The team, the first for Summit High School, placed fourth in the county.
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Monday, November 19, 2012
On September 4th, when Summit HS held its first official gymnastics practice, everything was unknown. Thirteen girls came out for the team. Eight of them had never been in a gymnastics meet — ever. Coaches Tracy Claus and Frankie Degen hadn't been to a high school gymnastics meet since they competed in one, more than 25 years ago. Assistant Coach Laurie McCormack was a gymnast for Westfield High School in the 90s, but she was never a coach there. Although Summit Athletic Director Mike Sandor was enthusiastically supportive of the sport, it was a brand-new venture for Summit High School, so the expectations were low. The high school partnered with The Connection for Women and Families, to become the home base for the team, to practice and …
Summit mom, Tracy Claus, talks about the creation of Hilltopper gymnastics and what to expect in the first season.
The London Olympics had women's U.S. gymnastics on nearly everyone's mind at some point this summer. In the fall that interest should show itself locally when Summit High School fields its first girls gymnastics team. "We hope this year's SHS Hilltopper gymnasts watched [the Olympics] and were inspired," said one of the new coaches, Summit resident Tracy Claus. Patch had a chance to ask Claus a few questions about the program, which became a reality through the efforts of parents and the dedication of gymnasts who previously competed with the Summit Summies team at the Connection. I take it you're a gymnastics buff. What did you think of Team USA's performance? Tracy Claus: The US team looked amazing at the Olympics this year. The women's…
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Camilo H. Smith
9:53 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Thank you all for the comments. If anyone wants to put me in touch with Christine I will do her story justice, and then some. It's great to see so many passionate Hilltopper fans set the record straight. I applaud you all for your input. more ›