Field set for T&T’s 2012 Stars and Stripes Cup in Cleveland

INDIANAPOLIS, May 1, 2012 – Nine U.S. senior champions are expected to be among the more than 350 gymnasts competing in USA Gymnastics’ trampoline and tumbling Stars and Stripes Cup, May 11-13, in Cleveland, Ohio. Held at Cleveland Public Auditorium, the three-day event showcases the USA’s best in men’s and women’s trampoline, tumbling, synchronized trampoline and double mini-trampoline. The Stars and Stripes Cup is the second of three events in the selection process for the U.S. Olympic Team for trampoline.

The 2011 senior national champions are: trampoline – Jeffrey Gluckstein of Atlantic Highlands, N.J./ETA, and Savannah Vinsant of Lafayette, La./Trampoline and Tumbling Express; synchronized trampoline – Neil Gulati of Irvine, Calif./World Elite Gymnastics, and Michael Devine of Winnebago, Ill./J and J Tumbling and Trampoline Team, and Alaina Williams of Amarillo, Texas/Acrospirts, and Dakota Earnest of Plains, Texas/Acrospirits; tumbling – Kalon Ludvigson of Pocatello, Idaho/Team Revolution, and Karly Judkins of Glenpool, Okla./Elite Gymnastics; and double mini-trampoline –Erin Jauch of Crystal Lake, Ill./Fox Valley Trampoline and Tumbling, and Ludvigson. In addition to Devine, Earnest, Gluckstein, Gulati, Vinsant and Williams, several other trampoline Olympic hopefuls in the field include Steven Gluckstein of Atlantic Highlands, N.J./ETA; Logan Dooley of Lake Forest, Ill./World Elite Gymnastics; and Nani Vercruyssen of Honolulu/Hawaii Academy.

In addition to the junior and senior elite levels, the Stars and Stripes Cup also includes athletes in Levels 8-10 and the Olympic Development Program. The four events for the elite and Olympic Development Program levels will have both preliminary and final rounds.

The competition schedule is as follows.

One man and one woman will represent the United States in trampoline at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The Stars and Stripes Cup is the second of three qualifying events for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team for trampoline. The other two events are the 2012 U.S. Elite Challenge, held March 30-April 1 in Tulsa, Okla., and the trampoline nationals in June in San Jose, Calif. Steven Gluckstein and Vinsant won the first senior trampoline competition at the 2012 T&T Elite Challenge and have 23 points heading into the second qualifying event, the Stars and Stripes Cup. Athletes earn points based on their finishes at the three selection events, with points earned at two of the three competitions counting toward the final ranking.

The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, the City of Cleveland and Cleveland Public Auditorium are assisting with the hosting and staging of the Stars and Stripes Cup.

Trampoline events involve athletes using trampolines that can propel them up to 30 feet in the air, during which they can perform double and triple twisting somersaults. Tumbling utilizes elevated rod-floor runways that enable athletes to jump at heights more than 10 feet and execute a variety of acrobatic maneuvers. For the double-mini competition, the athlete makes a short run, leaps onto a small two-level trampoline, performs an aerial maneuver and dismounts onto a landing mat.

The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission prides itself on being one of the most distinguished Sports Commissions in the country, effectively leveraging sports events and activities to further economic development in Northeast Ohio. The philosophy of the Sports Commission sets it apart from others by operating as an economic and community development organization utilizing sports as a vehicle to forward other community agendas. The organization takes the unique approach of becoming a management and financial partner in each event with the goal of producing events that are more successful in Cleveland than other cities in which they have been held. Since 2000, the Sports Commission has been responsible for attracting, creating and/or managing over 120 sporting events resulting in more than $370 million in economic activity. For more information, please visit www.clevelandsports.org.

Roster for elite-level athletes competing at 2012 Stars & Stripes Cup

Arizona
Joshua Browne, Gilbert, Ariz./Aspire Kids Sports Center, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, trampoline (10), junior
Drew Collins, Gilbert, Ariz./Aspire Kids Sports Center, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, trampoline (jr.), senior
Steven Harris, Chandler, Ariz./Aspire Kids Sports Center, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Jerrett Jensen, Gilbert, Ariz./Aspire Kids Sports Center, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, junior
Stewart Macdonald, Glendale, Ariz./Aspire Kids Sports Center, double mini-trampoline, junior
Nichole Maurice, Phoenix, Ariz./Aspire Kids Sports Center, double mini-trampoline, junior
Noah Orr, Phoenix, Ariz./Air Sports, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Lee Wilkerson, Tempe, Ariz./Aspire Kids Sports Center, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, senior
Bryce Wilson, Gilbert, Ariz./Aspire Kids Sports Center, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, junior

California
Nicole Ahsinger, San Diego, Calif./So Cal TTC, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, junior
Garret Chew, Coto de Caza, Calif./World Elite Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline (10), trampoline, junior
Logan Dooley, Lake Forest, Calif./World Elite Gymnastics, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, senior
Charlotte Drury, Laguna Nigel, Calif./World Elite Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Maggie Gallagher, Coto de Caza, Calif./World Elite Gymnastics, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Neil Gulati, Irvine, Calif./World Elite Gymnastics, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, senior
Trevor Jackson, Ramona, Calif./So Cal TTC, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, junior
Tori Lockwood, Poway, Calif./So Cal TTC, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, senior
Erica Owen, Mission Viejo, Calif./World Elite Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, senior
Alicia Powder, Ladera Ranch, Calif./World Elite Gymnastics, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, senior
Kyle Purkiss, Oxnard, Calif./Coach Patty Gymnastics, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, junior
Ryan Roberts, Ramona, Calif./So Cal TTC, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, senior
Tanner Robinson, Anaheim, Calif./World Elite Gymnastics, trampoline, junior
Jake Roth, San Diego, Calif./So Cal TTC, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, senior
Amanda Spitzer, Vista, Calif./Bounce California, double mini-trampoline (10), trampoline, junior
Austin White, Newport Coast, Calif./World Elite Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, senior

Colorado
Sam Chiacchia, Colorado Springs, Colo./High Country Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Philip Gifford, Monument, Colo./Branch Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, junior
Lauren Harclerode, Colorado Springs, Colo./High Country Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, junior

Florida
Marina Moskalenko, Orlando, Fla./Stick It Gymnastics, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, senior

Hawaii
Zachary Ceroli, Honolulu, Hawaii/Hawaii Academy, double mini-trampoline (jr.), trampoline, senior
Shane Doi, Honolulu, Hawaii/Hawaii Academy, double mini-trampoline (10), trampoline (jr.), junior
Nani Vercruyssen, Honolulu, Hawaii/Hawaii Academy, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, senior

Idaho
Kalon Ludvigson, Pocatello, Idaho/Team Revolution, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, senior
Kainoa Park, Chubbock, Idaho/Team Revolution, tumbling, junior

Illinois
Josh Coles, Wonder Lake, Ill./Five Star, tumbling, junior
Michael Devine, Winnebago, Ill./J&J Tumbling and Trampoline, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, senior
John Hanten, Heyworth, Ill./Gymnastics ETC, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, junior
Erin Jauch, Crystal Lake, Ill./Fox Valley Tumbling & Trampoline, double mini-trampoline, senior
Trey Katz, Charleston, Ill./Sun Elite Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, senior
James Lichtenstein, Buffalo Grove, Ill./Five Star, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, senior
Alyssa Long, McHenry, Ill./Five Star, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, junior
Kristle Lowell, Orland Park, Ill./Branch Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, senior
Austin Nacey, Braidwood, Ill./TwistStars Tumbling & Trampoline, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, trampoline (jr.), junior
Tyler Waller, Bloomington, Ill./Gymnastics ETC, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, junior
Garret Waterstradt, paxton, Ill./Irish’s Gymnastics, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, junior

Indiana
Hayley Butcher, Saint John, Ind./Midwest Training & Ice, trampoline, senior
Jake Jacobson, Fishers, Ind./Interactive Academy, trampoline, junior
Alex Renkert, Indianapolis, Ind./Interactive Academy, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, senior
Tristan VanNatta, Pendleton, Ind./Geist Sports Academy, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, senior
Madi Webster, Odon, Ind./Tumbling Express, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, junior

Louisiana
Hunter Brewster, Lafayette, La./T&T Express, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, senior
Shanelle Landry, Lafayette, La./Elite Trampoline Academy, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, senior
Matthew Pettus, New Orleans, La./Elmwood, double mini-trampoline, junior
Louis Prejean, Youngsville, La./T&T Express, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Alexi Shostak, Lafayette, La./T&T Express, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior

Massachusetts
Eric Kennedy, Holland, Mass./Airtime Trampoline, trampoline, junior

Maryland
Ivanna Antezana, Silver Spring, Md./Fairland T&T, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Delilah Glidden, Laurel, Md./Fairland T&T, double mini-trampoline (10), trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Spencer Jefferson, Ellicott City, Md./United Gymnastix, double mini-trampoline, trampoline (jr.), junior
Matthew Joy, Westminster, Md./United Gymnastix, double mini-trampoline (10), trampoline (jr.), junior
Deana Parris, Burtonsville, Md./Fairland T&T, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, senior

Michigan
Aaron Cook, Detroit, Mich./AGT Flip City, tumbling, junior
Matt Cress, Royal Oak, Mich./Branch Gymnastics, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, , junior
Mitchell Dewey, Grand Rapids, Mich./Aerials & Baranis Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline (10), trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Justin Hackett, Allendale, Mich./Branch Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, senior
Haley Harper, Kalamazoo, Mich./Branch Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, trampoline (jr.), senior
Miranda Kerr, Warren, Mich./AGT Flip City, tumbling, senior
Mitchell Roedema, Rockford, Mich./Aerials & Baranis Gymnastics, tumbling (10), trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Aubrianna Salas, Royal Oak, Mich./AGT Flip City, tumbling, junior
Casey Skinner, Livonia, Mich./AGT Flip City, tumbling, junior
Erynn Stier, Morley, Mich./Branch Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Ryan Walsh, Kalamazoo, Mich./Branch Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, senior

Missouri
Nathan Donnelly, Kansas City, Mo./Xtreme Trampoline, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Kyle Ford, Lees Summit, Mo./Xtreme Trampoline, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Hally Piontek, Warrensburg, Mo./Kansas City Trampoline, 10, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Micaela Stahl, Lees Summit, Mo./Xtreme Trampoline, trampoline, junior

North Carolina
Cody Lesak, Concord, N.C./Ultimate Air, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Stewart Pritchard, Greensboro, N.C./Ultimate Air, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Jackson Tyson, Greensboro, N.C./Flip Force Gymnastics, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, junior

New Jersey
Joie Bauman, Holmdel, N.J./Elite Trampoline Academy, double mini-trampoline (10), trampoline (jr.), junior
Colin Duda, Atlantic Highlands, N.J./Elite Trampoline Academy, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Nicole Gacsi, Edison, N.J./Elite Trampoline Academy, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Cody Gesuelli, Middletown, N.J./Elite Trampoline Academy, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Andrea Ghanian, Holdmel, N.J./Elite Trampoline Academy, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Audrey Ghanian, Holmdel, N.J./Elite Trampoline Academy, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, senior
Jeffrey Gluckstein, Atlantic Highlands, N.J./Elite Trampoline Academy, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, senior
Steven Gluckstein, Atlantic Highlands, N.J./Elite Trampoline Academy, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, senior
Ginger Hansen, Holmdel, N.J./Elite Trampoline Academy, double mini-trampoline (10), trampoline (jr.), synchronized trampoline, junior
Breanne Hatter, Lincroft, N.J./Elite Trampoline Academy, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Meghan O’Connell, Middletown, N.J./Elite Trampoline Academy, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior

Nevada
Natalya Beneschott, Reno, Nev./Team Revolution, tumbling, senior
Casey Chandler, Reno, Nev./Legacy T&T, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, senior

Oklahoma
Brittney Bernard, Bixby, Okla./Oklahoma Extreme, tumbling, senior
Mackenzie Kulka, Tulsa, Okla./Oklahoma Extreme, tumbling, junior
Will Nunes, Tulsa, Okla./Xtreme Elite, tumbling, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, junior
Michael O’Dell, Tulsa, Okla./T3, trampoline, junior
Matthew Tygart, Broken Arrow, Okla./T3, trampoline, junior
Alaina Williams, Norman, Okla./Acrospirits, trampoline, senior

Pennyslvania
Kristin Day, Reynoldsville, Pa./Uzelac Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, senior
Joseph Kozlowski, Avondale, Pa./Elite Trampoline Academy, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior

Texas
Shaylee Dunavin, Amarillo, Texas/All American Gymnastics, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Dakota Earnest, Tokio, Texas/Acrospirits, trampoline, senior
Braxton Evans, Del Rio, Texas/Elite Champion Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, junior
Claire Johnson, Waxahachie, Texas/Trevinos Gymnastics, trampoline, junior
Kaidyn Lane, Littlefield, Texas/Acrospirits, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Parker Madison, Flower Mound, Texas/Elite Champion Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, junior
Mackenzee Martin, Lubbock, Texas/Air Extreme, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, junior
Chant Parker, Cuero, Texas/South Texas Elite, double mini-trampoline (10), trampoline (jr.), synchronized trampoline, junior
Robert Vargas, Houston, Texas/Gymnast Factory, tumbling (9), double mini-trampoline, trampoline, junior
Savannah Vinsant, Lafayette, La./T&T Express, trampoline, synchronized trampoline, senior
Alyssa Williamson, Amarillo, Texas/All American Gymnastics, double mini-trampoline, trampoline, senior

Utah
Stephanie Rennie, Riverdale, Utah/Flipside Tumbling, tumbling, junior

West Virginia
Wolfgang Fanestiel, Martinsburg, W.Va./Fairland T&T, double mini-trampoline (10), trampoline (jr.), junior