Exceeding expectations
by Jeff Colsh / contributing writer
The Gymnastics Club, bolstered by a successful first meet and
active participation in the community, has earned the distinction
of Club of the Month for December.
Competing in a strong 17-team field at Virginia Tech in November,
this group maintained an upbeat attitude and exceeded its expectations.
Individually, club co-president Lisa Janz, a senior, performed exceptionally,
winning the floor exercise and placing fourth in the all-around.
In only its fourth year of existence, and just its third as an official
club, the Gymnastics Club has made huge strides.
"Everyone did very well for their event. We were a small team
against bigger teams," junior sports club representative Shelly
Pennow said of the Virginia Tech meet, where some opponents were
from schools that did not have varsity gymnastics.
The team's next meet is against Miami University in Ohio during
the first weekend of February.
One of the best parts about competing is long trips that the team
makes in its 15-passenger van, vice president Genna Rendino, a junior,
said.
Sophomore treasurer Emily Alves says the lengthy journeys are such
great times because the teammates are all friends.
"The best part is meeting and making good connections with
people from other schools," Alves said.
Competition isn't the only satisfying part about the club.
The club also aims to offer a fun time and teach gymnastics to any
student who is interested, regardless of skill level.
Senior secretary Tammy Rodeffer has been in the club for three years
but is one of many who do not take part in competitions.
"Anyone that likes gymnastics can do it. You can start basic
or at the top," Rodeffer said.
Non-competitive club members meet twice a week for practices; competitive
members meet three times each week.
Practices are great times and this helps make club teams more enjoyable
then varsity teams, according to Pennow.
"We're extremely supportive of each other. No experience
is necessary, you just have to have the guts to go out there,"
Pennow said.
"We take a sport that can be so hard on you and make it so
it's not work anymore," Alves said.
Students interested in joining the club are encouraged to attend
a practice. For more information, contact the club at jmugymclub@jmu.edu.
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