TEG earns coach, gymnast of year honors

The state of Texas gathered in Houston this weekend to honor its gymnastics champions.

 

Every gymnast who was an All Around gold medalist at her state championships as well as Level 9 and 10 Western and National qualifiers were all honored at a formal evening banquet for their dedication, diligence and hard work.

The state chairman also recognized and honored Elite National Team mem- bers and of course Nastia Liukin and her coach/father Valeri Liukin for making the Olympic Team.

The last facet of the banquet was to announce the Texas Coach and Gymnast of the Year. Coaches and gymnasts are nominated by colleagues and peers with criteria based on gymnastics accomplishments, influence and attitude. Coach Martin Parsley of Texas East Gymnastics received the coaching honor for his optimistic attitude and his "never say never" mantra toward life.

TEG's Alaina Johnson received the athlete award; part of the written nomination read, "in a world where everyone receives at least a participation award and where even guests at a birthday party leave with a gift there is one who has learned to define success by works not awards. Alaina Johnson, elite gymnast for four years, only three medals earned in that time, last place finishes numerous times; she even scored another last by taking the "last" slot on the National Team. Again, no medal but the warm-ups she received that say 'USA' across the back feel like gold."

"Alaina's story of perseverance and stick-to-it-ness was rightly honored by the state of Texas and will hopefully inspire others," said Coach Parsley.