Everyone Competes in Coach Cooper's Gymnastics

W.T. Woodson gymnastics coach Mike Cooper believes winning is a direct result of having fun. He admits his team may not have the greatest talent in the region (or even the district), but his philosophy has created interest among student athletes. The Cavaliers bode one of the largest rosters in the Northern Virginia area. 

"I really don't like to make cuts, and usually the kids weed themselves out when they see the talent," Cooper said. "One of my philosophies since I started coaching is to try to compete everybody in the meet."

Only three of the 18 gymnasts are seniors, and just two athletes compete year-round in the sport. It's a largely inexperienced team, but Cooper isn't concerned.

"They don't care if they get a two or an eight," he said. "They just enjoy participating and learning. To me, winning is seeing these kids have fun, participate, and have the success of improving their scores. I've kept that philosophy for 20-some years."

Sophomore Rachael Talento is the Cavaliers' top all-around competitor this season. She is one of the two who competes all year. Her hard work, desire and discipline has paid off.

The rest of the team has improved with each performance — an accomplishment Cooper is excited about. He said he understands it will take time and practice to reach the level of talent of their competition in the Patriot District, but the journey to that point will be an enjoyable one.

"Our weakest event is bars. For kids who are non-gymnasts and just athletes, it's hard to learn the skills and perfect it right away," Cooper said. "Our best events are probably floor and beam. We have a number of cheerleaders who have come out for the team and know how to tumble."

The coach said he feels proud of his girls, who never complain or shy away from a challenge. Cooper takes notes after each meet as he examines the score sheet. He then sets goals for each gymnast to shoot for at the following competition. 

"I would like to see their scores rise and hope they achieve their requirements on each piece of equipment," he said. "You can be 0-10 or 10-0, but when districts come, that’s where you win and you just never know when a kid’s going to shine."

Unfortunately, Woodson has seen illness and injury through the halfway point of the 2011-12 season. The eighth-year coach said he hopes the team can get healthy and compete as a whole by its next meet in January.

Woodson competes next at Washington and Lee on Jan. 10 at 6:30 p.m.