Distinguished Service
2005 - JACK DUNLOP: Amarillo: Jack has been judging Texas gymnasts for 24, currently holding a National rating. He has been married for 33 years, has two children and a new grandson. Jack has served on the NAWGJ Texas Board for 14 years in various positions, including District Assigner, Assistant State Judging Director, High School Coordinator, and Test Administrator. Jack was previously honored with the Service to Youth award from the Gymnastics Association of Texas. GAT is pleased to present Jack with the Distinguished Service Award.
2004 - MARTHA BANNON: Angel Fire, New Mexico : Martha was elected to the GAT Board 5 years ago as Vice President Elect under the old Executive Board era. When GAT moved to our current management system, the Board of Directors elected her as the first Chairman of the Board and she has served in that position since. Martha’s hometown is McAllen ; she attended Southwest Texas State University where she lettered in Gymnastics for four years and earned NCAA All American status in the Division II National Gymnastics Championships. Upon graduation, she purchased a gymnastics business; she has owned Bannon’s Gymnastix, Inc. for 15 years. A few years ago, Martha and her family moved to New Mexico , but she continued to serve out her four year term on the GAT Board. As Chairman, she oversees all GAT operations, plans and conducts GAT Board Meetings, delegates responsibilities, acts as the Financial Advisor liaison between the GAT Board and the Bookkeeper, and speaks at the GAT Banquet. It is with pleasure, and a great deal of sadness, that we present the GAT Distinguished Service Award to Martha Bannon.
2004 - LARRY McDONOUGH : Dallas: Larry began coaching gymnastics in 1979, has been a gym owner, has coached with the Karoli’s, has been to Australia and back, is currently at the Dallas Gymnastics Center and serves on the Texas USAG Board. From 1988 to 1991, he was the Australian National Team Coach, taking teams to various International events and qualifying athletes to the World Championships (1991) and The Olympics (1992). He coached at Capital Gymnastics, where his teams participated in five USA Championships, the US Olympic Festival, and the USA Tour to South Africa . Larry has served on the Texas USAG Board for the past several years. GAT is please to present Larry with the Distinguished Service Award.
2004 - GEORGE JACKSON: Houston : A Native Houstonian, George trained with “Hutch” Dvorak at Post Oak YMCA back in the ‘70’s. In addition to gymnastics training, he studied Classical Ballet with Mme. Tatiana Semenova, Ballet of Houston. He has earned a number of Certifications, including PDP, Safety, Level I-IV Skill Evaluator, First Aid and CPR. He has been program director and head coach at Post Oak Family Center YMCA, and assistant Manager and head Coach for Gymnastics Associates Southwest Inc.. As of 1983, he has owned and managed The Academy – School of Artistic Gymnastics . He is a valuable member of the GAT board, currently serving as Record Keeper. As Record Keeper, he records minutes of the Board Meetings, creates the GAT Newsletters, and sends out gymnastics related emails to the membership, helps with elections, and acts as the floor coordinator for the ITP 2 program. GAT is indeed pleased to honor George Jackson with the Distinguished Service Award.
2003 - JUERGEN ACHTERMANN: Humble, Texas : Juergen started his gymnastics coaching career in 1977. He competed for Rowland’s (where he earned a USGF State Champion Title), for Humble High School , and for Texas A&M University . He has been a judge of both men’s and women’s gymnastics and this year marks the beginning of his 22nd year as the coach of boys and girls at Humble High School . He opened Juergen’s Gymnastics Academy in Humble in 1986. Currently he continues to coach at Humble High School as well as at his club; he is the USAG Women’s State Chairman as well as the President of the Texas High School Coaches Association. GAT is pleased to present the Distinguished Service Award to Juergen.
2003 - CORI RIZZO: Austin , Texas : After receiving her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Illinois , Cori coached high school boys and girls gymnastics teams for ten years before moving to Texas . Once in Texas , she directed a preschool gymnastics program and managed a leotard business. Cori has been a women’s gymnastics judge for over 30 years, earning an Elite rating in 1980 and a Brevet in 1993. She has judged numerous local meets in Texas in addition to judging the Championships of the USA , the Senior Pan American Championships, the Swiss Cup and DTB Cup. She served as the Texas USAG Women’s director from 1992 through 1997 and is currently the USAG Region III Chairman. For her many countless hours dedicated to the young gymnasts of Texas , GAT is pleased to present Cori with the Distinguished Service Award.
2003 - BETH GARDNER: Round Rock, Texas : A graduate of Texas A&M University , Beth has an extensive background in preschool gymnastics, is a gym owner, and one of the authors and directors of the GAT Instructor Training Program (ITP). She has represented USAG as a Nat. KAT and MELPD Instructor as well as serving as a USAG Congress presenter. She has written articles which have been published in Technique Magazine including topics covering preschool and boys gymnastics. Beth has been an active member of the GAT board for the past several years. Beth is a deserving recipient of the GAT Distinguished Service Award.
2003 - ANNETTE THOMAS: Austin , Texas : Annette was the very first, the original instructor, of the GAT Instructor Training Program (ITP) and co-authored the text for that program. She served numerous times as clinician at GAT Conventions, and served as clinician at the 1998 and 1999 KAT/MELPD program at the USA Gymnastics National Congresses. Annette is program director and, for the past 13 years or so, events coordinator at Capital Gymnastics, touching the lives of many young gymnasts in Texas . She has taught and coached gymnastics for over 20 years. We are pleased to present Annette with the Distinguished Service Award.
2001 - Jodie Trncak: Houston : Jodie was volunteered by her employer, Beau Biron, for the position of choreographer for the GAT Texas General Gymnastics performance team in 1998, to prepare some 150 gymnasts to perform in the large group competition in Sweden in 1999. This was no easy task. Jodie took on this tremendous responsibility, and, coupled with the high standard required from GAT, and her demand for perfection, stepped up and delivered! Under the direction of Jodie, the Texas All Star Team performed to and entertained people from around the world as participants in the World Gymnaestrada in Sweden in 1999. Many of those people from various countries are still saying "God Bless Texas ". Jodie continues to demand perfection, evidenced in two National Championship teams at the 2001 USAG TeamGymn Championships. GAT salutes you Mrs. Jodie Trncak. Thank you for your continued commitment to Texas Gymnastics.
2000 - Peggy Mazeika: Houston; Last GAT President before it was changed to being called “Chairperson”, 1999-2000
2000 - Jan Eyman: Whitney; State Chair. Commitment to Texas coaches, judges, parents, and, most important, for Texas athletes.
2000 - Brandy Haney: Round Rock; 25+ years coach. 15 years as an officer in the THSGCA. Certified judge and served as the Executive Secretary for GAT. Brandy’s teams have been All American every year. Round Rock High School team has qualified and placed in the top six at the State Meet numerous times in the past 15 years, and several teams won State Champs. State Coach of the Year, Regional Coach of the Year, and was once named National High School Coach of the Year.
2000 - Becky Mann: Austin : Becky: She worked behind the scene at GAT conventions to put it all together, she made it happen. Becky started as a Booster Club Parent volunteer over 10 years ago. Though her young gymnast went on to other pursuits years ago, we are thankful that Becky did not. Any GAT Board member will attest to her diligence and commitment to Texas Gymnastics and to YOU, every GAT member. GAT called her the first Convention Coordinator.
1999 - Rome Milan , Ft Worth, Texas . GAT President, 1997-98.
1999 - Marsha Hjort, Arlington ; Marsha is a former President of AGA
1999 - Jim McKinney, Abilene ; Jim has been a gymnastics coach for 30 years, NGJA and TGJA judge - president
1999 - Jim Jarrett, Austin ; . Few people in America can equal Jim as a facilities manager for major gymnastics championships.
1999 - Bob Sanderson, Abilene; 23 years coaching, serves as advisory Board Member of GAT & helped with the new By-laws.
1998 - Vicki Bounds, Austin , Texas , Host Committee for GAT Gatherings and Convention Manager for the 1998 Gathering
1998 - Sharon Rhea, Austin , Texas , Sharon has served as GAT secretary for the past several years
1998 - Kay Brown, Paris , Texas . GAT President 1997-98.
1998 - Jerry Milan, Fort Worth , Texas , 1st President of GAT and was a major contributor to the HS Gymnastics Program in Texas
1997 - Marc Yancey, founder TX Gymnastics Summer Camp & state board/national committee member USAG Men & GAT
1997 - Juergan Achtermann, NGJA judge, Humble HS, hosted many USAG comps at all levels & President of the THSGCA.
1997 - Frank Kudlac, TWU (80’s) coach. His teams have won high ranking women’s’ collegiate national competitions.
1997 - Cori Rizzo, NAWGJ Ed. Dir., 1989-92, 1992-96 USAG State Women’s dir. & 1997 Reg. 3 USAG Chair, & FIG Brevet.
1996 - Lee Stout, Lee served as President of the Texas High School Gymnastics Coaches Association for the past three years.
1996 - Kevin Muenz , Texas State Chairperson. Serves on Region 3 board & member of the Mike Sims Scholarship Committee.
1996 - Jim McKinney, currently President of TGJA, & Regional Technical Director of the NGJA.
1996 - Gil Elsass, Region 3 Men’s Chairman. Has been instrumental in the expansion & development of TX Men’s Programs.
1995 - Cori Rizzo, USAG Women’s State Chairperson, Brevet judge 1995 - Bob Sanderson, 20 years as HS teacher & coach, National rated judge, National HS Coach of the Year, and GAT Treasurer
1995 - Bill Foster, Wisdom & Direction at the highest level for the development of the Texas Men’s Program
1995 - Becky Mann, the “lady in charge” of the host committee for the 94 & 95 GAT Gatherings.
1994 - Sylvia Laznovsky, S. Dist. SOKOL - 40+ years. 30+ years as the Women’s Gymnastics Director for the Southern District.
1994 - Peggy Mazeika, GAT President 1993-94 1994 - Darlene Schmidt, San Marcos . Advisory Member - GAT Board, & B.R.A.G. Rites Program Dir. at the Texas Gathering.
1994 - Mark Hartwell, Volunteer coach UT men’s team 1984-1993. National Rep. For Club Programs on the MCCC.
1994 - Harold Green, Retired in May 1994 from the Ector County I.S.D.
1993 - Doug Fitzgerald, USGF Women’s State Chairperson, 1990-92 1993 - Bob Sanderson, Abilene , GAT Treasurer, 1990-1993 1993 - Brian “MR. GAT” Schenk, Austin, Devoted GAT leader for twenty-two years!!!
1992 - Martha Mitchell, Odessa , President of T.H.S.G.A. for six years. 17 years Outstanding coaching record at Permian HS .
1992 - Ernie Kirkham, College Station , GAT President 1991-91. Secretary of TGJA and a leader in the men’s judging association.
1992 - Arthur & Gill Elsass, Austin, For service to Texas including hosting the 1992 boys’ Junior Olympic Nationals 1993 - Mike Osborne, GAT President , 1992-93
1991 - Dr. Mary McCabe, Euless, GAT President 90-91, HEB ISD Gymnastics coach, Level 10 Judge, and test administrator.
1991 - Carol Hillenburg, Houston, Regional USGF Women’s Chairman & Elite Judge
1990 - Tim Erwin, State USGF Men’s Program Chairman
1990 - Kevin Muenz, Garland , Public School, Club Coach, Men’s Judge
1990 - John W. “Wes” Brimm, Beaumont, State President, 1989-90
1990 - Dr. Mary McCabe, Euless , Convention Host, State President Elect
1990 - Billy Booth, Richardson, USGF Coach and member of USGF State Board
1989 - Patty Gerard Hannom, Dallas Area Judge 1989 - Brandy Haney, Round Rock High School, Officer and leader of T.H.S.G.C.A.
1989 - Pat Ethredge, Houston , Regional USGF Women’s State Judging Director 1980-91
1989 - Mark Williams, Judge and Coach since his years as an athlete at Oklahoma University
1989 - James McKinney, Cooper HS. Leader in HS and men’s judging organizations for over 20 years.
1989 - Cheryl Jarrett, Capital Gymnastics, Austin . Fourth Award. Second term as GAT President
1989 - Debbie Bellard/Williams, Hurst , Bell HS. Host - 1988 HS Nat’l Championships, Bell ’s Women’s Coach for 15 years.
1988 - Jim and Cheryl Jarrett, Capital Gymnastics, Austin
1988 - Jennifer Host, Past USGF State Women’s Program Chairperson, 1983-90
1988 - Fred Hughes, Pampa . Serving State President, GAT, 1987-88
1988 - Edward “Ted” Pritchett, San Antonio, State leader, American Gymnastics Assoc.
1987- Mike Osborne, Abilene YMCA, Texas YMCA Leader since 1970, Abilene
1987 - Emil Milan, Executive Director, T.H.S.G.C. Association, 1973-1987
1987 - Dr. Darlene Schmidt, Women’s Collegiate Program, SWTSU, 1968-1985
1987 - Cheryl Jarrett, President of GAT, 1986-87
1986 - Tim Erwin, USGF Men’s State Director, Houston
1986 - Billy Booth, GAT Convention Manager, Richardson
1986 - Beau Biron, President of GAT, 1985-86
1985 - Nikki Yeager, President of GAT, 1985-86
1984 - Trey Conniff, State Director of TGJA (Men’s Judges), Bedford
1984 - Ginny Brizzi, Newsletter Editor for Texas Reporter, Colleyville
1983 - James White, Central High School , San Angelo
1983 - Carol Hillenburg, USGF State Director for Girls, Houston
1982 - Mark Williams, USGR State Boys Chairperson, Garland
1982 - Carol Hillenburg, USGF State Director of Girls, Houston
1981 - Jack Hyman, San Antonio Gymnastics School , San Antonio
1981 - Elaine Thompson, Elite National Judge, College Station
1980 - Robert Cowan, Gyros Gymnastics, Fort Worth
1980 - Ralph Reeves, USGF Men’s State Director, Garland
1979 - Kathy Kuhn, USGF Women’s State Director, Houston
1978 - Ginger Arons, NAWGJ State Director, San Angelo
1977 - James White, Central High School , San Angelo
1977 - Darlene Schmidt , Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos
1976 - Carolyn Hale, USGF Women’s State Chairperson, Houston
1975 - Robert Cowan, Gyros Gymnastics, Fort Worth
1974 - Brian Schenk, John H. Reagan High School , Austin