Nov. 11, 2012
SEATTLE - A large crowd filled with young aspiring gymnasts packed the gymnastics training center in Alaska Airlines Arena on Friday evening for the first annual Meet the GymDawgs event. While the Husky gymnasts had the chance to show what they have been working on in fall training, their fans got a chance to get to know them, grill them with some hard-hitting questions and win some prizes. From "what's your hardest move on floor routine to "how do you deal with fear" no question was off limits and the gymnasts answered honestly, offering advice and encouragement for their young followers. Senior Lauren Rodgers and Kylie Sharp took turns as MC's, introducing the gymnasts as they demonstrated different moves on each event. The demonstrations started on vault, moving on to beam, then bars and ending with floor exercise. Raffles and games were weaved throughout the night, along with upbeat music that kept the mood and energy up in the room. A stick contest on bars added some light-hearted competition, and the tumbling portion drew oos and ahhs from the enthusiastic crowd. Head coach Joanne Bowers introduced a fun twist the team is adding in this year--a thirty second "dance party" before the floor exercise. The young kids filled the floor with the Husky gymnasts--following the lyrics of the blasting song--"went crazy" on dance floor. This will be a new tradition at every home meet before the floor exercise event. In another game, a few lucky fans got a chance to win some Husky gymnastics gear, but they had to crawl on their hands and knees while blindfolded, trying to snag the different prizes spread out on the floor. After the fans got their chance, freshman Kiersten Graber was given a turn. Little did she know her teammates played a little prank on her, swooping up all the prizes and watching her crawl around blindfolded with nothing left on the floor to win. After the event was over, the GymDawgs signed autographs and took pictures with their excited fans. For Bowers, the fun-filled night couldn't have gone any better. "We envisioned this event as a coming out party for the team and a fun night for everyone involved, and it was exactly like we envisioned it," said Bowers. "It was a great night." The event also served as a chance to break up a long fall training season, giving the gymnasts the opportunity to let loose and perform in front of their fans with the season still a couple months away. The Huskies also signed autographs before the football game vs. Utah at Century Link Field on Saturday night. Bowers and her coaching staff are very much looking forward to the upcoming season and are excited about the group they have this year. "The team chemistry has been great, everyone gets along so well and the new freshmen have added a lot of personality," said Bowers. "There is something special about this group." The Huskies will have a Purple and Gold Intrasquad meet on December 7 at 7 p.m. at Alaska Airlines Arena. The event is free and open to the public. |
