With the popularity of gymnastics at the Olympics, it might surprise you to know that no Oregon high school has a team.
“I was a coach at both Grant and Tigard High School,” said David Klein. “But the team and my job went away in the 80s.”
Klein is now the President of Metro Gymnastics Academy.
“Gymnastics went away as a high school sport because of insurance and liability, the cost and the advent of the club programs,” he explained.
OSAA records show that in 1978, 93 Oregon high schools had teams. By 1983, just 34 had programs.
“Title IX also contributed,” said OSAA spokesman Steve Walker. “Volleyball and basketball were added giving more young women the chance to be part of a team.”
David Klein would like his club gymnasts to get some sort of recognition from their schools.
“We have at least 10 schools represented on the team,” he said. “Many of their classmates don’t even know they’re athletes.”
Klein plans to approach district athletic directors to see if criteria could be put in place for gymnasts to earn a letter.
“It’s too bad we can’t be recognized by the school,” said Colton High School senior Maddie Spitzer. “I really don’t have time to be part of other school activities and the sport has taught me to work really hard.”