Gymnasts Support Local School

Nov. 4, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. -- Despite the daily hectic schedule of a Division I athletic program, the University of Oklahoma men's gymnastics recently found time to dress up in costumes and visit the students at Norman's Cleveland Elementary School on Halloween Day.

The Sooners have been partnering with Cleveland Elementary School for several years thanks to Cleveland teacher Regina Bell and OU Head Coach Mark Williams.

"Coach Mark has been a great supporter of this program," said Bell. "He knows that as educators, we do everything we can to connect to our students. In this sports-driven society it is great to use the resources we have at OU."

Bringing the gymnasts into the classroom to help out the teachers in any way, and having the students meet and get to know the gymnasts, is what the program was specifically designed for.

"We like to come back and give to the community and be a positive role model for kids these days," said gymnast Chris Brooks. "I can tell, coming in once a week spending an hour with the kids, they can't wait till we come back. They always ask the teacher when we are going to come back."

The Sooners take time to spend an hour with the classes once a week for the entire year while also attending to special functions as well, such as the annual Jog-a-Thon and Fall Festival.

"I really enjoy coming here because they make an impact on my life. They make me happy whenever I come on Friday mornings, so hopefully I can make an impact on them as well," said gymnast Steven Legendre.

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Having the team interact with the students at Cleveland has also sparked interest about gymnastics with children and parents alike. Each year, the school comes to a home gymnastics meet for "Cleveland Elementary Night" that brings hundreds of students and parents to the McCasland Field House.

"The children at Cleveland have learned so much about gymnastics because of our partnership with the OU team, said Regina Bell. "Parents have stopped me in the hallways to tell me they caught their son or daughter doing tricks on their swing sets and trampolines. It really shows that the children know who cares about them and we know the gymnastics team cares about us."

The children of Cleveland Elementary got to see their favorite Sooner star in their best costumes on Halloween Day and the gymnasts loved seeing what the children had in store as well. It is easy to see the impact both the students and athletes are making on each other as they go on in their respective careers.

"It's a lot of fun coming out here seeing the kids all dressed up. It is really exciting being here and to have a good time," added Legendre.

Not only do the Sooner gymnasts help any way they can at Cleveland Elementary, they also work with other schools around Norman and community service related activities with the OU Athletics Department.

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