Nov. 24, 2008
Written by: Assistant Coach Vicki Chliszczyk
Wow - it's been a whirlwind few months! It is always so exciting for me to start a new season, with the slate wiped clean and the numerous possibilities encompassing us each and every day.
We are at that time in the year when our `boot camp' is over and we are concentrating on full routines and `pressure sets'. In order to kick-start our season we had a `closed-door' intrasquad on Saturday which only included our gymnasts, the coaches and three local judges. We held this in our competition arena complete with competition warm-ups and leotards. We wanted to simulate the same atmosphere as a true competition and give the freshmen a chance to `compete' on our competition equipment prior to the start of season.
This is the point in my entry where I usually give a run-down of what we saw; however, this year I think that I'm going to forgo doing so. There are a number of `new' things this year, and I'd like to give our gymnasts a chance to unveil them for themselves.
Up until this point our gymnasts have been doing lots of numbers in the gym, and this intrasquad gave them an opportunity to begin training the much-needed confidence behind the routines, as well as an opportunity to test their preparation thus far. It gave them an idea of how prepared they are, individually, and more importantly, as a team. For some, it was an opportunity to show that they are capable, and for others, it pointed out exactly where their efforts should be focused from here on out.
These intrasquads help guide our gymnasts in their transition from `just doing' their routines to `performing' them, with confidence and perfection every time - and this test was no exception. From here we need to continue to build on the solid foundation that we have. Now is when all the `little things' come into play - those things that in the end are going to make a big difference.... stuck landings, small form errors, making sure every handstand is hit and performing floor routines with a sense that pulls the audience in. `Knowing' that they are `good enough', and that, "I've got this!" as one of our freshmen recently declared after I asked if she was going to hit her beam set (which she did). Confidence is of great significance from now on.
Our next intrasquad is set for Saturday, Dec. 13th, and will be open to the public. This intrasquad will feature guest coaches and celebrity judges from within our Athletics Department and is free to everyone. We look forward to seeing you all there where you, as fans, will get your first opportunity to get a peak at what the season holds for the 2008-2009 team.
See you then - GO TERPS!
Vicki
Previous Terps Tumble Talks:
Nov. 17, 2008 - Becca Pang
Nov. 10, 2008 - Allie Dama
Nov. 3, 2008 - Margaux Meeks
Oct. 27, 2008 - Kelsey McDermid
Oct. 20, 2008 - Brandi George
Oct. 13, 2008 - Lisa Reifschneider
Oct. 6, 2008 - Head coach Bob Nelligan
