AMHERST – Members of the Aerials Gymnastics Club are attending their first meet of the season this weekend at the Titans Gymnastics Club in Dartmouth.
“We brought seven new girls up to the competitive division this year, so they’re quite nervous,” said Aerials coach, Michelle Landry.
Fifteen girls will compete in Dartmouth, including five long-time Aerials competitors: Kirsten Lawrence, Jessica Landry, Imogen Quinn, Juliana LeBlanc and Emma Sjanic.
“They have nicknamed themselves The Elders,” said Landry. “They’re looking really good but they’re nervous as well. I’m sure that come Friday and Saturday those nerves will have calmed down a little bit.”
Felicia Landry, a former Aerials competitor, is helping coach on a full-time basis this season.
“She’s here two or three nights a week. That’s made a big difference,” said Landry. “We have a huge group, so having her has been wonderful, and the girls have really bonded with her.”
Felicia studies psychology at Mount Allison University, and says coaching provides a nice break from her studies.
“It feels a lot better to have set hours instead of showing up whenever I’m available,” she said. “It helps me time-manage better and it gives me a break from school. I can’t be thinking about school when I’m here.”
Michelle says it’s a good feeling to be getting the competitive season under way.
“It will be nice to see what the girls can do and see what they need to come back and work on.”
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