SPRINGFIELD, Va. (WUSA) -- "Forward-rolls, jump-fold-twists," yells out Val Taguding, the head girls' gymnastics coach at Hayfield, West Springfield and Robert E. Lee. No, that isn't a misprint.
In an effort to expand high school gymnastics in Fairfax County, Taguding,now in his fourth year coaching Lee, volunteered to coach at West Springfield and Hayfield. The Spartans had an opening shortly before the season began while the Hawks haven't trotted out a gymnastics team in nine years due to funding issues.
"I didn't want a team to get left out," said the energetic Taguding and former nationally ranked gymnast at Towson University. "This type of concept wouldn't work in any other sport, but as you can see, it is prospering here."
A self-described entertainer, Taguding once danced on the interactive talent show "Star Search" and manages and teaches at Dancensations, a studio in Alexandria, Virginia. As if he isn't already busy enough, Taguding also teaches P.E. at Island Creek Elementary school.
The roughly 30 gymnasts warm up, set up and break down equipment together and often compete against one another in meets. For the first time ever, three gymnastics programs have stability.
"It is really nice to have our own gym. Last season we were all over the place and practiced at random times," said senior Lee gymnast Katie Stewart, who is vying to compete in the Patriot district tournament. "It's just awesome to have a set schedule."
Others like Hayfield junior Noelle Dawson are trying out gymnastics for the first time.
"For me, its great to see different teams like this everyday, because I'm learning so much by just watching," said Dawson, who took up gymnastics to achieve her goal of cheerleading in college. "If it was a smaller group, it would be more challenging."
Taguding may hold the title of head coach, but he's brought on eight assistants to fully ensure each gymnast is receiving enough attention. During practice, the gymnasts rotate between four different stations, each lined up with assistant coaches from the three schools.
One of those coaches is former James Madison University gymnast Kerry Giffuni.
"I think the three team concept is a great opportunity for the girls because there is such a wide variety in our coaching styles and our backgrounds that they get a little taste of everyone," said Giffuni.
Some may wonder about any problems caused by cliques or school rivalries. Taguding insists such a thing is non-existent.
"It's funny, because the girls actually cheer each other on. If one team is doing really well, it motivates the other two teams to try and keep up."
The district tournament will take place on February 2.
Article by Kevin Jones, dc.highschoolsports.net
Reporting by Kristen Berset, 9 Sports
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