The Start of Something New

 As this blog grows, I thought it would be nice to have my second post be about how the CMICH Club Gymnastics came to be.  As a co-founder of this team, I feel its relevant to share the hard work and literal blood, sweat and tears it took to form this amazing group of people I am proud to be friends with.  

This story starts in the middle of my sophomore year of college, November of 2022.  I had been put in a SnapChat group chat of 10+ individuals who were interested in starting a Club Gymnastics Team.  We have all learned that there was one in previous years, but have slowly dissipated as interest and overall work ethic to keep it going decreased.  Due to challenges with the university and the daunting will power to keep this club alive being at an all time low, it became nothing.  Flash forward a couple years and many discussions within the group chat, the first official meeting happened in January of 2023, right after winter break.  

There were 4 of us left. 

Here we established e-board members and had become an official club with many questions of how to get on our feet:

• Where are we going to practice?
• How will we attain more members?
• How do we fundraise?
• Do we compete this year or next year?

And many more.  Safe to say: We had no idea what we were doing.  

As weeks passed, we figured looking into training facilities was a good place to start.  With the University giving us a clear no on using their facility, we were forced to looking into different options...or should I say option.  The closest facility is a 50 minute drive from Mount Pleasant at a gym called Mid-Michigan Gymnastics located in Freeland, MI.  We collaborated with the owner of the gym and were able to rent the space 3 times a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8-10pm.  This meant a 4 hour time commitment 3 times a week which doesn't not mix well with being a college student who needs time to do homework, chores, run errands, work, even sleep.  Regardless, we pushed through and we couldn't be more thankful to Mid-Michigan for accommodating us.  

Image Credit: Marie Underwood

The following year after training from March-May, we learned of a new facility in Morey Courts opening a gymnastics training facility just 5 minutes away from campus.  We couldn't contain our excitement.  This meant less time driving, less money being spent and more interest in joining the club.  

With the next school year around the corner, we started with practices at Mid-Michigan and the had a few new members join.  We decided this is the year we compete.  With the opening of the new facility right around the corner and more knowledge on how to get the materials we needed such as competitive leos, warm-ups, registration for competitions, etc. we were confident in ourselves and out ability to run as a club.  

We competed that year in 4 different competitions in and around the state of Michigan and have since then grown from 8 members to 22 in a year.  As we prepare for this years season, we have set bigger goals for us individually and as a team.  I can't wait to share this season with all of you and hope you follow our story as we continue to grow. 

To read more about our club and team dynamic published in Central Michigan Life, click the link here.  

Until next time...

- Lauren <3