Punch Front Gymnastics and Cheer Home of Silver All Around USAG Division Champs

How hard is it to balance on a wooden beam 16.4 feet long, 4 inches wide, and raised 4 feet from the floor? Just ask Annalisa sexton who won all around Bars, Beams, and floor exercise this year. However, she was just one of the eight girls who have won titles this year. Chrystie Mcilwain-Owner Punch Front Gymnastics has been coaching gymnastics for almost twenty years. She has two daughters who were both state champions at Houston County High School. Chrystie says loves working with these young girls in gymnastics and cheer because it’s a been a passion of hers. Chrystie says “it’s not just about the physical strength it takes to be a good gymnast, we work on the whole person, mind, body and soul.” According to Chrystie, “we are more than coaches, we are counselors and mentors to these kids. “Chris Mcilwain, Chrystie’s husband is also a big part of the program at Punch Front Gymnastics. He handles most of the maintenance issues, pest control and was heavily involved with the remodeling of the building. Chrystie stated that this dream of hers would not have been possible without her husband. The Region championships this year were held in beautiful Pigeon Forge Tennessee and were represented by all eight states in the region. Chrystie remarks “the girls are having a remarkable first year! Our girls Silver USAG team is ranked 32 in the country securing them a spot in the top 100 teams of the US. They earned a spot in the US TOP 100 Athletes for the Silver All-Around USAG Division! “They placed 9th in the Region with over 50 school’s competing and they were the number 1 in Georgia. “These girls worked extremely hard to earn those rankings,” Chrystie says. The competition is so tight at these events in part because of the way it’s scored. We have a great bunch of kids here who really shined in the State and Region Championship Tournaments Chrystie Commented. Rachel White placed 1st in the State completion for the Floor exercise. Audrey Skipper won Floor, Beam and All Around in her division. Kamala Johnson was floor State Champion and placed 2nd on vaults in the Region having beat out over 1100 other gymnast competing for a spot. “She’s a great vaulter and she’s sassy on the floor as well.” Says Chrystie. Ruby Purvis was second all around at state with a 9.75 and went to regionals and placed top 3. Jasmine Powers is also a big part of the success at Punch Front she works with the boys’ gymnastics and she also directs the chorography for the floor routines. When ask, what is the most rewarding part of your job, Jasmine replied, “When the kids finally get it. Its more than just gymnastics on the floor, it’s about learning hard work, perseverance, and endurance. Whatever, they learn here they can take with them and use for the rest of their lives.”

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