For many Lincolnites, the first thing that comes to mind when you mention “Union College” are fond childhood memories of kickboards and learning to float. For more than 40 years, Union has been known in its hometown as the place to take swimming lessons. In fact, more kids learn to swim in the Larson Pool of the Reiner Wellness Center than at all the YMCAs in town combined. This year, the university is expanding on that reputation with youth lessons for another sport: acrobatic gymnastics.
Starting this month, kids between the ages of 7-18 can learn gymnastics skills after school in the Reiner Wellness Center. Two one-hour sessions will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 4 and 6 p.m. Classes are $15 for each session, with discounts available for purchasing bundles of four or more sessions.
Under the supervision of Head Coach Matt Teller, two Gymnaires are teaching the lessons: Katie Carlson and Thomas McFarland. Both have earned certification in safety and instruction from USA Gymnastics, the national governing body for gymnastics.
McFarland wishes he had classes like this when he was young. The sophomore international rescue and relief major from Tennessee didn’t begin gymnastics until his sophomore year at Georgia-Cumberland Academy. “I take a lot of pride in what I’ve accomplished as a gymnast,” he said. “I love staying in shape, and I love being able to just do a backflip. I wish I had started classes like this when I was seven. I can only imagine what I could do now if I had that foundation.”
A sophomore elementary education education major from Lincoln, Carlson is thankful for the past Gymnaires who taught her. “It’s the circle of life,” she said. “Sometimes Gymnaires would come teach us at College View Academy. I loved it. That’s what made me want to be a Gymnaire.”
Carlson and McFarland have both appreciated the tight-knit community and sense of belonging they have found as members of the Gymnaires. They hope as students learn acrobatic skills, they will also grow in confidence and experience the social and spiritual growth they have found through gymnastics.
After an hour of learning from Carlson, 12-year-old Erna Noshyn reported the experience was, “So much fun,” and even added that it was, “Better than watching TV.” From her, that’s high praise.
To learn more or sign up for classes, visit uau.edu/acro-academy