Haltom High School - Buffalo Yearbook (Haltom City, TX)

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ln the midst of state competition senior Jessie Ellison prepares for the dismount of his bars routine. Coach Roland Rangel, David Riehl David Dixson, Mike Munchrath, Robert Brooks, Rhett Garrett, Jessie Ellison Micheat Franstead, Joey Garrett. First row: Cindy Pfeifer, Renee Hale, Lyn Andrews, Coach Susan Harrison, Tonya Cushman, Bonnie Kildow, Debbie Wade. Second row: Deanna Dowdy, Lelania James, Patricia Yanowski, Rhonda Slatter, Sandy Shtogryn. All-around gymnast, junior Patricia Yanowski, has no trouble keeping her balance as she attempts the beam exercise during competition. GYMNASTICS

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Concentrating on his rings routine, senior David Riehl holds his posi- tion at orange and black meet. Riehl sweeps regionals When America thinks of gymnastics, they think of Kurt Thomas, Bart Connors or Kathy Rigby, but when Haltom High students thought of gymnastics, the first person that came to mind was David Reihl. After taking second place in district all-around, he proceeded to take the first place medal at regionals all-around by winning six out of seven events. This in turn qualified him for state competition. Eager beavers ra learn Coach dubbed team because of enthusiasm As the gymnast approached the apparatus a look of extreme concentration traveled from his face to the tip of his toes. After the approach steps were ac- curately measured off, the gym- nast gave the judge a long in- tense look of anticipation. With a wave of the hand, the judge signaled the gymnast. Inhaling deeply he began the routine. Within seconds the ordeal had ended and a sigh of relief over- whelmed the gymnast and spectators. Becoming a member of the gymnastic team required some- one who enjoyed a challenge and was willing to spend time on his own learning new skills. Coach Roland Rangel had just that in his team. Jessie Ellison, David Dixson, David Reihl, Mike Munchrath, Rhett Garrett, Leonard Simpson, Joey Garrett, Mike Franstead, and Robert Brooks contained a tremendous desire to learn more and im- prove. The girls' gymnastic coach Susie Harrison found the GYMNASTICS needed dedication in her team made up of Patricia Yanowski, Cindy Pfiefer, Renee Hale, and Lyn Andrews. The season began in January with team practices lasting usually from 2:30 until 5:30. During this time the team worked on compulsory routines and new skills until the season came to a close in April. Intense concentration was the name of the game for the team, who concentrated heavily on im- proving with every meet. By the end of the season they had achieved exactly what they had set out to. They showed gradual im- provement that built up to the district and regional meets, Coach Rangel explained. The boys took a second place district finish only behind L. D. Bell. The girls team settled for a fifth place finish. My goal is to get gymnastics the recognition that other UIL sports are allowed, he statedl Just hanging around, senior Rl Garrett spends from 2:30 until I working out with the team perfecting his individual skills. ?

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Clowning around during practice for the Richland halftime show, David Dixson, Jessie Ellison, Rhett Garrett perfect their mini tramp performance. Senior Jessie Ellison holds his posi- tion for the required time during the rings events. GYMNASTICS 'NWNBWQ ,af Wav-....xH:,--H-sunnxnpu-ng, YWHQ . 2 Gymnasrs join half-time shov Buster poster stampede led by charging gymnastics tear Although the excitement of district and regional competition became reality to several in- dividual team members, the reality of accidents and injuries went along with every day prac- tices and competition. One close call, for instance, took place when senior Jessie Ellison was warming up on the high bar dur- ing the regional meet. He slipped off the bar and fell on his back and neck. Immediately after the accident he had trouble breathing but later regained his breath and luckily was not hurt seriously. For the first time Coach Roland Rangel and his team held an intramural gymnastic meet. This meet offered the peo- ple in his classes, who were not able to become members of the team because of work or having the time, the opportur to compete. Team memb- judged the routines. I hope to create more terest in gymnasticsf' Ran said. Besides workouts and mee the team participated in h time events, talent shows a the Gong Show.