The Grand Daddy of American Meets

In late 2006, Karl Stubsjoen, MSO’s Founder and technical Guru, challenged MSO to find the oldest meet in America. Being intimately familiar with large meets, such as the Arizona Sunray’s Sweetheart Invitational (now the Hard Rock); MSO knew some big meets had been going on for years. However, oldest? And, oldest how?

The first meet?

Longest running?

Consecutive years?

It was not until almost two years later that MSO finally sent out the word that MSO was looking for the oldest (longest and consecutive running) meet in the country. In order to ensure the help of America’s gymnastics club community, MSO went looking for the meet in the form of a contest. The Meet to meet MSO’s requirements would win a free banner on MSO for a year. Dozens and dozens of meet names were received by MSO, many with impressive histories. Meets so famous, almost all of the big gymnastics clubs from around the country have participated in them at one time or another. Others so obscure, even clubs within their own states had never heard of them, in spite of the fact the meet had been going on for years. Optional meets, Compulsories. Men’s, Women’s, USAG and non-USGA meets.

The irony of MSO’s efforts were that after spending over two years looking, it was Dan Witenstein, Owner and Head Coach of the Arizona Sunrays, who pointed MSO in the right direction, and it was a meet just down the road from him.

The winner of the MSO contest: The longest, consecutive running, “oldest” meet, and therefore

THE GRAND DADDY OF AMERICAN MEETS:

Desert Lights’ Fiesta Bowl Invitational (Chandler, Arizona) about to celebrate the 37th Annual Invitational.

Do you remember 1973? Were you even born? There was talk of a Beatles reunion, Paper Moon made 10-year-old Tatum O’Neil a star, Nixon fighting to stay in the White House; and Roe Kreutzer, Owner and Head Coach of the Arizona Twisters, held the first Fiesta Bowl.

Roe Kreutzer is a gymnastics living legend that for over 50 years has done it all: Produced State, Regional, National, and Olympic Champions, National Team Coach, Olympic Team Coach. Roe’s U.S. team earned the Silver Medal, and that year MaryLou Retton won the All Around. Roe has also served as Chairman of the prestigious Women's Program Elite National and International committees, sat on the USAG Board of Directors, and USAG Executive Committee. Today, Roe is the Grand Dame of American gymnastics.

In 1973 meets were truly invitationals, and much different from the meets of today. Back then, you had to be “invited” to participate. For the first Fiesta Bowl only eight teams were invited and the teams were only allowed to bring a maximum of four gymnasts. Each team had to have at least one Elite level gymnast on the squad. Since there were not that many Elites at that time, not many teams could participate. The original purpose of the Fiesta Bowl was to create a competitive experience for those high-level gymnasts, as there were not many competitions available for Elites at the time. “Over the years there have been many Olympians, National Team Members, and future NCAA stars in the Fiesta Bowl,” Roe Kreutzer. Olympians Amy Chow, Kristen Maloney, Keri Strug, Tracy Talavera, Michelle Dussere, and Tasha Schweikert are among those that have competed in the Fiesta Bowl. Of course, at the time they were competing in the Fiesta Bowl, their status as Olympians and Hall of Famers was not yet established. However, it is a testament to the reason the meet was first held that over the years, Elite level gymnasts that have competed in the Fiesta Bowl, have gained fame in the sport. Moreover, the Fiesta Bowl continues to attract top talent.

An interesting thing about the first Fiesta Bowls, as well as many of the top Invitationals of those days, was a dance competition, complete with costumes and awards. Each team had to create their dance number, and performed it in a session separate from the gymnastics competition. The Fiesta Bowl carries on that tradition to this day. The Desert Lights Team performs a dance number during the competition, but just for fun. The girls love it and look forward to doing it all year. Perhaps if enough teams request it, the Fiesta Bowl committee might be persuaded to bring back the dance session competition involving other clubs? The early Fiesta Bowl meets also had Finals through the 1980's - another tradition of many of the early Invitationals.

Think about what it would be like to compete in a meet, and years later, be a nationally known and respect gymnastics club Owner and Head Coach hosting that event. While Lisa Spini believes, and credits Roe Kreutzer as the reason for the longevity of the Fiesta Bowl, the fact remains it is Lisa, the Owner, and Head Coach of Desert Lights Gymnastics, and the Fiesta Bowl’s Meet Director, who continues to drive and direct the prestigious event. During the course of its 36-year run Lisa, actually participate in the Fiesta Bowl as a competitor.

The name of the meet has always been the Fiesta Bowl Invitational. It is part of the Tempe; Arizona based Fiesta Bowl - associated with the annual football game. The Tempe Fiesta Bowl has a group of sporting competitions and community events that it manages; the Desert Light’s Fiesta Bowl Invitational is a part of that.

Unlike many big meets of today, the Fiesta Bowl, was never held in Desert Light’s gym. The first Fiesta Bowl was held at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. In addition to several other local high schools, the Fiesta Bowl had been held at PE West and the Wells Fargo Arena, two facilities on the campus of Arizona State University. (MSO note: PE West for years was a location for many Phoenix area meets. Today the building is no longer used for athletic competitions but houses the School of Dance).

As one might imagine the Fiesta Bowl has experience many firsts in its long history, and in 2010 the event was honored by being included in the Inaugural Nastia Liukin Cup. Two gymnasts from participating Nastia Liukin events are selected to compete in the Nastia Liukin Cup that is intended to provide a competitive opportunity for the country’s top Junior Olympic gymnasts. “For 2011, we will be holding the Fiesta Bowl at the Rawhide Western Town. We feel this provides Western flavor and atmosphere for our out of state competitors.,” Lisa Spini.

Most club owners will tell you that in addition to being a competitive platform, gyms hold meets as fund-raisers for their competitive teams. Since moving to their present location, Rawhide Western Town, in Phoenix, Arizona the event has been a financial success. For 2011, the Fiesta Bowl Committee again hopes to be a part of the Nastia Liukin Cup Series and to become a National Elite Qualifier. Of course, for the 37th anniversary, Desert Lights’ Fiesta Bowl will also now be known as

The Grand Daddy of American Meets.

The 2009 MSO Gymnast of the Year

Outstanding Gymnastics Accomplishments – Check

Academic Achievement – Check

Community Involvement – Check

One Supportive Family – and, Check

MSO receives lots of nominations for MSO’s annual Gymnast of the Year Award, but the ones MSO loves the best are the ones submitted by the gymnast’s coach. For who else can truly attest to someone’s attitude in the gym? It is easy to check gymnastics scores, review school grades, confirm community participation; but how does one attest to behavior? What record can you check on whether or not a gymnast is a role model to others?

The MSO 2009 Gymnast of the Year, Jordyn Wieber, is a young lady who loves to compete, but it is in gym where she is truly in her element. For it is in her every day behavior that Jordyn shows what it means to be a champion. An Elite level gymnast at Geddert’s Twistars Gymnastics (#1 on MSO’s 2009 Women’s Club list) the 14 year-old is a straight A Honor Roll student at Dewitt High School in Dewitt Michigan; perhaps more important from MSO’s perspective, Jordyn Wieber is a role model to gymnasts everywhere.

“Here is a kid who wants to be coached. Ask her to do something and she does it. Boom. Ask her to do it half a dozen times, and she still does it. You just love coaching someone with such a desire to develop their skills” Jordyn’s coach, John Geddert- Geddert’s Twistars Gymnastics.

Mom, Rita, recalls Jordyn’s early days: “Jordyn was always very muscular, even as a baby. As a 3 year old in dance class, people would comment on her biceps-- it was hilarious”.

Jordyn stared gymnastics at age 4 and today the 9th grader keeps company with some of the best gymnasts in the world. Jordyn was fortunate to room with Maddie Larson in Guatemala- and room with World Champion Bridget Sloan at the Tyson American Cup last year. As part of the US National Team for the past 3 years, she has had the opportunity to train with Olympic and World Champions such as Shawn Johnson, and Nastia Liuken. This is one aspect of gymnastics that any gymnast can relate to; meeting and competing on a team with other gymnasts who share the same passion for the sport.

The straight A student’s intensity is not limited to gymnastics. Jordyn is active in charity work, such as her church’s annual Giving Tree Christmas project. She has volunteered at the Kellie Sebrell Memorial 5K for many years. Last year in lieu of gifts or a birthday party, Jordyn chose to collect donations for the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Next month, Jordyn is selling all of her old gymnastics apparel at the gym and donating the money to St. Jude Hospital. She hopes to be a sports psychologist someday.

As the 2009 MSO Gymnast of the Year, Jordyn Wieber of Geddert’s Gymnastics* met all the requirements of the award: Top gymnastics results, straight A student, involved in her community, and as testified to by her coach; a role model to other competitors. She also brought something every gymnast needs in order to reach her true potential: The support of her family.

*MSO NOTE: In the nine years since MSO started ranking clubs in America, and recognizing the MSO Gymnast of the Year, this is the first time both the #1 club and gymnast have come from the same gym.

MSO’s 2009 Top Ten Men’s and Women’s Teams

WANTED – One Outstanding Gymnast

This is the final call for all nominations for the 2009 MSO Gymnast of the Year. Qualifications: The gymnast must have competed on either a USAG, USAICG, or a sanctioned High School Athletic program, be a superior academic student, and a role model to their team. There are no level or age requirements.

MSO’s 2009 Top Ten Men’s and Women’s Teams

When MSO has 83 teams that make the first cut of our nation’s top ten teams, MSO knows it is going to be a long night. Add gymnasts that had a superior year even as the team around them falters and identifying America’s top clubs becomes a weekend project; make that a long weekend project.

MSO FAN:

Does MSO look at last year’s standing in determining this year’s Top Teams?

MSO:

No, last year is history. In determining America top clubs MSO looks at only the results of individual gymnasts from Levels 8-10 for the current Optional competitive season. This year it means January 2009 to 2009 JO Nationals. Two years ago MSO also started taking into consideration a club’s size. A team that has 60 gymnasts and sends 2 to JOs is not ranked as high as a team that only has 21 team members and 4 qualify to Nationals. After reviewing National’s results, MSO looks at Regional standings, Westerns/Easterns, and if necessary (and it almost always is for tenth place) we look at state championships results.

As is the case every year in ranking the nation’s top teams there are individual gymnasts who catch MSO’s attention and this year MSO’s Honorable Mention’s list recognizes (limited to only ten due to space limitations) such gymnasts:

• - Joseph Hodges, Rochester Gymnastics (NY)
• - Jacob Dastrup, Arete Gymnastics (UT)
• - Katie Bailey, High Point Gymnastics (NC)
• - Alicia Asturias, Technique (CA)

• - Konner Ackerman, Metropolitan Gymnastics (WA)
• - Talia Chiarelli, Brestyan's (MA)
• - Brianna Gades, Phoenix Gymnastics Academy (AZ)
• - Josie Reinitz, Buckeye Gymnastics (OH)
• - Ashleigh Gnat, ACE Gymnastics (FL)
• - Kyra Trowbridge, Paragon Gymnastics (VA)

Top Ten Teams for 2009

When dealing with results it is easy to get to that one score that determines the 10th team over the 11th…not really. Because it never fails that there are usually a group of clubs bunched near the 11th spot and MSO has to looks closely at every score to try and get it right. This year 13 awesome gyms were within one score of making either the Men’s or Women’s lists.

The Men:

#10 - Xtreme (Extreme) MSO finds is spelled both ways; from the Black Jack Invitational on these guys started getting it done, in a region that did well overall this year.

#9 – Azarian is an Orange County powerhouse, and being trained by a former World Champion and Gold Medal winner shows.

#8 – Cypress Academy, Tom Meadows produced some fantastic gymnasts and this team could move higher next year.

#7 – Champion; MSO was not exactly sure where Katy, TX was, but Jordan Valdez found his way there and help his team make a solid landing on year’s list.

#6 – WOGA; Over shadowed by a girl? Not these guys. They made last year’s list and then gave the country a repeat performance.

#5 – FLIPS; with so many teams called Flips, make no mistake that this is the Region 3 (and another Texas power) club MSO is ranking.

#4 – Hocking Valley; MSO has said it before, Mike Serra and Tim Saxton produce winners; lots of them.

#3 – San Mateo; this club is starting to make a tradition of sending top kids to UC Berkeley. But not before helping the team move into the top five men’s club programs in the country.

#2 – New Hope; Guess being number 5 nationally was not good enough for these guys; this year…..#2!

#1 – Swiss Turner; you’re the gym manager, competitive director, girls’ team coordinator, Head Coach for the men’s team, and on top of that you coach your boys (make that MEN) to the top spot on the top ten men’s list for club gymnastics in the country. Congratulations to Stacy Maloney and the Swiss Turner, the Number 1 Men’s club in the country.

The Women:

#10 – Dynamo; Coach Shannon Harrison produced so many state champions this year MSO lost count.

#9 – Phenom is losing some incredible talent to the Universities; can Coach Jess do it again next year? MSO sees young talent in the wings and thinks this Illinois gym should stay in the top, if not the top ten.

#8 – Oakland Gymnastics of Walled Lake Michigan has ties to one of MSO’s favorite people in the sport; Steve Whitlock. Coaches Ruth and Chris Miller muscled aside some of the better known clubs in Texas, and that “ain’t” easy.

#7 – Twin City Twisters: “They’re Back”, as in back on the list. The club had some fantastic gymnasts at all levels.

#6 – GymCats of Nevada has produced some great gymnasts and this past season puts them in the middle of this year’s top teams.

#5 – WGA Texans; in a state full of talented clubs (did you watch the VISA Championships?) this club from the Houston area put together some impressive gymnasts with really impressive results.

#4 – Orlando Metro; a club full of great Level 10s, with an even more impressive group of up and coming Level 9s.

#3 – Illinois Gymnastics Institute. At first MSO thought maybe MSO had mixed several Illinois clubs under the same name as there were simply too many champions; but there is only one IGI. Nice job.

#2 – Docksiders; with names like Ouellette, Barrows, and Fleming is it any wonder this gym produced some serious gymnastics this year? And those are the coaches. A Maryland power that is established, and sure to produce again next year.

#1 – Twistars; if Michigan is a machine in club gymnastics, Geddert’s is the engine. To truly admire this club look at their teams at any level; and then peek behind the curtain at the compulsory kids being developed. Although only the Optionals were considered in this ranking, the young ones are destined to be champions in John’s hands. Geddert’s Twistars Gymnastics Club USA, the 2009 Number 1 Women’s club in the nation.

Desi Borgese – The 2008 MSO Gymnast of the Year

It may seem to some that this year in particular MSO had a love relationship with Airborne Gymnastics of Santa Clara, California in general, and their gymnasts in particular. Not so. MSO recognizes and admires talent, hard work, and a positive attitude. These are the things MSO looks for in a Gymnast of the Year, and what MSO sees in Ms. Borgese. While this description can be applied to many gymnasts across the country, above all MSO’s Gymnast of the Year has time and again been selected in the final considerations for the individual’s ability to be a role model for other gymnasts. Desi is such a gymnast.

A History of the Award

The idea for the award began in 2003, just three years after the launch of MSO. One of MSO’s principals had been involved in the annual awards banquet honoring Arizona’s coaches, gymnasts, and USAG professionals. Those awards lead to MSO creating the Top Ten Teams in America list; which then led to the idea of the top gymnast award. Thanks in part to a random suggestion made by Julie Witenstein, Co-Owner of the Arizona Sunrays, and in part to MSO’s association with Cirque du Soleil, the work began on establishing a process for identifying a gymnast whose accomplishments and attitude exemplified the purpose of the award. Today, thanks to nominations received from across the country, MSO is annually introduced to a remarkable group of gymnasts.

Desi: MSO’s Selection

Desi Borgese, the 2008 MSO Gymnast of the Year first came to MSO’s attention early in the competitive season through an email from her coaches. However, she stayed on the MSO radar through consistent accomplishment. The dynamic 12-year old is coached by Justin Howell and Liz Crandall. During the 2007-2008 competitive season, the Level 10 was the All-Around State Champion for Northern California (Nor-Cal), California being a state that placed three teams in this year’s MSO’s Top Ten Women’s list, and the state had 7 gymnasts (male and female) nominated for Gymnast of the Year, three of which made the short list. Desi placed 5th All-Around at the USA Gymnastics JO National Championships and qualified Jr. International Elite. After an outstanding performance at the US Classic, Desi earned a spot to compete at the Visa National Championships in Boston, MA. “Desi competed and travelled non-stop from Regionals to Visa's and should be commended for her hard work. She is an extremely talented young gymnast with a bright future” said Coach Justin Howell. MSO concurs with this assessment.

As previously mentioned all the attributes MSO looks for in a gymnast of the year are exemplified by Desi and the other nominees, but in the final analysis it is Desi’s positive attitude and behavior in the gym that makes her a role model for other gymnast. Therefore it is with extreme pleasure that MSO thanks Airborne Gymnastics for assisting MSO in identifying a wonderful gymnastic talent, Desi Borgese: The 2008 MSO Gymnast of the Year.

Top Ten Men’s Clubs In America

This year MSO is taking a more proactive approach and instead to listing the top 10 teams to watch for the season, or waiting until the JO National results are in to release the final list of the nation’s best programs, MSO is going to name the best gyms in the country up front. Why the change? Two reasons: First, MSO does not received the JO National results so there is no way for the MSO Software to tabulate national scores into the MSO rankings. And second, one meet does not define a club; not even JO Nationals. Since MSO’s rankings are based purely on results over the course of an entire year, the final MSO standings are determined by how many gymnasts a club sends to the state and regional championships, and how those gymnasts perform at those meets.Before we look at the top team let’s look at clubs that received an honorable mention, and some individuals that stand out. Honorable Mention:Parkettes - This Pennsylvania powerhouse had six state AA champions. Can they get back to regional domination? Gymnastics and More - If you have never heard of this New England club or coaches Mitko Lountchev and Darren Morace; stayed tuned. Our Go TO Guys:The Florida Gymnastics Training Center produced a pair of gymnasts, Diego Ugaz and Antonio Castro, that you should take notice of, MSO did. Remember MSO Gymnast of the Year, Edward Mesa from Universal? The team produced yet another outstanding gymnast, Mario Lubian.When MSO first heard of Russell Babritz of Palaestra we were looking for him in Texas. This Palaestran is from Massachuests. Palaestra is not a common name (think famous ancient Greek wrestling school), but we found him now. Every one knows Arizona is hot. But so too is Alex Madden of the AZ Flairs.Another duo to watch are from Kent, Washington. Metropolitan gymnasts Angelo Reyes and Brady Shutt show promise. The MSO 2008 Top Ten Men Teams in America starting with number10 – Massachusetts Gymnastics Center; long synonymous with Massachusetts, and now synonymous with success. 9 – Multnomah Athletic Club; known in Region 2 as The MAC, the elite program was a contender this year. 8 – Buffalo Grove out of Illinois. MSO stopped in and watch the team practice last fall and the promise they showed in the gym was fulfilled in competitions. 7 – Cypress Academy, Tom Meadows and company continue to produce.6 – SWISS, or Swiss Turners, what ever name you call them, they once again made MSO’s top ten list. 5 – Hocking Valley, this Ohio club annually makes the list and it is usually towards the top. 4 – WOGA, this is one of those teams where the acronym does not need to be spelled out. 3 – Oregon Gymnastics Academy, a total of 24 state titles; you have to be impressed. 2 – LeHigh Valley, a great year for this Allentown, Pennsylvania club. DRUM ROLL……………, and now “THE” number one men’s team in America1 – SCATS (HB) 31 reasons why this teams came out on top; all of them with male names. MSO congratulates Head Coach, Grigor Chalikyan, and his guys on a truly remarkable year.

The Beauty of a Nickname

Imagine a Bars routine so beautiful it reminds people of the Chinese gymnasts, and it earns you the nick name: Mao. Her coach calls Mao a solid gymnast, and yet she has also been described as extremely flexible. While these two terms are seemingly anomalous, they can and should be used in the same sentence when one is describing MSO’s 2007 Gymnast of the Year: Madison Estell.

MSO’s selection of the academic All-American is an example of a well rounded individual who can serve as a role model to every gymnast across the country regardless of gender, level, or achievement. Recognized for her poise (she is known as “non-flappable” in tough competitive situations), her intelligence (Mao is extremely well-read), and her quiet demeanor (“…she just gets it done”), Madison is what MSO feels all gymnast should strive to be.

Madison is currently training Level 9 at Kansas Gymnastics and Cheer (KGDC) in Olathe, KS. Since starting at KGDC in 2004 she has placed 2nd All-Around at State as a Level 4, went undefeated her Level 5 season (2005), which also includes placing 1st All-Around at the State qualifier. There is no record of her ever having competed Level 6, and in 2006 as a Level 7 she qualified at the Kansas Judges Cup to represent Kansas at the National Judges Cup. Among her many Level 7 accomplishments is her 2nd place All-Around at State. As a Level 8 she qualified to Regionals her first year. In addition to training Level 9 Madison is also testing Elite. Please note that this phenomenal gymnast is only in the 7th grade.

Madison is active in extracurricular activities and has received 3 consecutive Community Service Awards at school. A recipient of Exemplary Academic Awards in Math, Science, and English, twice named as Student of Week, and a member of the school’s prestigious Ambassador Program, Madison school credentials are as solid as her gymnastics ones. Perhaps what best exemplifies Madison as worthy of being named MSO’s 2007 Gymnast of the Year is this anecdotal of a meeting between Madison and the school counselor. In reply to the question “What is the hardest part of gymnastics?” Madison replied, “Its’ hard when I win because that means someone else loses”.

MSO would be remiss if in honoring Madison for being such a wonderful student-athlete we did not recognize the support of her parents, teacher, and coaches: Three of the main reasons she claims to be so successful.

Congratulation to

Madison “Mao” Estell

, A scholar, an accomplished athlete, and

MSO’s 2007 Gymnast of the Year!

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The Top Teams in America

This year is no different. While looking for the top clubs MSO came across specific gymnasts that impress: Frederick Gymnastics’ Kayla Sienkowski, Diamond Elite’s Kristin Furukawa, Azarian’s Donothan Bailey, and Gym Nevada’s Jake Dalton.

MSO also took note of the large number of Florida teams that dominate meets they compete in. IF, and that’s IF with a capital “F”, MSO were to name the nation’s top state for gymnastics; the “F” would stand for Florida.

No Ohio, MSO did not overlook you. Thanks in large part to Ohio the top region would have been: FIVE!

Honorable Mention: For a relatively small and young club Carter’s of Arizona (Women) again put on a notable run to the Top Ten Teams list. Let by gymnast Christina Woods every Carter gymnast that made it to national level competition did well.

Also Rans: Normally this term carries a somewhat negative connotation. Not in this case. All of these clubs just missed being named #10 and rightly so. Producing strong competitors with great results all year long, good showings at Regional and National level events; these women’s teams are noteworthy: DeVeau’s, Midwest Twisters, Gym East, and Texas Tumblers. For the Men: Houston Gym, OSU, and Golden Bear.

Private note to OGA and Coach Matt: MSO is watching.

MSO has been asked if MSO has results showing who the top teams in the East and the West are. Yes. In fact based purely on results MSO could list the top teams per region, state, etc. However, due to MSO’s limited resources it won’t be this year.

The Top Ten Teams in America are chosen by results. MSO starts with Nationals and work backwards via Regionals, Easterns/Westerns, down to the state qualifiers. MSO then looks at those teams, 40+ teams total, and then reviews individual results, overall club results for the entire year, and how each level did. Not an easy task. Along the way we are distracted by individual gymnasts, specific Levels, and in one case a club’s amazing record of placing competitors into collegiate level gymnastics. Here they are:

MSO’s 2007 TOP TEN TEAMS LIST

MEN

#10 San Mateo

#9 Cypress Academy

#8 Premier

#7 World Cup

#6 Buffalo Grove

#5 Hocking Valley

#4 Black Hills

#3 SCATS HB

#2 WOGA

#1 Universal - Thanks to Danell Leyva and Edward Mesa (MSO’s 2006 Gymnast of the Year) Universal did very well all season long.

WOMEN

#10 – Byers (Sacramento)

#9 – Cincinnati

#8 – La Fleur’s Tampa

#7 – Colorado Aerials

#6 – WOGA

#5 – Arena

#4 – Airborne

#3 – Great American

#2 – Hills

#1 – La Fleurs (WI) - La Fleurs could be a dynasty in the making. This family of gym owners knows how to develop champions, and the granddaddy is in Wisconsin.