Gymnasts Perform at Local School

NORMAN, Okla. Friday night is Cleveland Elementary night as the fourth-ranked OU men's gymnastics team takes on club teams from the University of Washington and the University of Texas.

The Sooners dropped by the school on Wednesday morning for a pep rally with Cleveland's students. The gymnasts brought along some of their equipment and provided an exhibition of gymnastics skills.

The gymnastics team has a long partnership with the school. Despite classes of their own and training for the season, members of the OU team still find time in their busy schedules to make weekly visits to the school to assist teachers and mentor students.

Gymnasts are assigned to assist a specific teacher with day-to-day activities including reading, practicing grammar skills and math exercises.

Junior Joseph Weaver assists in third-grader Cary Pirtle's class. “He helps us with our math and he's really fun to work with,” Pirtle said. “He's just fun.”

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The crowd of over 500 students and teachers watched highlights from OU's home-opening win against Air Force and Nebraska, then the team took to the floor to show off some of their skills.

“The exhibitions are so much fun for the kids,” said Cleveland teacher Regina Bell. “Unlike football which is on TV all the time, with gymnastics they've probably seen it and they kind of know the concept but they really don't understand the strength and all that's involved. So when they get to see it up close like that it's really neat for them.”

Friday's meet is scheduled for a 7 p.m. (CST) start at the Howard McCasland Field House. Pom-poms will be handed out at the door and the team will sign autographs after the meet. Contact the OU Ticket Office at (405) 325-2424 for ticket information.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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