Hanford Celebrates National Gymnastics Champions, Honors Local Coaching Legend
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A wave of pride swept through the City of Hanford this week as local athletes from Lee’s United Gymnastics Academy were formally recognized for their outstanding achievements at the National Gymnastics Championships held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, this past June. The festivity underscored the significant impact of the academy and its owner, Lee Pinkstaff, on the community’s youth.
National Titles Bring Recognition to Hanford Gymnasts
Several young gymnasts returned from the championships with multiple national titles across a diverse range of events. Clara Yeager emerged as a standout performer, securing three championships in the All-Around, Vault, and Uneven Bars. She was joined in success by Krysta Schaak, who earned a Co-championship on the Uneven Bars, and Jillian Rodriguez, who claimed the Vault championship. The trio benefited from the coaching expertise of Hannah Yeager.
Further bolstering the academy’s success, Aliyana Endres was crowned the Uneven Bars Champion under the guidance of Claire Ramirez, while Leila Zadsalamat took home the Beam Championship, coached by gym owner Lee Pinkstaff. On the men’s side, Nathan Yeager dominated the competition, winning championships in Pommel Horse, Rings, Parallel Bars, High Bar, and the All-Around, with coaching from Ian Joseph. Caeden Lanteigne was recognized as the Floor Exercise national Champion, and Nicole Jorgens distinguished herself as a two-time National Champion in Uneven Bars and Beam. The contributions of coach Karsen Wayland were also formally acknowledged.
City Council Honors Athletes and Longtime Coach
The Hanford city Council extended a formal invitation to the athletes and their coaches to attend Tuesday night’s meeting, where they received certificates of recognition in front of a supportive community. In addition to honoring the athletes,the city presented an official proclamation to Lee Pinkstaff,recognizing his decades of dedication to the sport.
Mayor Travis Paden lauded Pinkstaff’s nearly 48 years of involvement in gymnastics-including 44 years of coaching-and emphasized the profound and lasting impact he has had on generations of local athletes.”One thing maybe the community doesn’t know is that gymnastics has the second largest youth participation in the entire City of Hanford,” Paden stated.”Only soccer is ahead, and they have more than baseball and softball combined. So it’s amazing the gymnasts that come out of his studio.”
A Legacy of Growth and Resilience
Since assuming ownership of United Gymnastics Academy in 2009, Pinkstaff has overseen significant growth in enrollment and program strength. He successfully navigated the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating remarkable leadership and resilience. Paden specifically commended Pinkstaff for his unwavering commitment to local youth and the enduring influence he has had on the Hanford community. The academy’s success serves as a testament to the power of dedicated coaching and the vibrant athletic spirit within the city.
