2009 Wyoming Invite – Laramie, Wyoming

We had an opportunity to cover our first gymnastics meet of the year this past weekend when the Wyoming School of Gymnastics boys’ team hosted 3 other teams from Colorado and Wyoming for their 2009 Wyoming Invite here in Laramie. It wasn’t a large meet, but sometimes at these smaller events it can be a better environment for spectators. Parents and fans were able to be close up, right next to the action.

I think it is very interesting sometimes to hear the interaction between coaches and athletes at the events we cover. Dean McCollum, who is the Mountain Gymnastics Boys Program Director, would ask each of his gymnasts a simple question before they began each routine. He would ask, “Do you know what you want?” His athletes would try to visualize their upcoming performance. When each gymnast would finish, he would follow up by asking, “Is that what you wanted, is that what you saw in your head?” or “Was that you best ever, where would you rank it?”

I thought it was a great way to coach. Focus on every individual routine, and try to make each one your best ever. Here are some photos from the meet: