34
July 5 – 18, 2014
Youth
www.SanTanSun.com
Local gymnasts have gold medal aspirations BY TIM J. RANDALL
When audiences see the athleticism, dedication and mental toughness on display in gymnastic competitions at the Olympics or national events, there is an almost stunning awe as these young adults—male and female—display the confidence and poise to compete at the highest level. For Lyle Guthrie, owner and founder of Arizona Olympian Gymnastics, preparing young pupils for their journey to greatness in gymnastics and life has been his passion for close to 30 years. Guthrie, himself a decorated gymnast in the ring specialization during the mid-1970s, wanted to take his love of the sport and pass it on to youngsters in order to instill values and “build and develop strength, flexibility, coordination, confidence and most importantly—a positive self-image,” he indicates. Guthrie and his wife built their current facility in 2000 on three acres after renting a spot from the inception of U.S. Olympian Gymnastics in 1986. And while the name has changed, the mission has not. “We want to take these great kids and make them fit athletes, get them to the highest level...at the junior grade and beyond with college scholarships,” he notes. Many successes have passed through his training regimen, including his own son, who was a standout gymnast with his father as his coach, narrowly missing the chance to compete at the 2007 Olympic trials after an arm injury. “I loved being
a father and coach and watching him progress,” says Guthrie. The laudations for young stars are not reserved for his son however, as he beams from ear to ear about two of his prize students: Mackenzie Douglas and Quinlan Donovan-Schager. “These two are such amazing people and incredible athletes...so humble,” he says. Guthrie, the executive program director and head boys coach, speaks first glowingly about Mackenzie, who as a graduated senior has recently accepted a full-ride scholarship to San Jose State in the fall. While Mackenzie has dedicated girl coaches on the Arizona Olympian staff, Guthrie has had the opportunity to work with her and is amazed by her aptitude. “She is just an incredible talent,” he articulates. Quinlan, known as “Q” by everyone, even competition judges, has Guthrie gushing with excitement and enthusiasm. “What an amazing mix of athleticism and drive,” he notes. By example, he cites Olympic Gold Medalist Paul Hamm watching “Q” warm up at a recent event. Guthrie says, “Having a world class gymnast admiring your ability...that says something.” Quinlan, already has an academic scholarship from ASU, but a recent meeting between Guthrie and long-time friend Brett McClure might have secured a spot for “Q” at California-Berkeley with an athletic scholarship.
“McClure, the assistant coach for the California Golden Bears, saw his performances and asked me: ‘How do we get him here?” Both Mackenzie and Quinlan recently competed at their respective national events; with Douglas finishing in the top five in the country for the girls in AllAround: floor, vault, uneven bars and beam. “Q” finished seventh in the country on pommel horse, but also has specialty in floor exercise. If Quinlan ever desired to do All-Around for the men, it would be in: floor, pommel, rings, vault, parallel bars and high bar. This is a decision that the young talent can still make as Guthrie notes that males reach their gymnastic peak between 18-25 years, while girls reach ascendancy between the ages of 14-18. Guthrie is so proud of what his pupils have accomplished, but notes that his staff is paramount to the success of the school. “My long-time instructor, from the Hungarian Olympic ranks, made me a better coach,” says Guthrie. “I was a heck of a great gymnast, but not a great coach until I listened to him…I have an amazing team.” The Arizona Olympian Gymnastic program offers the finest in equipment, coaching, and training. Parents bringing their sons and daughters can anticipate top quality both in instruction, habits and safety. “We have the tools from foam pits for protections and to instill confidence, to the right programs for nutrition and training,” Guthrie says. Additionally he
SHOWING OFF: Judges and fellow gymnasts gush about Quinlan “Q” Donovan-Schager. STSN photo by Tim Sealy
notes that their gymnastic program provides equal training for boys and girls. “We want everyone to receive the best instruction, which differentiates our training model.” With the new fall 2014 program beginning July 28, Guthrie encourages parents to bring their kids out and to engage in this great activity. “Gymnastics can be a fundamental foundation for all sports; its attributes of strength and flexibility are core elements,” he notes. Tim J. Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.