Oswego Boy Competes in Gymnastics Evaluation

OSWEGO, IL — An Oswego boy competed at a Future Stars gymnastics evaluation in Indiana recently.

In early October, Premier West sent five boys to this year’s Future Stars evaluations in Mishawaka, Indiana. Cole Fallbacher, 9, of Oswego, Daniel San Juanico, 9, of Plainfield, Ryan Vanichtheeranont, 12, of Plainfield, and Nathan York, 12, of Plainfield were evaluated and scored on technical sequence routines performed on all six men’s events, plus trampoline, strength, and flexibility, according to a news release.

The Future Stars program is an age-group developmental program for boys age 8-13 run by USA Gymnastics. The program is designed to develop and educate the nation’s top gymnasts, and prepare them for senior level competition. Boys in the 8 and 9 year old age division compete at the regional level, while boys 10-13 may also advance to the national level with qualifying scores. Daniel, Ryan, and Nathan all earned spots on the Regional Junior National Development Team.

Ryan and Nathan, both seventh graders, will be returning to the US Olympic Training center for their third year in a row as Future Stars national qualifiers. They will compete amongst the top gymnasts in the United States and attend an intense training session with national and Olympic coaching staff. The experience is unforgettable as they train alongside Olympic athletes.

The sport of gymnastics requires a great deal of athleticism, along with discipline, motivation, and determination. Boys training at this level develop a strong work ethic and become goal- oriented as they are training five to six days a week for 3.5 hours or more under the instruction of Coaches Paul Evatt, Dave Masciola, Chris Nendick, and Chris McKee. Some of the boys have goals of collegiate gymnastics, while others are trying to make national teams and become future Olympic hopefuls. No matter which route they are aiming for, gymnasts naturally become leaders and role models as they learn to maintain a balance of education and home life, while training at elite levels. Upon return from Colorado, Ryan and Nathan will be gearing up for this season’s competitions with their teammates.

Many competitions are held locally, but these gymnasts travel around the nation to compete as well. Premier Gymnastics Academy West will be hosting their annual Great Western Invite at Oswego East High School February 18-20.