Attempting to improve, vaulter joined the gymnastics team

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qst ... FlZUVFeXk2

Boys want to have fun


Wednesday, September 13, 2006

By DARREN COOPER
STAFF WRITER

WEST MILFORD -- Lauren Rescigno has had to change the way she talks.

"I was so used to saying, 'All right girls, let's go,' and they were like, 'no, it's girls and boys,' " said the West Milford gymnastics coach. "It's a little different."


It's hard to say just what is more interesting about watching a West Milford gymnastics practice. For one thing, the number of girls -- 38 at last count -- is by far the most of any team in North Jersey, but it's the two guys training on the team that make it really stand out.

Adam Lazor, a junior, was the first to approach Rescigno about joining the team. After skateboarding for eight years, Lazor gave that up to concentrate on the pole vault last winter. He figured working out with the gymnastics team would help him improve his balance and form.

"My vaulting coach in spring track told me it was the best thing I could do in the off-season, especially bars," said Lazor, who has a personal best of 12 feet, 6 inches in the pole vault. "The technique and the swing-through for pole vaulting carry over, so that is what I am doing here."

George Denliker, another junior, did gymnastics while training at Star Athletics gym in Boonton and made the Highlanders cheering squad this fall. But a scheduling conflict made it hard for him to continue to cheer, so he followed Lazor to the Highlanders' previously girls-only sport.

"It's a lot of fun. I know most of the girls from elementary school. It's not that different, it's not as different as you would expect it to be," here Denliker takes a long pause, "very accepting."

The girls definitely don't seem to mind having the two boys around. Denliker is everyone's favorite spotter, and he has earned Rescigno's respect for working with some girls on basic skills. Lazor has drawn raves for his athleticism and often leads warm-ups.

"You don't expect boys to want to join a girls team, but it's turned out real well," said Charlene Pappas, one of the Highlanders tri-captains. "They get along with the girls, the girls get along with them."

"My mom is the head of the booster club, so she knew right away and she thought it was great," said Jaclyn Beck. "She offered to get them different warm ups and stuff, but they wanted to wear what we have. Adam is doing a great job, he tries so hard, and George is really into it."

Under NJSIAA rules, the boys are not allowed to compete in high school meets. Rescigno said she didn't know if one could perform a routine as an "exhibition" during a meet, but said she would look into it.

"I really wish I could compete," said Lazor. "It's really fun and having them [the girls] tell me I should compete makes me want to more. Hopefully, something will change one day. I think that would be really cool."

Denliker agrees, saying it would be a lot more fun to have the chance to compete.

"I think if we had a competitive boys team, I think some other boys would come out," said Rescigno. "I think there is talent in the school. These two are very talented, and it's a shame they can't compete and get another letter."

The real question is, what do their guy friends think of this?

"A few of my guy friends said it would be weird," said Lazor. "I just said, 'Whatever, dude.' "

Besides, what red-blooded 16-year-old wouldn't want to be surrounded by 38 high school girls for 2½ hours every afternoon?

"I think they are lucky," Beck said with a laugh.

"I admit, it's awesome," Lazor said blushing. "I try not to be like other guys, but it's pretty awesome being on a team with a lot of girls."

[vault3rb0y]

haha... awesome. Gymnastics is such an awesome sport by itself, but to cross train with gymnastics, i think you build basic skills for almost every other sport. What sport doesnt require core strength, nervous of steal, coordination and balance?? not too many come to mind. I am definitely going to encourage my kids to join gymnastics, if they want a future in any other sport.

[polevaulter08nw]

im taking gymnastics and its awomse, not for school or anything cause we don't have a team. but i love it and it should help, but we will find out on the 24th, first day back from summer training into fall training, i cant wait!

[wannaflyhigh20]

I thought about doing that and then I watched my little sisters class and decided against it. With my gymnastics skill level I'd be a step below her! I'm still growing into my body and am already a little uncordinated...I could only imagine!

[vault3rb0y]

You gotta start somewhere man