MACOMB, IL – Backflips, cartwheels and floor routines … Four athletes from the YMCA of McDonough County's Gymnastics and Tumbling Program are headed to national competitions this month after strong showings at the state competition. Led by Gymnastics and Fitness Director Tanya Schmidt, four members of the tumbling team will be in Rapids City, SD from June 14-22 for United States Trampoline and Tumbling Association (USTA) national event, while nine members of the gymnastics team will be in Green Bay, WI from June 24-29 for the YMCA Gymnastics Nationals Championship.
According to Schmidt, Caitlin Potts and Vera Schmidt will complete in the Advanced Beginner category, while Vida Schmidt will compete in the Novice category. Autumn Rutledge, in her second nationals appearance, will compete in the Advanced category, with strong contention to take top 10 in the nation to advance to Elite for next season. Rutledge has held strong to first and second place all season in both Illinois and Iowa competitions, Schmidt noted. Potts and (Vera) Schmidt earned first and third place at the state championship, respectively.
(Vida) Schmidt placed sixth at the state, with Rutledge earning a second-place finish.
'These athletes delivered strong performances throughout the season, regularly finishing at the top of their divisions, and are serious contenders at nationals,' Coach Schmidt said.
In Green Bay, in the Bronze category, Oakley Guarin, Amara Kreps and Charly Patrick will represent the program after dedicating nine months of training and competition to earn their nationals qualification, Schmidt said. In the Silver category, returning athletes Sydney Thompson, Olivia Colley, Anya Hartnett, Paisley Bedwell and Megan Potts bring a wealth of experience and confidence to the nationals stage, she noted. Bedwell is a former third place allaround national medalist.
In the Gold category, Madison Harris will represent McDonough County in her first season at this level.
'Our gymnastics team shows strong potential to land on the podium, which is sure to make for a very exciting nationals experience,' Schmidt added.
'My greatest hope is that each athlete has fun, takes pride in their journey, and walks away from this season knowing what they’re truly capable of.'
YMCA of McDonough County CEO Nick Knowles said that Schmidt, a 14-year gymnastics and tumbling coaching veteran of the YMCA of McDonough County, continues to be a guiding force for young athletes and up-and-coming coaching professionals in both programs.
'Tanya takes immense pride in helping each gymnast and tumbler grow into strong, confident competitors— both on and off the mat,' Knowles said.
