training camp Bright Raven Gymnastics was selected for the third consecutive year to be the host site for the Region 6 USA Gymnastics 2002 Rising Star Training Camp October 19 and 20. 87 young USAG athletes from throughout New York state had the opportunity to work with many top coaches in their field. This year's featured clinician was Vladimir Artimov, former Soviet Union National Team Member and Olympic champion. In the 1988 Olympic games, he was awarded four gold meals and one silver. He was the all around men's champion and a member of the winning team. After moving to this country, Vladimir served as a member of the USA Gymnastics National Team staff and is now residing in Texas. The Rising Stars coaching staff included many head coaches from New York State USAG Clubs including former Bulgarian National Team members Marian and Julia Penev of Penev's Gymnastics in Rochester, Bob Piehler of World Class Gymnastics from Latham, Barbara Tiess of Exper-Tiess Gymnastics from St. James, Gary Gregory of Central New York Gymnastics from Syracuse, Kurt Stumpf of Stumpf's Gymnastics from Williamson, and Colleen Merchant, Jody Clewell and Shania Dzielak of Bright Raven Gymnastics. Other notable clinicians included Baltimore Orioles baseball strength coach Jay Shiner of Agape Sport Performance, dance specialist Linda Bowser of Bright Raven Gymnastics, and national rated officials Valerie Stoughton and Sharon Along. The gymnasts ranged in abilities from Level 4 to Elite and worked with each member of the coaching staff equally. The camp events included tumbling, uneven parallel bars, balance beam, vaulting, dance, flexibility, conditioning and tumble-track. The Rising Star Training Camp 2002 was organized by USAG Region 6 as a fundraiser for the National Team. Bright Raven Gymnastics is located at 12 Pixley Industrial Parkway in the town of Gates. |
