GymACT 2025 Season: week 5
Weekend of February 8-9
YES! Another exciting weekend of gymnastics. This was week 5 of our EIGHTH season and GymACT now has enough of a history to warrant certain pressures and expectations. I’m talking about the rivalries and the match-ups that I/we look forward to seeing and the face-offs that NEVER disappoint. The new “classic“ competitions!
Alright, before I get into the ‘feeling’ of things, let’s look at who was where and when (all meets, Saturday 2/9/2025):
Daytona Beach Open: Florida Storm (🏆 280.20), Georgia United (263.70)
Xtreme Altitude Invitational: Washington (🏆 292.05) @ Rocky Mountain (284.40)
Dual Meet: Temple (🏆 285.90) @ NY Alliance (281.30)
Week 5 was ‘a break’ for the top teams of each conference: MinnesotaIt (E) and Arizona (W), who are also #1 and #2 in the country, respectively. While they ‘rest’ we get to focus on the teams HUNGRY TO TAKE those coveted top spots and they wasted NO time! Across the country teams delivered. This season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive ever. YES!
Regional rivals are always fun to watch. These teams are geographically close to one another, so there is a naturally competitive ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ feel. This weekend we saw spectacular matches (Georgia United vs. Florida Storm and Temple vs. New York Alliance) and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Thanks for making the meets available on social media, guys.
I was impressed by both individual and team performances. The tenacity and determination of gymnasts fighting tooth and nail for their brothers led to the teams’ overall improvement: competitive success (scores & ranking) and better gymnastics (consistency, strategy, unity). Programs are growing (literally and metaphorically), maturing and developing impressive gymnastics full of difficulty AND beautiful to watch. YES!
Narrowing the focus within each team, individuals are rising and shining in their own right all across the board. It brings joy to my nerdy gymnastics heart, the growth of (pretty much all athletes), but some clear and noticeable examples. These MEN are bringing to the competition floor a stunning level of gymnastics maturity, inner strength, resilience and inspiring leadership. There is a palpable difference in the dynamics as each individual finds his place and contribution to the team. Yes, yes, YES!!!
[SPOTLIGHT cue] Aiden Whitehead, Georgia
The spotlight finds Aiden Whitehead, of Georgia United, in the middle of the competition arena. The senior etched his way patiently through the ranks and rankings all throughout the years. In and out of the gym he has played a crucial role in the forming and growing of the Georgia program. His passion and enthusiasm have always been present, AND now this young man is showing impressive difficulty backed by polished gymnastics, with elegance and consistency. The results are clear: this season he came ready to play hard and challenge anyone/everyone in the country in his specialty events: floor, rings, vault, and pbars. Watch out. Georgia’s team has a fistful of “Aiden” coming for ya!
Another senior shining star is Xander Agate of Washington Men’s Gymnastics. But I’ll let his coach's words express the sentiment via the instagram post ;)
Watching these gymnasts compete for their team is inspiring. Their pride in their contributions thru performance and in support of their fellow teammates, herculean efforts that not one of them could conceive, let alone deliver, alone. But, when it’s for the team?… a thing of beauty.
As I see it: “FOR THE TEAM!“
The brotherhood and camaraderie has shifted from loud and rowdy (read “obnoxious”) enthusiasm into a different dynamic. They are still LOUD, but now there is a deeper bond of respect, support and honoring one another. Celebration of the process and a stronger understanding of WIN in the process, not just the outcome. And the BOND that is sure to last a lifetime. This old geezer for sure still feels the love and the strength of the relationships that were forged over 30 years ago with my brothers in a college gymnastics team. YES! It brings joy to my heart to witness these young men continue THIS tradition brought about by our shared passion: Gymnastics.
Exponential ripples of unity and support: Individual for the team, the team for the community.
Our gymnastic family suffered an unimaginable tragedy just a few weeks ago with the passing of Tyler Sabapathy. The grief is still present, deeply affecting each and every one of us; none more, of course, than the members of the Temple Men’s Gymnastics team. Hosting Temple at their home meet, New York Alliance graciously stepped up in support of their kin. And, on behalf of GymACT, I want to say “thanks.”
NYA produced and distributed T-shirts with both team’s logos and number 22 prominently placed. Tyler’s competition jersey number 22 has become a (positive) symbol etched in the heart of the GymACT community (and beyond). Thank you, New York Alliance for encapsulating the spirt of #22 in a gesture of solidarity and a stellar show of sportsmanship and honor.
As we continue to remember and celebrate Tyler Sabapathy, each of us with our own struggles, together we endure as one. The community, once again, is stronger than the sum of its parts. Thank you, Alliance, thank you, Tyler.
And that’s as I claim to understand it. Long live GymACT, long live Gymnastics.
Aloha, Breeze.
From the coaches:
FLORIDA STORM:
Florida storm dominates in victory over Georgia United:
The Florida Storm made a powerful statement this past weekend, officially fielding a full squad with 24 counting routines and securing a decisive victory over Georgia United. With standout performances across the board, the team proved they are a force to be reckoned with as they gear up for the Eastern Conference Championships.
Storm takes 5 of 6 event titles:
Florida Storm athletes claimed victory in five of the six individual event titles, showcasing both depth and dominance. Cody Phillips delivered an impressive Kaz 1.5 on vault, securing the event title with a standout routine. Meanwhile, Josh George put on a masterclass, sweeping pommel horse, rings, parallel bars, and high bar with skillful execution and consistency.
The meet also marked an inspiring moment for Nick Irving, who made a remarkable comeback to the sport. Competing in the all-around, Irving not only proved his resilience but also took home the all-around title in a triumphant return to competition.
Final showdown before Eastern Conference Championships:
With this victory under their belt, Florida Storm now sets its sights on its next big challenge—a final showdown in Georgia before heading into the Eastern Conference Championships. With momentum on their side and a fully stacked roster, the Storm looks primed to continue their winning ways.
Stay tuned for more updates as Florida Storm continues their journey toward championship glory! #FeelTheStorm 🌪️
MINNESOTA GOPHERS:
Minnesota was idle this weekend in preparation for their second home meet of the season with the MN GymACT Invitational, also known as the Ski-U-Mah Invitational. The Gophers will see action against Northern Illinois, Iowa, & Wisconsin. Both NIU & Minnesota will field two teams at this meet in an effort to get the entire team some additional competitive experience.
“We have a big team this year and I think it’s crucial that we get everyone a chance to compete during the regular season,” said head coach Mike Burns. “The championship portion of the season will be here before we know it and I want to be sure I get a good look at everyone on the team in a competition setting,” Burns continued. “The key to success is hitting routines at the end of the season and I need to know who can do that.”
This meet will be giving away prize money to the top 3 teams with 1st place bringing in $1500, 2nd place will win $900, and the 3rd place team will be heading home $500 richer than when they arrived!
ARIZONA STATE:
After a strong showing with two full teams competing at the SoCal Seal Beach invite last week (taking 1st & 2nd place), Arizona State had a bye weekend. This week, we are preparing for a big road trip to compete at Temple University along with NYA and the newest GymACT team, Indy-Hio.
"We are really excited about this competition against these great East Coast teams, and especially since it's in McGonigle Hall where we haven't competed as a team in 48 years" explained head coach Scott Barclay.
Stick Masters: Week 5 stuck dismounts
🏆Florida Storm: 6
Rocky Mountain Mavericks: 2
Temple: 2
Get to know the Coach!
Garison Clark, Rocky Mountain Mavericks
Garison Clark, originally from Enfield, Connecticut, has been a lifelong gymnast and passionate advocate for the sport. A former USAG Junior gymnast from Region 6 (Massachusetts), Garison went on to compete for Syracuse University Men’s Gymnastics in the NAIGC, serving as team captain from 2013 to 2016. His commitment to the growth of collegiate gymnastics led him to co-create the New York Alliance in 2015, and be a competing member of the 2016 NAIGC National Champion Team (All Around).
Garison is a key figure in the GymACT movement, being one of its founding members in 2018, and a member of the CGA prior to its inception. His leadership has shaped the league through his roles as the GymACT WEST Board Representative, Head of Athlete Membership and Eligibility, and Director of the GymACT Camp Program. He pioneered the Athlete Petition Process, allowing non-traditional college students to compete, broadening access to collegiate gymnastics. He is also involved with the Working Groups for the GymACT All Star Championships, and the GymACT Strategic Planning.
As a coach, Garison has left a lasting impact at every level of the sport. He has coached in the USAG Junior Program since 2008 and was named 2022 NY State USAG Coach of the Year. In GymACT, he served as Head Coach of the New York Alliance (2018-2022) before joining Rocky Mountain Mavericks as Assistant Coach in 2022. In 2024, his outstanding leadership earned him GymACT Assistant Coach of the Year, marking him as the first and only coach to work with multiple GymACT programs.
Currently, Garison is the Boys Program Director at Xtreme Altitude Gymnastics in Lafayette, CO, where he continues to develop young athletes both in and out of the gym. His favorite GymACT role? Directing GymACT Camp, a one-of-a-kind experience designed to immerse high school gymnasts in a collegiate-style training and competition environment. With the launch of the first-ever EAST-WEST Camp split in 2025, he is excited to expand opportunities for gymnasts nationwide.
Garison’s Coaching Philosophy:
"I am in the business of developing quality young men. Through our shared love for gymnastics, I hope to instill discipline, determination, and morality—helping them become their best selves in and beyond the sport."
Favorite Gymnastics Memory:
Performing with his childhood boys team at the Springfield College Gymnastics Home Show—twice!
GOTW - Gymnast of the week nominations:
TEMPLE: LANDON BRADY
Freshman Landon Brady went 3/3 on his events last Saturday, and placed in the top 3 on all doing so. The highlight of the day was sticking his tucked double-double dismount off high bar to secure the event title. He also had the highest execution on floor. Brady is mentally tough and is proving himself to be a reliable member in the line up.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN MAVERICKS - EVAN MCGRATH
Evan McGrath continued his season with another MASSIVE performance for the Mavericks at the Xtreme Invite. The Mavericks hosted their home meet at Xtreme Altitude Gymnastics, the gym Evan spent his junior career at! In front of his hometown crowd. Evan was our anchor routine on FX, PH, VT, and HB, HITTING 4-for-4 a d earning FIRST PLACE in the meet on 3 of his 4 performances. Not only that, Evan overcame day-long nausea to still compete unphased by any limitations. Evan has spent this season working hard, putting in the hours and turns, and pushing his competitive performance. It was fun to see him succeed yet again as an outstanding athlete for the Mavericks and put up some of the hardest gymnastics being performed on our team.
FLORIDA STORM: JOSHUA GEORGE
Joshua George led the Storm to their very first 24 counting score victory! Joshua is the team captain and performed one of his best competitions taking titles on Horse, Rings, Parallel Bars and High Bar!
Up Next:
Week 6: Saturday, February 15, 2025
Temple vs. Arizona State, Indi-hio & NY Alliance
MN GymACT Invite: Minnesota vs. Iowa & Northern Illinois
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