By Chris Faulkner
The YMCA Xcel gymnastics competition team returned from the state meet with a couple of strong team finishes.
The bronze-level team earned a fifth- and a third-place trophy.
All 24 members of the Xcel team qualified for the state meet, and 12 of 14 eligible gymnasts qualified for the USAG Region 4 Xcel Regionals competition on April 25-27 in Madison, Wis. That ends the season, which started in November.
But gymnastics is a year-round program for the Y, and it’s been going on for at least 40 years, according to current Xcel coach Alaina Mathews.
It even outgrew the Y facility 11 years ago; the YMCA Gymnastics and Cheer Center is at 2830 Mount Pleasant Street. It’s Door No. 8 in the series of warehouses.
Mathews started the Xcel competition program in 2019 and became the head coach, with just four girls on the squad. The team has 31 ready to compete next year.
A Lifelong Pursuit
Mathews started gymnastics when she was six. She competed until she was 14, and three years later, she was working in the recreational portion of the program and giving private lessons. A year later, she was working with head coach Tasha Prickett.
Prickett coached the Junior Olympic/Development team for the majority of the 30 years she was with the Y program.
“I love the sport of gymnastics,” said Mathews, who also manages the facility.
“Gymnastics can teach so many things: strength training, determination, dedication. It helps develop a great work ethic. It teaches them grit and, self-motivation and confidence.”
There are multiple levels based on age and skill level. Nine were on the gold team, five on the silver team, and 10 on the bronze.
The Y also has a pre-team of 22 girls.
“Pre-team is an invited group of athletes from our other group of athletes that are looking for that next step to get them ready to compete,” Mathews said.
“They show they have the work ethic and desire to go forward in gymnastics. They work on strength training, body shaping, and flexibility.”
The youngest member of the pre-team is five, and an invitation is based on the child’s level of maturity and physical stamina.
To participate in the competitive portion, a girl must be a Y member, but anyone can sign up for the recreational program or get private lessons.
Next year’s roster is full, but there is space on the recreational side for those wanting to learn the sport and improve their skills.
Matthews said they have boys in the recreational program, but there aren’t enough apparatuses for boys to try out for the Xcel team.
“They can work on floor skills and strength skills,” Mathews said.
One of the sites for a meet is in a club’s gym, but the other meets are in sports complexes or convention centers, with between 50 and 100 gymnasts competing.
Mathews said that can be stressful for new competitors.
“It’s really fun to be able to see them start their first (meet) and be absolutely terrified, and then by the end of their season, they’re comfortable in the competition setting,” Mathews said.
“They’re less guarded. Their true ability steps out, and they start to shine out there.”
So even though it is a competitive team looking to score high and win medals, Mathews said, “It’s more than just a sport for us. It teaches them so much about themselves. They learn to be confident and trust in themselves. They learn to push themselves outside their comfort zone and truly see what they are capable of.”
The recreational sessions are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, some Thursdays, and Saturdays.
To sign up for the program, email Mathews at alaina@burlingtony.org.
