Bayfield Gymnastics is celebrating not just one win, but two at the 2016 Colorado All Star Cheer State Championship. The All Star Angels won a level 2 competition, while the All Star Flyers competed in the level 3 co-ed level.
The teams, made of 32 athletes, traveled to Denver Feb. 27, competing against cheer teams from around the state.
The Bayfield All Star Angels have been competing together for two years and range from 3 to 8 years old. As Level 2 competitors, the young team is required to perform a choreographed routine to music that includes basic stunting skills, tumbling, jumps and dance.
The Bayfield All Star Flyers have been competing together for three years and range from 10-18 years old. As a Level 3 Co-Ed Team made up of talented boys and girls, these athletes are required to perform partner and higher level stunting included in a routine that has flipping and jumps. Both teams have been practicing since July and have traveled to several competitions that run during the fall to spring season.
"Commit to long hours of practice over summer break and after school," said their coach, Annette French, a 24-year gymnastics veteran.
Many athletes from both All Star teams have been with Bayfield Gymnastics since it's opening in 2010 when only recreational gymnastics classes were offered.
Over the past six years, Bayfield gymnastics has not only expanded by moving to a larger building and increasing class sizes for all skill levels and ages, but has expanded the type of classes they offer. Current classes include: gymnastics, dance, boys parkour-gymnastics, all star cheerleading, and a new competitive gymnastics Team. Adult Zumba and Boot Camp style classes taught by Suzanne Meyers and Carrie Lake are also available.
French said she's proud of her teams' achievements.
"When the hard work and time these athletes have put in allows them to come home with the title of state champions - that is a true accomplishment," she said.
