World Games Report by VANNIE EDWARDS, So. Eastern Louisian a College Photos by Don Wilkinson
For the first time since the World Games have featured Women 's Gymnastics as a part of the competition, the U.S. has produced a medal winner. She is Cathy Rigby, one of America's brightest hopes for the 19 72 Olympic Games. She is a member of the Scat's team from Long Beach, California, coached by Bud Marquette. The U.S. Women 's team finished in 7th place in ihe overall competition . One very significant factor in considering the finishing of the U .S. team was the general inexperience of the competitors on the floor. Because of injuries Linda Methany, former Olympian , and Roxan ne Pierce, a moderately proven National Competitor, had to miss the competition. The U.S. team was headed by two members with International experience, Cathy Rigby and Wendy Cluff; both girls were on the 1968 Olympic Team . They were joined by Cleo Carver of Seattle, Washington , and coached by George Lewis; Adele Gleaves of Louisville, Kentucky, and coached by Cab Caudill; Kim Chase, Reviere Beach, Florida, and coached by her father; Joan Moore, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and coached by Bill and Jeanie Coco. Other members on the team: Debbie Hill, Denver, Colorado, and coached by Rod Hill; Janet Cantwell, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and coached by the Cocos. Although the U .S. team was young and inexperienced , they had many exciting routines and drew a great deal of praise from European critics and coaches alike. Muriel Grossfeld, acting coach of the U.S. team, made the following comments: "A lthou gh they did not place as high as expected, the International judges and officials were very impressed. Ours is a young team and the maturing effect of this competition should work in our favor." Mrs. Grossfeld was accompanied by Bud Marquette and Vannie Edwards, who assisted in the coaching duties. Art Maddox, from Champagne, Illinois, accompanied the team as National Pianist. Under the direction of the National Head Coach, Mrs. Dale Flansaas, the U.S. Women's Team trained two and a half weeks at the training site at the YWCA in Reno, Nevada. Foilowing the training camp, the team spent two days at home before reporting to New Haven, Connecticut, for the final phase of the training camp under Muriel Grossfeld. Upon leaving the U.S., th e team competed against England in a dual meet. They then proceeded to the site of the World Games Championships in Yugoslavia. The training conditions there were very good; however, the coaching staff would have preferred that the team could have arrived at the site of the competition at least seven days prior to the opening ceremony. Being aware that the performers are young and inexperienced , it was felt that arriving early would allow the performers to adjust to the high level of competition. However, because the women's team accompanied the men's team , they could not arrive as early as desired. U.S. coaches became keenly aware of several new trends which they had been exploring in the U.S. until they were told they were completely wrong and changed them. In Free Ex the existence of very strong tumbling and the use of popular American music as accompaniment seemed to be the accepted method. In the area of vaulting the great distance of the on-flight of the Russian team with straight, tight bodies in line with the body on ascent and descent produced somewhat of a new aspect in flight. Also in the landing, the feet are landing well in front of the body while the force of contact is being absorbed by a half bent leg, allowing weight to arrive over the feet. It would be well for those coaching to observe the films from the competition and coach accordingly. Our big weakness is the lack of depth and personnel. The major problem of the competitors is that they are not exposed to Intern ational competitions to allow them to feel at ease and confident of their routines. These observations and v iews are submitted in hopes th at they will be of some assistance in evaluating how to handle our young gymnasts in the future.
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