In 2002, the Gymnastic Training Center of Rochester tragically lost one of their gymnasts in a bicycle accident.
Steven J. Crowder of Lake Orion was a vibrant 15-year-old and a promising gymnast whose dream it was to someday compete at the college level.
Since Steven’s death, GTC has honored his memory by taking five dollars from each athlete’s entry fee at the Winter Classic and donate to the National College Foundation in order to help preserve men’s gymnastics at the collegiate level.
This past weekend over 230 boys from across the state of Michigan gathered at the gym in Rochester Hills to display great feats of strength, flexibility and determination at the 2007 Winter Classic Crowder Cup.
On Saturday afternoon the competition began with the upper level gymnasts, levels seven-10 and concluded on Sunday with the next generation of top level athletes levels four-six. The two-day event included many highlights from Lake Orion gymnasts.
The level eight team worked hard all day and was rewarded for their efforts. Spending a lot of time on the podium was Joe Fraga, who took second place in the all-around.
GTC’s level seven boys showed up to compete. Charlie Maurer took fifth place on pommel horse and finished 10th in the all-around. Dominik Isham placed third in the all-around.
Alec Krystek led the level six team on a successful crusade. Krystek placed fourth in the all-around with a 52.4. Brandon Moore took home the silver in the all-around.
The level five boys had strong finishers in each age division. Jacob Maurer took home the bronze for the 10-year-olds in the all-around and the gold on high bar with a 9.1. Alex Roberts took the fourth place all-around award for boys 11 and up.