The members of the Palaestra Sparks national team are: Ashley Alexander, Austin Clayton, Andrew Shurtleff, Kristen Stevenson, Meghane Poulet, Katie Campbell, Gracie Gonzalez, Victoria Lovell, Jenna O’Brien, Stewart Brackett, Bria Brackett, Alexadra Fincher, Hannah Scheaffer, Katie Mentesana, Jennifer Meneely, Elena Petropolous.

“Making nationals is an incredible accomplishment for these talented athletes,” said Becki Weathers, manager and lead instructor of The Palaestra. “Their hard work and dedication have paid off and we are very proud of them.”

The Palaestra Sparks also took top honors at the State Meet in Weatherford.  Twelve gymnasts earned the title of State Champion:

Level 3 Trampoline State Champion: Emilie Dellamaestra

Level 3 DoubleMini State Champion: Patches Roddy

Level 4 Tumbling State Champion: Gracie Gonzalez

Level 4 Trampoline State Champion: Bria Brackett

Level 5 Trampoline & Tumbling State Champion: Jenna O’Brien

Level 5 TumblingState Champion: Jennifer Meneely

Level 6 Trampoline & DoubleMini State Champion: Alexandra Fincher

Level 7 Trampoline & DoubleMini State Champion: Hannah Scheaffer

Level 8 TumblingS tate Champion: Kristin Stevenson

Level 8 DoubleMini State Champion: Katie Mentesana

Level 8 DoubleMini State Champion: Stewart Bracket

Level 9 Tumbling, Trampoline & DoubleMini State Champion: Andrew Shurtleff

The Palaestra also took four top Team awards:

Second Place Trampoline – Level 9

Second Place Trampoline – Level 6

Second Place Double Mini – Level 5

The Sparks are well-known at State meets. In 2007 eleven Palaestra Sparks earned State Championships including Kristin Stevenson, Andrew Shurtleff, Jenna O’Brien, Katie Mentesana, Mary Beth Weathers and Alexandra Fincher. “These athletes successfully worked extremely hard to defend their titles” said Coach Weathers.

Mary Beth Weathers continues her training after competing in the 2007 World Age Group Games at which she finished 17^th in the world on the double mini trampoline. She will be competing at the Elite Challenge in Mobile, Alabama which is the national qualifying meet for Elite athletes.

Palaestra coaches include Gary Hedrick, Erin Fortner and Nehemiah Frank. “These coaches have substantial gymnastics and coaching experience and are a privilege to work with,” said Head Coach Becki Weathers. “The Palaestra’s unique blend of coaches, along with their knowledge and love of Trampoline & Tumbling are  key reasons why The Palaestra has been able to field a nationally acclaimed competitive Trampoline & Tumbling team since 2003. It takes unique skills to coach athletes on trampoline and tumbling. We work hard to find the right talent to work with our athletes. Our families enjoy Palaestra for fun, fitness and friends.”

The Palaestra also offers instruction in artistic gymnastics, preschool movement education and dance. “We offer something for all ages, and love what we do. It is so rewarding when our students master a skill they’ve worked so hard on” said Teresa Alexander, head coach for The Palaestra’s Artistic Gymnastics Team.

The Palaestra is located at 3550 Gardenbrook in Farmers Branch. Phone number 972.620.9922. More information can be found at www.thepalaestradallas.com