State Qualifier - GKWG - Kalamazoo, MI
3-27-07:  The Lady Flames Compulsories competed at Greater Kalamazoo World of Gymnastics over the St. Patrick's Day weekend, participating in a state qualifying meet.  The Level 5's finished at the top of their session, while the Level 6's finished 3rd overall. 

Great job Ladies.
Go Flames!
 

Motown Madness - Oakland Univ. - Rochester, MI
3-12-07:  The home of the Golden Grizzlies was the venue for the very 1st Motown Madness hosted by GTC Classics of Rochester, MI.  Oakland University's Athletic Center was a perfect setting for the festivities.  The Lady Flames opened the event on Friday morning with a slightly lethargic Level 5 performance.  Led by a modest 36.425 all around (Holderby) the 5's could only muster a 4th place finish, dropping behind the 2nd & 3rd place teams by 2/10's.
     That afternoon brought the Level 6's to the Grizzlies' stage.  They settled in, and persevered through what would later be discovered as critical errors, as they tied the 1st Place team from Flint (AGA), but brought home the 2nd Place banner due to the tie breaker - highest event score.  In 4 attempts this season, this is the closest the Lady Flames have come to beating the very good Flint team.
     "Almost" ended its cruel streak as the Lady Flames' Level 4's rocked-them-like-a-hurricane on Saturday morning.  Their searing team-best 113.500 was undeniably water-proof as they convincingly seized the top team spot.  Led by the fine lines and graceful form of Big-Mac Shell (37.950) the girls demonstrated poise and determination.
     Saturday afternoon was slated for levels 9 and 10.  Leadbetter and Stepp both participated well as they looked ahead to their state meet (+3 weeks).  Leadbetter came home with the bronze on vault, while Stepp captured the silver on floor.
     Bringing the "Madness" to a close was the Level 8 session.  The Lady Flames Level 8's, dwindled by injuries, could only field 6 of 10 team members.  These 6 sparked just enough of a performance to bring home the 3rd Place award, falling to Olympia Gymnastics Academy and Geddert's Twistars.
     All in all, it was a very successful outing.  A nice level of competition was on-tap helping to keep the Lady Flames sharp as they approach their respective levels' championships.

Great job Ladies.
Go Flames!
 

WildFire Challenge - Port Huron, MI
3-08-07:  The very first competition hosted by All American Flames Gymnastix proved to be pleasantly rewarding.  All the little details were in place for the 2007 WildFire Challenge as the 300+ gymnasts came calling to perform.  The challengers performed well throughout the 2 day event, with each session concluding after an inflatable challenge.  Some unique ideas, flair and good 'ol hard work were the key ingredients that made the WildFire Challenge successful.  Hats off to the coordinators - Cindy Duemling and Bridget Manter had the T's crossed and the I's dotted, all the little gymnastic helpers that ran to-and-fro, and the parent club volunteers who made the set-up, operations and clean-up easy and fun.  That was work??  The only way of telling so was by the level of exhaustion experienced in the following days.  Thanks to all who participated - it was an honor hosting you!
     The Lady Flames, levels 4-6, participated.  The Level 6's snatched the 3rd place team trophy.  The Level 5's took the 2nd place team award.  There were no placement awards for the Level 4's during the Fun Meet format.

Go Flames!