NC Senior Athletes
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The graduating high school seniors are listed below with some of their accomplishments to date. If any seniors are missing, please e-mail Benji Stern with the information. Seniors from previous years are listed below with their accomplishments prior to their senior years. 2012 Graduating Seniors Blake Young
Blake attends Mt. Tabor High School in Winston-Salem, NC. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Latin Club, Art Club, and a Crosby Scholar. Blake also is a 6 Year Recipient of NC Academic All-American Award, and a 2011 USMAG First-Team Academic All-American Award recipient. After High School, Blake plans to compete for an NCAA University gymnastics team while earning a Pre-Dental degree. He has been accepted at University of Oklahoma, University of Nebraska, and Penn State. He is still waiting to hear from University of Michigan, University of Illinois, University of Minnesota and Ohio State. Patrick Henley
Patrick is a home schooled
student, who has received a Citation Award.
In addition, he has been award the NC Academic All-American Award 2008
– 201 and the USAG Academic All-American Award in 2009. Outside of school,
Patrick volunteers with Meals on Wheels, participates with his church youth
group on mission trips, coach’s gymnastics, and enjoys drawing and
photography. After he graduates high
school, Patrick plans to attend UNC-Charlotte and continue training in
gymnastics. Payton Rubin
Payton is a senior at Ardrey Kell high school , where he was
awarded the AP scholar with distinction. In addition to a difficult class
load and working out at the gym, He finds time to volunteer in the community and
spend time with friends. Payton has been accepted to Appalachian State University,
Clemson University, and is waiting to hear from UNC Chapel Hill. He plans
to study Business.
Ryan Alouf
Ryan Alouf is a level 10 gymnast at Blue Ridge Gymnastics Academy where Hugh Gerlach and Robert Boudreaux coach him. He has qualified to Region 8 Championship several times and qualified to the 2009 Junior Olympic National Championship. Ryan has been an active member of the Jr. ROTC – Airforce program at his high school and currently serves with the ranking of 1st Lieutenant. He has served as the Venture Crew Leader 2009 – 2012. When he is not in school, Ryan enjoys hanging out with his friends, working on his truck, and hunting. After graduating from high school, Ryan plans to attend Virginia Western Community College where he will study forestry. Samuel Kusnitz
In addition, Samuel is a Nationally Certified judge who has judged many competitions since receiving his judging certification in 2010. When Samuel is not participating in gymnastics, he is an active member in several academic, social and youth groups. Following graduating from high school, Samuel plans to compete on the 2013 US Military Academy Gymnastics Team at West Point. However, he will attend UNCG in the 2012 fall semester.
Thomas J. Oweida
Thomas
attends Myers Park High School and is a member of the National Honor Society.
In addition, he is a member of KIVA, Spida, Young Republican’s Club,
Physics Club, Interact, DECA, and FBLA. Upon
graduation from high school, Thomas plans to attend UNC (Chapel Hill) or the US
Air Force Academy. He has received
his acceptance into UNC, and has received two nominations for the Air Force
Academy but has not yet received an appointment.
Thomas will study engineering or pre-med, depending on his final choice
of schools.
Wayne Ray Conley III
Wayne is a senior at Reagan High School in Pfafftown, NC with a GPA of 4.2. Some of his other hobbies include long boarding and making music with his friends. Wayne will attend Temple University and will compete on the Men’s Gymnastics Team there next year if all goes well. He hopes to major in physics and work in a research-related field later in life.
2011 Graduating Seniors
Adison Ball
Adison attends A.L. Brown High School where he is a member of the Beta
Club, Anchor Club, Environmental Club, and the Snack Pack Club.
He also been awarded Student
of the Year for his school. Outside
of his school activities, Adison enjoys swimming, biking, and meeting new
people.
Adison has been accepted into High Point University and UNC Charlotte;
and he is still waiting on responses from Wake Forest and William and Mary.
He is interested in pursuing a career in the medical field as a
Radiologist or Orthopedist. He
hopes to stay involved in Men’s gymnastics throughout college as well.
Payton Chadwick
Payton attends South Central High School. He is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and was a Junior Marshall. When he is not doing gymnastics or in school, Payton enjoys playing and writing music. After high school, Payton plans to attend college where he will study music and pursue a doctorate in music performance or composition
Phillip Pruett
–
He
has worked as a lifeguard, gymnastics coach and camp counselor. He hopes to
continue his gymnastics career while attending the University of Minnesota,
University of Iowa or Penn State University. Trevor Turner
Trevor began competing at the age of ten. He has been a NC State Champion three times, as well as a State Team Member and a Regional Qualifier several times. Trevor has also been a recipient of the NC Academic All-American Award for six years, and is a NC J.O. Judge. Trevor is currently home schooled at T.C.T Academy. Outside of school and gymnastics, Trevor studies classical guitar at Queens University and is a member of the Guitar Ensemble group at Central Piedmont Community College. He is also a competitive cheerleader for Prodigy All-stars of Concord where he competes on three different teams and coaches tumbling. Upon graduation, Trevor plans to attend the University of Louisville at Kentucky where he wants to major in Dentistry/Orthodontics with a minor in music. 2010 Graduating Seniors Mac Ritchie
Mac is a five time NC Team Member, six times Regional Qualifier, and has attended JO National Championship four times. In addition, he has been a North Carolina State Champion three times. At the 2007 JO National Championship, he was a semi-finalist on Parallel Bars. He also has been awarded the NC Academic All – American Award nine times, and the USAG Academic All – American Award three times. Mac currently attends Concord High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society. He was voted Most Talented Senior of the Class of 2010. He was a nominee for the TRAIL (Taking Responsible Actions in Life) award from the Cabarrus County Public Health Authority. In addition, he has been involved with the Tarheel Keystone Club and Community Service Program through the Boys and Girls Club of America. Mac has worked as a Lifeguard, Gymnastics coach and counselor, NC JO Judge, and did a gymnastics business internship at Cabarrus County Gymnastics. Mac is being recruited by Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy to compete on their gymnast team next year. Cameron Rogers
Cameron has competed at the Region 8 regional competition 8 times, finishing in the top eight for the last seven years, including a first, second, and third place finish. He also has competed at the Junior Olympic National Championships six times. When he was fourteen, Cameron qualified for the Junior National Team by finishing 11th at the JO National Championships. In 2008, he made the Junior Elite National Team by finishing 5th at the Visa US National Championships. Last year in Dallas, at the 2009 Visa US National Championships, he finished first place in the all around in the 16-18 year old age division, qualifying once more for the Junior Elite National Team. He also placed 1st on rings and parallel bars, and second on floor exercise. Recently Cameron had the chance to represent the USA in an international competition against Germany and Canada in which Team USA won. Cameron attends David W. Butler High School. He is a member of the National Honor Society, National French Honor Society, winner of the Most Excellent French Student Award, Sewanee Award for Excellence in Writing winner, and a National Merit Semifinalist. Cameron has signed a letter of commitment to compete for the University of Illinois Men’s Gymnastics Team. Luke Newsome
Luke Newsome is a gymnast at North Raleigh Gymnast where Benji Stern currently coaches him. He began his gymnast training at GymCarolina under Stass Savitch followed by Don Brown. He then moved to North Raleigh Gymnastics where he is still currently training. Luke has been a recipient of the NC Academic All – American Award numerous times. In addition, he has been a three time USAG Academic All – American Award recipient. He has been competing in gymnast for 11 years and has attended state championships every year and regional championship numerous times. He has represented NC gymnast on State Teams at various levels throughout his gymnast career. Luke attends Southeast Raleigh Magnet High. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Chorus, Screamers club, Circle Club, Rollerz, and Odyssey of the Mind. He has also been a member of the Track and Field Team competing in Pole Vaulting. Luke has been selected to the All County Choir, National Youth Choir, received a varsity letter of Indoor Track and Field, and the All – Academic Award for Indoor Track and Field. Luke plans to attend Temple University and the Tyler School of Art for Architecture at Temple. He also hopes to continue his gymnastics career while attending school. Joshua Simpson
Joshua attends Hopewell High School, where he is in the top 3% of his class. He is a member of the Key Club at his school. In addition, Joshua has received the North Carolina Academic All – American award and the USAG Academic All – American award for numerous years. Upon graduations, Joshua hopes to attend US Air Force Academy, East Carolina University, or North Carolina State University where he plans to major in Engineering and Physics. Johnathan Evans
As a mentor for the Boys’ Team, he is proof that a lot can be accomplished in a short amount of time! He has attended Region 8 Championships every year he has been able to qualify and his greatest accomplishment was being the Level 8 State Champion on Floor Exercise. Johnathan attends Pinecrest High School where he takes collegiate level courses in preparation for his future college plans.
Ian Griffith
Ian Griffith is a gymnast at North Raleigh Gymnastics and is coached by Benji Stern, Brandon Walton, and Nathan Earnst. He has qualified to Region 8 Championship numerous times and been a member of the NC State Team on several occasions. In addition, he has received the USAG Academic All – American award as well as the NC Academic All – American Award. Ian attends William G. Enloe High School, where is an AP Scholar with Honors. He was awarded the Outstanding Soloist Award and a member of the “Most Outstanding Combo” at the UNC Jazz Fest. In addition, he is the recipient of the ACE (Architecture Construction and Engineering Mentorship Program) scholarship for exemplary performance. Ian has been accepted in the Tulane University School of Architecture with an academic scholarship of $22,000 a year. He also has been accepted in the University of Cincinnati’s School of Architecture, general admission into NC State and UNC Charlotte. In addition, he has been nominated for the Levine Scholarship at UNC Charlotte, which would provide a full ride. He will be attending Rice University in the fall. Austin Stevens
Austin Stevens is a gymnast at North Raleigh Gymnastics and is coached by Benji Stern. He has been involved in the sport of gymnastics for 7 years and has attended regionals numerous times. In school, he has been involved with multiple clubs and has partaken in many hours of volunteer work. He is choosing between a few colleges being University of Michigan, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Oklahoma. Not only is Austin involved in gymnastics, but he also does pole vaulting for his high school. At the 2010 NC High School Track and Field State Championship, he placed 2nd in pole vault and earned a spot to compete at the National Championship. Austin has received a Naval ROTC scholarship and plans to walk on to the track team to continue pole vaulting in college.
2009 Graduating Seniors Bryan Ochs Bryan Ochs is a gymnast from Charlotte Gymnastics Academy. Bryan has been involved with gymnastics since the age of 5 and has attended several Region 7 and Region 8 Championships. Bryan attends Marvin Ridge High School where he is a member of the DECA club. In addition, to his school responsibility, Bryan assist at Charlotte Gymnastics Academy as a class instructor. Also, he is an active member of the Boy Scouts participating in many community service projects. Bryan has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. In the fall, Bryan plans to attend UNC-Wilmington, NC State or Appalachian University. Doug Ogburn
Doug Ogburn is currently the co-captain at Charlotte Gymnastics Academy under his coaches Nick Baker and Enoch Pugh. He also serves as mentor and assistant coach to the lower level boy’s team. He has enjoyed competing in gymnastics since the fifth grade. Doug has attended the Region 8 Men’s Gymnastics Championships every year that he has competed, many of which he has had the privilege of being a member of the NC State team. In addition, he has been awarded the NC Academic All-American Award many times. Doug is a Senior at Myers Park High School, and has participated in such clubs as DECA, FFA, and Spanish Club throughout his high school years. Doug is currently pursuing his SCUBA diving certification. Upon graduation, Doug plans to attend UNC Wilmington, UNC Charlotte, or Appalachian State University. JP Britt
He has attended many Region 8 Championships. His best year was level 6 in which he got his highest all-around and the chance to be on the NC State team. He attends Fred T. Foard High School, and is one of the two official webmasters for maintaining their school’s website. JP also has an apprenticeship at Foothills Gymnastics on learning how to coach kids. JP hope to attend North Carolina State University to educate myself in Computer Science, Graphic Design, or Web Design. Wade Hann-Caruthers Wade Hann-Carruthers is a gymnast at G&J Speedway where is coached by Jie Ding. Brady Lievens
William Jeffreys William Jeffreys is a gymnast at North Raleigh Gymnastics where he is coached by Benji Stern and Brandon Walton. 2008 Graduating Seniors Addison Henson Addison Henson is a gymnast at Foothills Gymnastics where he is coached by Cory Wooten. He has attended several Region 8 Championship, and has been a member of the NC State Team. In addition, Addison was the Sate Champion while in Level 6. Addison attends Hibriten High School. He is in the BETA club, the model UN, and a member of the Honors Chorus. He plans to attend college next year and major in Zoology. Brandon Long Brandon Long is a gymnast at Countryside Gymnastics for the past 10 years where he is coached by Frank Toledo. He started gymnastics at the age of 2 year old. As a Class 5 gymnast, Brandon placed 2nd on Vault at the North Carolina State Championship. Brandon place 2nd in all-around at the 2007 NC State Championship after recovering from an ACL injury and 2 surgeries. At the 2007 Regional Competition, Brandon placed 3d on vault and p-bars, 4th on rings, and 5th in all-around. He has attended 3 regional championships. Brandon attends Reid Ross Classical School. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Junior Classical League. In addition, he is the captain of his Science Olympiad Team. Brandon has signed with West Point. While at West Point, he plans to continue doing gymnastics and major in Engineering. Charlie Modlin Charlie Modlin is a gymnast at Charlotte Gymnastics Academy where he is coached by Nick Baker and Enoch Pugh. He has been doing gymnastics for over 12 years. Charlie has attended several Region 8 Championships throughout his gymnastics career. As a student, Charlie is a member of the National Honor Society, an AP Scholar with Honor, a member of the BETA Club. Also, Charlie is a Morehead-Cain Scholarship Semifinalist, Jefferson Scholarship Nominee, USAG Academic All-American award winner, Civitan Outstanding Citizen for 2007, Governor's School attendee. In addition, he is a Scholastic Writing Competition National Silver Key winner, and a Wofford Scholar. Outside of the academic honors, Charlie is a peer mentor, journalist for the school newspaper, and a member of a rock band. Charlie has applied to an impressive list of schools that include UVA, UNC, William and Mary, Williams, Princeton, Yale, and Wake Forest. Cliff Kohut Cliff Kohut is a gymnast at FlipForce Gymnast where he coached by Chris Young and Sasha Moussaev. He attends Robert B. Glenn High School and has a weighted GPA of 3.9. He is the president and Founder of the Young Gentlemen's Club and also is a member of the Senior Men's Club. Cliff plans to attend either Temple University or East Carolina University next year. Eric Cutler Eric Cutler is a gymnast at North Carolina Twisters. He plans to attend GTCC next year. Following this he hopes to transfer to a school with a gymnastics program. Nicolas Blair Nicholas Blair is a gymnast at FlipForce Gymnastics where he is coached by Chris Young and Sasha Moussaev. He maintains a weighted 4.3 GPA as a member of the National Honor Society. Also, he is the treasure of the Model UN Club, vice-president of the Volleyball Club, and Senior Dean. In addition, he is an active member of the Big Brother/ Big Sister program. Nicholas plans to attend UC-Berkeley where is hopes to continue doing gymnastics. Nick Parell Nic Parrell is a gymnast at FlipForce Gymnastics where he is coached by Chris Young and Sasha Moussaev. Nic attends East Forsyth High School. Patrick Piscitelli
Patrick has been very successful in gymnastics. He has attended JO National Championship since 2002 except in 2005 and 2007 when he was injured. At the 2004 JO National Championship, he was 7th in AA, 4th on vault, 4th on floor and 5th on rings. Based off this performance, Patrick was a member of the Jr. National Team for the 2004-2005 season. At the 2006 JO Nationals, he placed 6th on floor and 15th in the AA. Patrick has attended the Region 8 Championship since 1996. He is a 11 time NC State Champion, and been on 11 NC State Teams to compete at the Region 8 Championships. In addition, he is a 9 time Region 8 Floor Champion, 7 time Region 8 Vault Champion, and 4 time Region 8 All-Around Champion. In 2001 Patrick was 2nd in the Future Stars National Championships. In addition to the outstanding gymnastics honors he has, Patrick is a North Carolina Academic All-American Award winner for 5 year, and USAG Academic All-American Award winner in 2005 and 2007. He also enjoys playing the guitar, bike riding, and swimming. On November 14th, 2007, Patrick signed a five year commitment to the University of Oklahoma.
2007 Graduating Seniors Aaron Ward
Aaron attends Word of God Christian Academy where he maintains a 4.0 GPA. During his senior year Aaron takes class not only at Word of God Christian Academy but half of his day is spent a Wake Tech Community College taking college level courses. He has been accepted to Ohio State University. He is still awaiting scholarships and acceptance letters from other universities.
Dylan Parrott
Dylan is a senior at South Rowan High School where he maintains a 4.0 GPA. He is a member of the National Honor Society and is 13th out of 397 in his graduating class. In addition, Dylan is a member of his school JROTC where he has been awarded the highest honor possible for a JROTC member. Outside of school and gymnastics, Dylan has made several mission trips with his church to places such as Alaska, Chicago, Daytona, and Mississippi. Next year, Dylan will attend the US Naval Academy where he will be competing on their gymnastics team. Garrett Powlas
Garrett attends Salisbury High School where he maintains a 3.5 GPA. Garrett is planning on continue training in the sport of gymnastics. He is talking with several schools about scholarship opportunities. At this time been accepted to the University of Michigan and Ohio State where he will be able to walk on to the gymnastics team. He is still waiting to hear from other schools where he is hoping to obtain a scholarship. No matter what happens, Garrett will continue to training in the sport of gymnastics.
Kyle Cutler Kyle Cutler is a gymnast at North Carolina Twisters. Matthew Huckfeldt
Matthew attends Martinsville High School. He has attended Piedmont Governor’s School for Mathematics, Science, and Technology. He is a “Big M” academic award recipient all 4 years of high school. In addition, he has been a USAG All-American as well as a NC Academic All-Academic. He is also a JO Rated Judge. Next year, Matthew plans to attend Appalachian State University, Western Carolina University, or James Madison University. He plans to major in Music Industry wherever he decides to go.
Mike Varela
Trey Brown Trey Brown is a gymnast at C&B Flip Force Gymnastics. He is coached by Chris Young and Sasha Moussaev.
2006 Graduating Seniors
JOSHUA
ARCHER Josh is a Level 10 gymnast at Traditional Gymnastics and is coached by James and Lisa Sargent. In 2002 and 2005, he was a competitor at JO National Championships. In 2005, Josh represented the United States in the Maccabiah World Games in Israel. During the World Games, he was part of the USA Men's Junior Team that earned a Silver Medal in the Team Competition. In addition, he received the Silver Medal in the All-Around, the Gold Medal on high bar, and tied for the Gold Medal on vault and p-bars. Currently Josh is attending Jacksonville High School where is a member of the Track and Field Team. While he was a student at Harnett Central High School, Josh played on the Tennis Team. In the fall, Josh will be attending the United States Naval Academy MATTHEW LACKEY Matthew is a Level 10 gymnast coached by Jim Shaw and Robert Boudreaux at Jim-Nastics Academy. He has been competed for Jim-Nastics for the past six years, where he has qualified to the Regional Championships three times and has been on the NC State Team for his respective level all three times. In 2002, Matthew was the 2002 Level 6 Regional High Bar Champion, and was also the 2005 Level 8 Regional Pommel Horse Champion. For the past 4 years, he has been a NC Academic and a USAG Academic All-American Athlete. While attending Lighthouse Academy, Matthew is a member of the National Honor Society maintaining a 3.9 grade point average. He is a competitor for the Catawba College First Family Scholarship, and the Catawba College Presidential Scholarship. In addition, Matthew is a volunteer at the YMCA of High Point Youth Program. When he is not study or in the gym training, Matthew works at the YMCA as a Red Cross Certified Lifeguard. In the fall, Matthew will be attending Catawba College where he already been accepted into the Athletic Training department. After graduating with a degree in Athletic Training, Matthew plans to go to graduate school for a doctorate in Physical Therapy. VINCENT
MCNEILL Vincent trains at Countryside Gymnastics under coach Frank Toledo as a Level 10 gymnast. He has been a State Qualifier since 2002, and attended the Region 8 Championships in 2002 and 2004. He hopes to attend the 2006 National Gymnastics Championships in Battle Creek, Michigan. Vincent is studying psychology while attending 71st High School in Fayetteville. Also, he is a member of the Cumberland County Youth Orchestra, as well as a Gentlemen of Distinction. In 2005, Vincent was a member of the A/B Honor Roll. After high school, Vincent hopes to continue gymnastics as a member of a collegiate team. He wants to continue training so he can hopefully become a member of the 2008 Olympic Team. In addition, he would like to one day become a gymnastics coach. JOHNNY ROBINSON Johnny trains at Weyandt's Gymnastics in Charlotte, NC, under Stass Savitch and Sasha Shlyuyev as a Level 10 gymnast. He has qualified to the JO National Championships 5 times, and has been a Region 8 Team Member as well as an alternate to the Region 8 Team at Nationals. At the 2005 JO Nationals he was 74th in the AA, and 26th on Vault. In the 2004 JO Nationals, Johnny was 59th in AA, and 20th on Vault. He was 62nd during the AA competition and 20th on Vault during the 2003 JO Nationals. At Johnny first JO Nationals in 2002, he was 29th in the AA and 6th on Vault. Also, Johnny has qualified to the Region 8 Regional Championship eight times and for seven of those times he was a member of the NC State Team for his respective level. Also, Johnny is a three time NC State Champion and 7-time member a NC State Team. In addition, he was a member of the National Future Stars Team. In the fall of 2006, Johnny will attending Nebraska where he has already signed a letter of intent with them. 2005 Graduating Seniors
Photo by Dale Seibert
Trey
attends Butler High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society
and various clubs. He was a member of Butler’s Symphonic Band. He
has received numerous academic awards during his high school career and has
served as a page for the North Carolina House of Representatives. Photo by Dale Seibert Trey
enjoys computers and other sports, including golf. Trey has been a
volunteer with the Special Olympics, Operation Christmas Child, and other
service projects. Trey is a member of Calvary Church. Trey plans to continue competitive gymnastics in college.
Photo by Dale Seibert
He tutors refugee children in various subjects
and other students in mathematics.
Photo by Dale Seibert
2004 Graduating Seniors
Michael is going to forego his senior year in the JO Program to turn elite. He is preparing to compete in the Men's USA Championships Qualifier in Colorado Springs in April 2004. Michael enjoys playing piano and spends a large majority of his spare time pursuing golf.
For the past two years (2002 - 2004) John has been a judge at the North Carolina qualifying meets and NC State Championships. He plans to continue judging in the future. John
is a senior at Tunstall
High School
in Dry Fork, Virginia and Pittsylvania
Career & Technical
Center
in Chatham, In his spare time, John’s hobby is wood working (making clocks). John is a member at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church and is active in youth activities.
Kim is home-schooled. He plays the guitar in a band for his church, Bald Mountain Baptist, where he is active in youth group. He also plays the drums and piano. Kim's hobbies include water skiing, kneeboarding and snowboarding. Upon graduation, Kim plans on attending Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he will major in pre-med and minor in music.
Ted has a 4.17 weighted Grade Point Average at High Point Central High School, where he is the business editor for the yearbook. He also plays bass in a band and is in Beta club at school. Ted plans to go to college this fall and hopes to continue competing in gymnastics. He has applied to James Madison University, Temple University and Springfield College; he has been accepted to Temple University with a scholarship to their business school and is awaiting responses from the other two schools.
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Patrick
Henley is a level 10 gymnast at Flying High Academy of Mooresville where Cory
Wooten and Kevin Pierce coach him. He has been competing in gymnastics since he
was 8 years old.
Payton
Rubin is a level 10 gymnast at charlotte gymnastics Academy. He is coached
by Enouch Pugh, and has been competing since he was 10 years old. He won
the level 8 state championship in 2010 and has qualified for regional's at least
7 times. He currently helps coach Enouch with the younger boys and class
kids and hopes to continue to do so after he graduates. 
Samuel
Kusnitz is currently competing as a level 10 at High Point Gymnastics where Jim
Shaw coaches him. He has been doing gymnastics since he was 5 years old.
Thomas
J. Oweida is a level 10 gymnast at Zenith Gymnastics where Stass Savitch coaches
him.
Adison
Ball is a level 10 gymnast at G&J Speedway where Jie Ding coaches him.
Phillip
Pruett is a gymnast at Flying High Gymnastics Academy where Cory Wooten coaches
him. He has been competing in gymnastics for 7 years in which his passion for
the sport has grown. 
Trevor
Turner is a gymnast at G&J Speedway Gymnastics where Jie Ding coaches him.
He is not only a team mentor, but is also a coach and he likes to think of
himself as Coach Ding's right-hand man.
Mac
Ritchie is a gymnast at G&J Speedway where Jie Ding coaches him. He is
currently the Team Captain for G&J Speedway.
Cameron
Rogers is a gymnast at Zenith Gymnastic where is coached by Stass Savitch.
Joshua Simpson is a gymnast at Cabarrus County Gymnastics where Greg Lemelin and
Kevin Pierce coach him.
Johnathan Evans is a gymnast at Sandhills Academy of Gymnastics where Anita
Kelso and Joel Neuwirth coach him. Johnathan has been training gymnastics since
he was 12 years old and is the last member of the founding team. Not only does
he train at Sandhills Academy, but also he coaches boys from the beginning class
levels to assisting with the younger team members.
Patrick Piscitelli is a gymnast at G&J Speedway Gymnastics where he is
coached by Jie Ding. He began gymnastics in 1995 and his favorite events
are floor, vault and rings.
Aaron
Ward is a gymnast at North Raleigh Gymnastics where Benji Stern coaches him.
Dylan
Parrot is a gymnast at Cabarrus County Gymnastics where he is coached by Greg
Lemelin and Kevin Pierce.
Garrett
Powlas is a Level 10 gymnast at G&J Speedway and is coached by Jie Ding.
As a younger gymnast, Garrett competed in the future stars competition and was
on the National Future Stars team for one year. He has competed in the JO
National Championship four times and being a member of the Region 8 Team. In
addition, Garrett has made the all-around finals twice at nationals and event
finals on high bar once. Some of his great accomplish are 19th in the
All-Around and 5th on H-Bar at the 2005 JO National Championship. Due to his
outstanding performance he earned the right to compete in the 2005 USA
Championship.
Matthew Huckfeldt is a gymnast at Blue Ridge Gymnastics and coached by Hugh
Gerlach.
Mike Varela is a gymnast at Charlotte Gymnastics Academy.
KENT
CALDWELL - Kent is a gymnast at Charlotte Gymnastics Academy (CGA) and is
coached by Nick Baker. At CGA he assists with classes and is team
Co-Captain. He has been involved in gymnastics since the age of 5 and
competing for the last 9 years throughout which he has always competed at the
Region 8 meet as a member of the NC State team. Throughout the years he
has consistently placed in the top 4 all-around in the state and placed on
various events at the regional level. This past year he qualified for the
JO National Meet in San Diego. His specialties are floor and vault.
He has also been a NC Academic All-American and USA Gymnastics Academic
All-American for the past 3 years.
TREY
JAMES - Trey is a gymnast at Charlotte Gymnastics Academy (CGA) and is
coached by Nick Baker. 
JAMES
PRIM - James is a gymnast at Weyandt's Gymnastics coached by Stass Savitch
and Alexandre (Sasha) Shliouev. He has twice been a North Carolina State
All-Around Champion. During 2004, James took 1st place on Parallel Bars
and 2nd place on Pommel Horse, Still Rings and the All-Around. At the 2004
Region 8 Championships, James tied for 1st place on Pommel Horse.
He has competed at the Junior Olympics National Championships for the last three
years, finishing 25th on Still Rings in 2004.
BRANDON
WALTON - Brandon is a gymnast at Rose's Gymnastics and is coached by Boris
Polianski and Brian Rose. 
WIL
HEYER - Wil is a gymnast at C&B Flip Force Gymnastics and is coached by
Chris Young. He has been competing in gymnastics for 14 years. He
attends Mount Tabor High School and has received the Academic All-American award
in the 10th and 11th grades. Wil recently received the "Semper
Fidelis" award in marching band for the 2003-2004 year. He has been
accepted to The Ohio State University, where he plans to attend in the fall.
MICHAEL
JOHNSON - Michael is a gymnast at Traditional Gymnastics and is coached by
James Sargent. He was the first North Carolina gymnast to make a Future
Stars National Team (scoring a perfect 10 from 1996/2000 US Olympic Team Coach
and 1976 Olympic Medallist Peter Korman). Michael was a Regional Champion
as a Class 6 gymnast and was the NC State Champion several times. He was a
silver medallist on Floor at JO National Championships as a Class 3 gymnast.
He was a Class 3 Regional Team Member and Class 2 Regional Team Member
(Alternate). Michael earned first place Class 2 on Floor and 10th
All-Around at the 2002 Men's USA Championships Qualifier. Although
injured, he also competed at the 2003 Men's USA Championships Qualifier in
Michigan, placing fifth on High Bar. He performed on High Bar at the TJ
Maxx Tour of Champions in 2003.
JACOB
MESSINA - Jacob is a gymnast at G&J Speedway Gymnastics and is coached
by Jie Ding. Jacob has been involved in men's gymnastics for 13 years.
He's been state champion at least 5 times, a regional team member since 1999,
and a Junior National Team Member in 2001. He has been on the first string
Academic All American Team, maintaining above a 4.0 average. Jake placed
5th in the nation on Still Rings at the Junior National Championships in 2003.
He is the G&J Gymnastics Team Captain and a good assistant coach and role
model for his younger teammates. Jacob is also a skilled drummer and
skier, and has been active in First Priority and in his church's youth group.
JOHN
MINTER - John is a gymnast at C&B Flip Force Gymnastics and is coached
by Chris Young. 
KIM
RASH - Kim is a gymnast at C&B Flip Force Gymnastics and is coached by
Chris Young. He has been a gymnast for 11 years and has competed in the NC
State Championships eight times, Region 8 Championships seven times, and JO
National Championships once (freshman year). At NC State
Championships, Kim has been first on Still Rings (age 16 and 13) and Vault
(age13 as class two). 
TED
SWARTZBAUGH - Ted is a gymnast at Jim-Nastics and is coached by Jim Shaw.
Ted won the North Carolina State Championships as a Class 1 in 2003. He
qualified to JO National Championships in both his sophomore and junior years
(Class 2 and Class 1). 
BRAD
TRAPP - Brad is a gymnast at C&B Flip Force Gymnastics and is coached by
Chris Young. He has been a gymnast for 12 years. Brad was the Ohio
State champion four times before moving to North Carolina. He also coaches
Class 7, 6, and 5 at C&B Flip Force. In the fall, he plans to attend
Boston's Architectural Center, majoring in architecture.