Three Bright Raven gymnasts were among the 35 gymnasts selected from Region 6 to be invited to train at the 2004 Working Together for Nationals Clinic. (In photo left to right) Justine Picciano of Henrietta, Kerry Apeland of Churchville, USA National Team staff member Tammy Biggs of Texas, Brevet Official Jim Burton of Buffalo and Brittany Burr of Greece.

Local athletes train with top USA gymnastic coaches

Bright Raven Gymnastics was selected for the fifth year in a row to be the site for two Regional Gymnastics Clinics. The event opened on Friday, October 15 with Working Together for Nationals where former Level 9 and 10 Junior Olympic USA Gymnastics regional and national qualifiers were invited to train together with top coaches.

The Rising Star Training Camp 2004, an intensive two-day clinic which was open to all USAG competitors followed Saturday and Sunday. 120 young gymnasts from throughout New York state and New England participated over the three days.

The featured clinician for the weekend was Tammy Biggs of Texas, a member of the USA National Team training staff. The coaching staff also included former Ukrainian National Team coach Sergei Petrouniak, former gold metal Olympian Maria Korbatova from the Soviet Union, former Bulgarian Olympic Team member Marian Penev and former Bulgarian European Championship Team member Julia Penev.

Other notable coaches included Gary Gregory from CNY Gymnastics of Syracuse, Brian Daly from Niagara Gymnastics of North Tonawanda, Barbara and Mary Tiess from Exper-tiess Gymnastics of Long Island, Kurt Stumpf from Stumpf's Gymnastics of Williamsville, Eric Quaal of World Class Gymnastics Academy of Albany, Jamie Winkler from Galaxy Gymnastics of Westchester, Dean Altes from Fingerlakes Gymnastics of Ithaca and Bright Raven Gymnastics coach Shania Dzielak. Nationally rated officials Jill Andrews of New Hartford, Valerie Stoughton of Buffalo and Brevet Official Jim Burton of Buffalo also served as clinicians. The camp events included tumbling, uneven parallel bars, balance beam, vaulting, dance, conditioning and tumble-track.

Working Together for Nationals and The Rising Star Training Camp 2004 were organized by USAG Region 6 as an opportunity for gymnasts to be exposed to top coaches while working side-by-side with gymnasts from other clubs. Both clinics serve as fundraisers for the Region 6 National Team. Bright Raven Gymnastics is located at 12 Pixley Industrial Parkway in Gates.