At a time when school-sanctioned gymnastics programs are fighting for funding across the state, the Aberdeen Gymnastics Association is committed to developing the next generation of gymnasts to ensure the continuation of the sport right here at home.
AGA was established more than two decades ago to organize year-round gymnastics instruction for developing athletes. The group utilized Central High School’s gym and equipment until the organization moved into a new 12,000-square-foot space in 2022.
“Conversations about the future of high school gymnastics have been ongoing for years, and we knew we wanted our own space to practice no matter what happened,” said Becky Biegler, AGA president. “The Aberdeen School District was great to work with, but space was limited with so many sports needing gym time. We needed more time and space for gymnasts to practice.”
AGA’s new home, a former warehouse just north of the Aberdeen Regional Airport, has allowed for steady program growth both in recreational lessons and competitive training.
“A few years ago we had three girls on the competitive team traveling for meets,” Biegler said. “This season we have 21 girls on the team.”
Gymnasts ages six and up can join the competitive team. Members train extensively, committing to training at least two nights a week, two-and-a-half hours a night, throughout the competitive season – from August to April. The team is part of USA Gymnastics, one of 18 USAG clubs in South Dakota.
AGA’s competitive team does not conflict with high school gymnastics. The programs complement each other, giving athletes a space to train and even coach.
With explosive growth on the team, AGA is making plans for another first – a home meet. The first Storybook Gymnastics Spectacular will be held in Aberdeen on Saturday, March 8.
“Hosting our own meet was one of the main reasons we built our own gym,” Biegler said. “It will be so nice for the girls to compete in their own gym and for friends and family to come support them without having to travel.”
In addition to the growth of the competitive team, AGA has also expanded its offerings to introduce more people to the sport. In the last two years, AGA has added recreational lessons for 4-5-year-olds, a boys tumbling class, pre-competition classes for those considering joining the team in the future, and cheer classes.
“We started offering recreational cheer classes in November, and we have had a lot of interest,” Biegler said. “We hope that at some point in the future we could offer a competitive cheer program.”
As a nonprofit, AGA and its volunteer board are always looking for fundraising opportunities to cover expenses. The board has implemented some creative solutions, including winter break activity days for kids, summer camps, and Nerf Nights. Weekly open gyms also offer opportunities for kids of all ages to experience the space and try out equipment, from the tumble track to the in-ground foam pit.
As AGA programs continue to grow, so does the gymnastics community in Aberdeen. AGA’s coaching staff is filled with current and former gymnasts, many of whom continue to love the sport long after they stop competing.
“Our gym is a place to nurture athletes of all ages, learn the fundamentals of the sport, and develop valuable life skills,” Biegler said. “We’re always looking for ways to bring more people in, and get more exposure for the club.”
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