Gymcats turns kids into superstars
By David Bennett
The summer is bustling at Gymcats, a training ground for would-be junior Olympians that was founded in 1992. Young girls and boys of all ages are picking dance, gymnastics, cheerleading or marital arts, where they will learn the various disciplines that will make her or him a more competent dancer, gymnast, cheerleader or martial arts competitor.
Cassandra Rice, owner of Gymcats, said the curriculum is based on the USA Gymnastics Jr. Olympic program that provides training at all levels from beginning to Olympic.
“We are proud that numerous members of our program have gone on to earn college scholarships,” said Rice, who was named 2001 International Elite Coach of the Year.
“One even became an Olympian, gymnast Tasha Schwikert. On top of that, 14 recent graduating seniors have gone on to full gymnastics scholarships at various universities.”
This summer, Gymcats offered cheer camps called Cheer Jam for young boys and girls who were either just starting out or who had some cheer experience.
Tiffany Jolley, head cheer coach explained how each child was divided into different levels.
“Most were girls between the ages of 6 to 16. For some, it was their first contact with Gymcats and a great introduction to what cheer is all about. Others are returning for a second or third time because they’re serious about cheerleading, and this gives them a head start on improving their skills.”
Cheer Jam offers specialized training in tumbling, dance, jumps, routines and stunting. As students' cheerleading skills increase, some join the competitive cheer teams to compete locally or on a national level. Others have gone on to receive scholarships to excel at universities such as Boise State, Oregon State and North Carolina State.
Jolley focuses on basic cheerleading, tumbling and jumps in her beginning cheer classes so that each child can eventually have the skills to make a competitive or school cheer team. Tumbling classes are geared toward teaching kids more advanced tumbling skills.
“Last year, several girls from a middle school came as a group to Cheer Jam,” said Jolley. “They worked together and were able to take back to their school all the new things they learned. The three-day camp is a combination of cheers, choreography and tumbling. On the final day, we have a girls night out with a pizza and movie night.”
According to Jolley, there are several levels of instruction. Level One teaches basic arm positions, jumps, tumbling, stunting, chants and basic formations. Level Two sees an increase in difficulty in all areas, including jumps, motions, tumbling and stunting. At this level, each student must have a hurdle round off and good arm motions. They also begin work in a team-structured setting.
Level Three continues to build on the foundation each student received in Level Two. This class expands stunting, sharp motions and tumbling. After completing all three levels, students compete for becoming a Mini Star, Blue Star, Gold Star or All-Star team member.
Besides Jolley, cheer instructors are Brandon Atkins and Christina Madison.
Gymcats is located at 440 S. Parkson Road in Henderson.
Autism project puts
gymnasium students in the driver’s seat
Two years ago, Gymcats began offering free classes for kids with autism. According to Cassandra Rice, Gymcats owner, it has been an incredible success.
“Gymcats teamed up with F.E.A.T. (Families for Early Autism Treatment) to help kids of autism build relationships, learn social skills, and improve gross motor learning skills while having fun,” said Rice. “Our 45-minute class is held once a month on a Sunday. It begins with the child meeting his or her partner. That partner is one of our kids who is attending Gymcats and has volunteered to be an assistant to a child with autism.”
The class starts with an opening obstacle course, which works on basic rolls, balance skills, climbing over and under things, and jumping. Later, they form groups and work on a routine
to music.
“We have seen tremendous changes in the kids who come to class regularly,” said Rice. “We see improvements in listening, coordination and strength. Part of that is because they relate so well with our Gymcats kids.”
For more information on Gymcats’ classes for children with autism,
call 566-1414.— David Bennett
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