Texas State student Ryan Maskell, coach/gymnast at age 27, commented on the importance of Texas State hosting the state competition this year.
“The best part about hosting TGC championships this year was the chance to show high quality gymnastics to the university and a high quality university to Texas gymnasts,” Maskell said. “I think a few students may be transferring to State next fall.”
Compared to last year when they only had five members and couldn’t even make enough for a team score, this year the Gymnastics Club has a very large girls and boys team. The girls took second at the TGC championships beating out University of Texas and the boys took a close third to A&M University and University of Texas.One A&M gymnast, Constance Cuadra, shares the intriguing success of Texas State.
“I guess it was very unexpected; they surprised almost everyone by getting second, probably shocking UT the most,” said Cuadra.
A senior at Texas State University-San Marcos and a member of the Gymnastics team, Josh Higgins, describes the hard work and dedication that has been the fueling fire to Texas State’s success thus far.
“We have a lot of people putting in hard work to make our name big. We gave a good balance of wanting to succeed and have fun too as well as a great love for the sport, which I think defines what NAIGC is all about,” Higgins said.
Furthermore, freshman at Texas State University-San Marcos, Erin Williamson, states her excitement for the future of the team.
“For the future if we can get a few more strong girls I would love to win State and Nationals. I think we totally have potential in the next few years and if we get a little more depth then I think we could do it,” Williamson said.
Although her excitement as a freshman brings a new wave of energy for the team Ryan Maskell has further expectations for the team.
“Well, anyone’s goal is to win nationals. No matter what team you're on you always like to imagine winning it all. But a realistic goal for this year is to make team finals. That would place us in the top elite programs in the country. The goal during the subsequent years is to win nationals, of course. It's important to note, however, that the primary goals of the club are to foster healthy living and lifelong friendships,” said Maskell.Josh Higgins expands on these goals by further explaining his personal hopes for the future of the team.
“I hope in the future that the team keeps getting stronger and that we keep recruiting and become a dynasty much like UT and A&M. I hope when I leave that we will have laid a solid foundation for future members to improve on. Most of all I want the club to never stop having fun and loving what they do,” Higgins said.
With the NAIGC National Championships held in Atlanta, Georgia, right around the corner on April 15th through the 19th, the team further seeks the goals they desire and continue to work hard to keep their dreams alive. Visit the website www.texasstategymnastics.com for more information about the gymnastics team.
