Sports

Letter: Braintree High Coach Urgues MIAA Not to Drop Boys Gymnastics

The MIAA announced its decision to drop the sport last week, catching coaches and players off guard.

THE MIAA DOES IT AGAIN

Last week the Massachusetts High School community was informed that the MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association) has decided not to recognize Boys Gymnastics after this year season. This decision came to light last week when the Massachusetts coaches were notified half way through the 2013 winter season.

The MIAA Board of Directors has no understanding of the impact of this decision. This decision came as a surprise to Coaches, Athletes, Parents and Alumni. I was personally notified 1 hour prior to competing in our fourth completion with no explanation.

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Gymnastics has been practiced as a form of physical exercise since the time of the ancient Greeks. Since 1896, the quadrennial meeting of athletes from around the world at the Olympic Games has proved to be a time of high drama and great performances. Massachusetts High Schools have produced two male Olympians (Pete Kormann, bronze medalist 1976 and Tim Dagget, gold medalist 1980) and scores of NCAA All-Americans. Braintree High School’s program alone has been in place for over 50 years!

In my opinion funding is the usual reason for these decisions; however, the cost is minimal to the MIAA (a particle board plaque). Each High School has their own practice facilities. Students pay the athletic fees to support transportation and coaching staff. We, as parents, coaches and student athletes deserve a reason why this is happening.

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Add this to the list of atrocities from the Board of MIAA.

Richard Ellis
Braintree High School
Boys Gymnastics Coach


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