Grand Rapids Gymnastics has National Success | Community Spirit

Cascade Twp., MI- The U.S. Trampoline and Tumbling Association held its annual National Championship the week of June 20th, 2011 in Charleston, West Virginia. More than 110 teams from across the nation competed for national titles with a total of 1,300 gymnast’s ages 3 to 30 participating in power tumbling, double-mini trampoline and trampoline events.

The Grand Rapids Gymnastics Trampoline & Tumbling Team out of Cascade Township, had fantastic results at the national competition. Three athletes won their events and are now national champions. Hanna Zahm of Allendale won the sub-advanced level double-mini. Brendan McDonald of Forest Hills, competing in his first year, won the sub-advanced trampoline title, and Caleb Smith of Hudsonville won for sub-advanced double-mini. Caleb and Brendan also took home the 1st place team award for sub-advanced double mini. Ant the GRG intermediate girls tumbling team won the 2nd place team trophy.

There were 9 athletes from the Grand Rapids Gymnastics team that competed in this national championship. Out of 26 events, the team placed in the top 10 in the nation in 22 of them!

Trampoline and Tumbling Association Director Patti Lingenfelter said the event is a great opportunity to expose young athletes to a new, lesser-known sport. "Everyone has a backyard trampoline, but this is a lot more exciting. In some of these events, athletes are jumping as high as 20 feet in the air, so it's fun to watch." Lingenfelter said.

"It is an awesome privilege to coach the athlete's at GRG.  This team has faced many challenges in the last year.  Many new faces now friends have been added to the team.  The bond between team members has grown strong.  They have become family not just team mates.  I believe that is why they had so much success at Nationals.  They encourage each other every day.  When one is successful they all feel as though they are a part of that.  Being a team is about more than winning.  It is working together and being there for each other in the gym and out of the gym.  Everyone is a winner in the end.  With that strong bond they will have many years of continued success.  Coach Amanda and I are very proud of them for the awards they brought home but we are more proud of them for the family they have become!" says head coach Jenn Smith.

As shown in photo left to right...

The athletes competing were:

Gina Glynn of Allendale, Kameron Wilcox of Forest Hills, Hanna Zahm of Marne, Erik Smith of Coopersville, Ashley Buskard of Grandville, Caleb Smith of Hudsonville, Gabby Smith of Hudsonville, Kendall Bailey of Forest Hills, and Brendan McDonald of Forest Hills (not shown).