The Clinic featured these outstanding instructors: L to R, front row-Bob Bollinger, Rockford; Rick Kinsman, Barrie, Ont., Canada; Beverly Shuga, Rockford; Earle Duggan, Des Moines; Rosemary Umenhofer, Rockford; Barbara Thorton, Chicago; N,ewt Loken, Ann Arbor; and Beverly Avert, Austin, Texas, Back row-George Nissen, Cedar Rapids; Ron Munn, Columbus, Ohio; Ed Cole, Ann Arbor; Dave Salois, Rockford; Dave Ransom, Memphis; Janice Johnson, Bloomington, Illinois; Jeff Austin, Northlake, Illinois and Wayne Miller, Lafayette, Louisiana..
In an effort to fill the vacuum left by the recent NCAA decision to abandon the Trampoline from gymnastic competition, an interested group of top Trampoline performers, coaches, teachers , and enthusiasts concerned about continuing Trampolining as a sport met in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on December 27-30, 1970 for the First National Trampoline Clinic. About 100 youngsters were divided by age and ability and exposed to some of the finest Trampoline instructors in the nation, After four days of instruction, a special Griswold-Nissen Cup competition was held in Trampolining, Synchronized Trampolining, Tumbling, Spaceball and a new innovation, Trampoline Track. Wayne Miller (present World Trampoline Champion) presented an official judging course in Trampolining, and Bob Bollinger offered an official instructors course for a Master Teacher's Certificate.
This type of clinic was a first for the sport of Trampolining, since in the past Trampolining has always been an added attraction to gymnastic clinics. Everyone's time and effort was devoted entirely to Trampolining therefore a great deal was accomplished. Plans are already being made for next year's Clinic which will be directed by the National Clinic Chairman, Jeff Hennessy. During the four day clinic the first organizational meeting of the new United States Trampoline Association took place at which time officers for the 1971 year were elected and a general format discussed. Jeff Austin (National A.A.U. Trampoline Champion and Triton College Gymnastic Coach) was elected President. Dr. Newt Loken (University of Michigan) was elected Vice President with Ronnie Munn (National A.A.U. Trampoline Champion) as Secretary-Treasurer. Along with the executive officers the
following Committees were set up to carry out the future plans of the United States Trampolin e Association: Technical Committee: Bob Bollinger, Chairman; Barbara Thornton , Wayne Miller, Ken Marlin , Executive Officers. Judges Certification Committee: Wayne Miller, Chairman. Instructors Certification Committee: Bob Bollinger, Chairman . Public Relations Committee: Ron Munn, Chairman; Rick Kinsman, Jeff Hennessy, Adli Rousdi, Committee: Milton Davis, Research Chairman; Dave ' Ransom, Fred Webster, George Nissen, Dave Salois , Finance Committee: Bob Bevenour, Chairman; jeff Austin, Ron Munn, Francis Kaufman . National Clinic Committee: jeff Hennessy, Chairman; Earle Duggan, Adli Rousdi , Barbara Thornton, Beverly Averyt, Troy Kauffman, Nancy Smith Blegan , and all other Committee Chairmen. Historian Committee: Larry Griswold , Chairman; George Nissen, Bob Bollinger, jack Kaplan, Newt Loken. Nominating Committee: jeff Austin, Chairman. Awards Committee: George Nissen , Chairman; Newt Loken . Everyone present at the meeting felt that it's time for organization and ae'tion when it comes to Trampolining. At present the European countries, along with japan , South Africa and Australia, are quickly approaching our level of ability in the sport, and are starting to push for its acceptance in future Olympic Games. It' s evident that the United States could capture gold, silver and bronze medals if Trampolining were in the Olympics now, but we must make certain that when it does become an Olympic event we are still capable of being the best in the World. There are thousands of young boys and girls interested in Trampolining here in the United States . What is needed is organization to help them along. Through the help and support of its members, th e ultimate and primary objective of the U.S.T.A. is to offer this organization, thereby promoting and improving the sport of Trampolining in the United States. Arrangements are already being made for the first Open United States Trampoline Association Championships which will take place May 1, 1971 at New Trier West High School, Northfield, Illinois. A regular newsletter featuring up-todate items on age group, high school, college and club competition will be provided to members of the U.S.T.A. Thi s newslette r will contain information pertaining to all competitions, clinics and other functions conducted by the Association. Membership in the Association will also entitle the hold er to compete in all U.S .T.A, Championships, Yearly membership dues are $5.00 for Senior Members (No n Competitors) and $2.00 for junior Members (Com petitors). For further information contact: Ronni e Munn, U.S.T.A., 5056 Brewster Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43227.
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