Gymnastics/Expert Profile

Expertise

Former 5 time Natl. Tumbling Champ, 3 time Natl. Vaulting Champ, Natl. Floor Exercise Champ; Ass`t coach of Dominique Dawes for 6 years; Owner/Director/Head coach of Kauai Gymnastics Academy on the island of Kauai in Hawaii; Retired Physical Ed teacher; Childrens Fitness Expert; Expert Consultant for gymnastics litigation; Retired Mens & Womens HS Gymnastics coach for 32 years. National coaching honors for Men in 1981 & Women in 2001.

Experience in the area

I value the following awards because they were given by acknowlegement through my peers: The Nissen/Grissold Award given to the outstanding Tumbling and Tramp Athlete(1972), National High School coach of the year in 1981 for men and 2001 for women, 10 time County Coach of the Year. Medal Award given at the first World Tumbling Championships in London, England for dedication to the sport. Lastly, having the opportunity to coach Wes Suter(1988 Olympian)in his intermediate years and Dominique Dawes(1992 & 1996)

What do you like about this subject?

I have always felt that gymnastics like any other sport is a great fun vehicle for raising someones self esteem and helping the athlete to find their own individuality. I love performing gymnastics because gymnastics is like and amusement park and the tricks are rides. Also Gymnastics is a great fitness activity.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I want to be a constant force in the HS gym scene, so our young gymnasts who do not wish to go to 9,10 & Elite still have a place to carry on the joy of the sport. This joy includes the benefits such as self esteem, team cohesiveness etc. I would also like to achieve 500 team victories. I retired from high school coaching in 2005 with 491/174.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Gymnastics is a complete exercise program. It envolves support events, hanging events, events that involve speed and leaping and finally grace, strength, courage, flexability and balance.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Gymnastics will always be a controversial sport because of how it is examined by judges. Gymnastics is an art form which of course can yield to many different performance interpretations. I believe that is why gymnastics is one of the most popular sports to watch.