• Wes Bloomquist •
• Originally published July 10, 2008 at 11:30 a.m., updated July 10, 2008 at 11:30 a.m.

Jordan Bures and Chant Parker both put in the work and found out that practice pays off.

The two 10-year-olds from Cuero made an impression on the national gymnastics landscape at the United States of America Gymnastics Trampoline and Tumbling National Championships held in Kansas City, Mo., from July 1-6.

Parker brought home the national championship in level 9 male trampoline, while Bures secured third in level 10 female trampoline. Both gymnasts competed in the 11- and 12-year-old age group with 37 states being represented.

“They are here practicing about 12 hours a week,” said South Texas Elite Gymnastic’s head coach Chad Ganaway. “It’s a lot of work for a 10-year-old, but they love what they’re doing.”

The national championship was Parker’s first win on the national level. Still, Parker has no shame in admitting to feeling some pressure and nerves at the event.

“I got really nervous when I had to wait for them to call my name,” said Parker of hearing the results at the Kansas City, Mo., competition. “It was really cool when I found out I won. It’s a challenge to learn new skills but it was worth it.”

Parker’s approach was to compete through nervousness, while Bures claimed feeling no fear.

“I was never nervous,” Bures said. “It was fun because I feel good competing and meeting new people. I just love to compete and have fun. I’m never scared.”

Parker is entering the sixth grade and has dedicated his athletic pursuits to gymnastics.

“He has progressed really far and fast,” Ganaway said. “He moved up two levels from last year which is a pretty big jump for someone his age.”

Parker also placed ninth in the double mini trampoline and 10th in tumbling. Bures claimed 14th in double mine trampoline but said trampoline is her favorite because of the height she is able to get on her jumps.

“It was her first year as a level 10,” said Ganaway of Bures. “Usually when it’s your first time in that level you don’t place in the top. She had five other girls who were in the finals with her and they were all 12-years-old. That was impressive to see.”

Gracie Howard finished eighth in level 5 double mini, and Lauren Parker took fourth in level 8 trampoline. The Cuero gym also saw Charles Jackson, Alana Stern, Destiny Deleon and Kaleigh Patek compete in Kansas City.

Ganaway said he is looking forward to seeing the gymnasts continue to progress, and believes they both have an opportunity to gain a spot on the USA team in 2009.

“Their potential is excellent,” he said. “Next year they’ll be training to go to St. Petersburg, Russia for the World Age Group Games and World Championships in 2009. They have a lot of skill and work hard.”

Wes Bloomquist is a sports writer at the Advocate. Contact him at 361-580-6509 or wbloomquist@vicad.com, or comment on this story at www.VictoriaAdvocate.com.

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