BURNSVILLE GYMNASTICS ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION

The Burnsville Gymnastics Activities Association was organized in January of 1967 by Mrs Annette Leider and four interested parents. Dick and jean Dennison and Phillis and Bob Ward. This non- profit group was dedicated to individual gymnastic activities for children and grew within three years from the original 25 girls to 200. Officers were elected and by-laws were drawn up. Membership was reserved for students of School District 191 unless space was available.

Mrs. Leider coached the Burnsville Club from 1967 to 1971. Under her capable coaching, the team gained national recognition with Kathy Dennison and Nancy Ward being the top achievers. Kathy Dennison won several state and regional totals and won the National AAU Junior Olympic meet at the age of 15. Kathy won membership to the United States team in 1970, however a knee injury in the World Game trials ended her competitive years.

Coaching between the years of 1971 and 1973 was shared by Nancy Theil, Pam Kaltenbraum, Kathy Dennison and Jim Tarnowski. Julia Thompson, former student and teach in Burnsville Gymnastics Activities Association since the club began was hired as Head Coach in 1973. The club was grown to 385 gymnastics, both boys and girls. The teams, competing under the AAU and USGF national organizations, have proven themselves to be one of the top in the state. Six gymnasts qualified in 1976 for regional competition. This number far exceeds any club in Minnesota. Theresa Thompson, Lori Erickson, Denise Crowl and Julie Kot have been recognized as accomplished state, regional and national gymnasts.


GYMNASTICS

Burnsville's talented gymnast, Bonnie, began her career under the tutelage of Fred and Annette Lieder, the coaches of Burnsville Girls Athletic Association. In the eighth grade, she won the state award from the Presidential Council of Physical Fitness.

As a member of the Burnsville High School girls' team, Bonnie won trophies wherever she competed She won regional trophies in her sophomore and junior years, and placed first in vaulting, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercises in regional competition in her senior year.

Bonnie is an Athena awards winner and won first all around in the state high school gymnastic meet. She graduated in June, 1975 and is now attending the University of Minnesota where she is a member of the girls gymnastic team and is now training for national competition.