbrook in Farmers Branch. Phone number 972.620.9922. More information can be found at www.thepalaestradallas.com
