By Rob Potter
MONTICELLO — June 3, 2003 – There was a lot of jumping and tumbling in the Monticello High School gymnasium Friday night.
Over 100 gymnasts ranging in age from 14 months to 14 years performed at the Monticello Gymnastics Club Inc.’s 20th Annual Exhibition.
A large crowd of proud parents and family members watched as the young gymnasts tumbled, rolled and danced across the mats. The older gymnasts also performed compulsory routines on the balance beam, uneven bars, rings, parallel bars, floor exercise and vault.
The exhibition was held by the Monticello Gymnastics Club in conjunction with the Village of Monticello Department of Parks and Recreation.
Betsy Conaty, who is the Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, served as emcee of the event. She explained that the village runs gymnastics classes and pays for the coaches who work with the youngsters. The equipment is paid for by the Monticello Gymnastics Club and its booster club, which consists of dozens of parents of the participants.
Before the young gymnasts began their performance, Judy Kunis, President of the Monticello Gymnatics Club, praised the coaches for all of their work and dedication. Those coaches are Pedro “Pete” Tweed, Amanda Tweed, Lyndsey Richards and Rich Parks.
“I would like to thank the coaches,” Kunis said. “They not only teach the mechanical aspects of gymnastics, but also how to work hard and compete wisely.”
Kunis also urged the family members in attendance to keep supporting the gymnastics club.
With the help of their coaches and parents, the youngest gymnasts used a series of forward rolls to get from one end of the mat to the other. The older gymnasts who are members of the club’s competitive teams performed dance rountines and on the various pieces of equipment.
Andrea Oldfield was one of the proud parents watching the exhibition. She noted that her daughters, 11-year-old Kate and 9-year-old Jenna, have been members of the club for a few years.
“It’s huge for the kids,” Andrea Oldfield said. “They get a chance to show off here at home. We go all over the state for competitions, but a lot of parents can’t go to those meets. With this exhibition, all of the parents can see their children perform.”
The evening was enjoyable for the young gymnasts, audience members and coaches alike.
“They were great,” Pete Tweed said of the kids and their performances. “It’s all about them having fun.”
While Tweed and his fellow coaches are integral to the success of the Monticello Gymnastics Club, he was quick to point out that they are only part of the equation.
“Without the help from the village and the parents, none of this would be possible,” Tweed said.