Chapter 27

Lee Bjella 2015

Washington State Judges

Check out some fun judges photos click here

* denotes pioneer in Washington judging


Ames, Patty (Renton, National, State Board 2010 - present)

NAWGJ member since 1989. Patty started gymnastics, "to stay away from home". She started in 6th grade (1969) and continued through junior high school and high school. After high school she was married and then started coaching. She started judging high school gymnastics in 1987 and joined NAWGJ in 1989. She coached seven years at the high school level, three years at Lindbergh High in Renton, and four years at Kentridge in Kent. At Lindbergh, Patty lead them to the league championship her third year, and all city champs her third year at Kentridge, and qualifying several gymnasts to state. Patty got her National rating in 2001.


Ayres, Nola (Bellingham, Elite '97/National, State Judging Director 2000-2012)

NAWGJ member since 1984. BA, MA and Ph-D in Education. Retired teacher, department chairman and girls gymnastics coach Sehome High School, Bellingham, WA. Her teams hold the national record for the most state championships in any sport in the US with a record of 384-1. Total of 22 state titles.
Service: 1980-81 WIAA High School Assoc. President, 1982-86 Executive Board Member of Washington HS 1980-90 President of Washington H.S. Gymnastic Coaches Assoc. 1989-90 Executive Board Member Washington State Coaches Assoc. 1988-92 Executive Board Member National High School Coaches. 2000 to 2012 NAWGJ WA State Judging Director.
Accolades: 1991 Inducted into Western Washington University Hall of Fame. 2006 Inducted into USAG WA Hall of Fame and WIAA Hall of Fame. 2004 Sehome Gymnastics Program was Inducted in the WIAA Hall of Fame as the first Team in all sports in the State of WA for the Hall of Fame. 1999 WSGCA Gymnastics Coaches Hall of Fame. 1986 National High School Coach of the Year. 1985 National Federation Coach of the Year. 1981 and 85 Regional High School Coach of the Year. Optional Judge of the Year 2001, 2002, 2007. Clinician and presenter at many national, regional and state conferences, congresses, and clinics. Numerous Regionals and Westerns judge.

 

Bacon, Kimmie (Seattle, Level 4/5)

Member since 2014

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Bartlett, Kristen Strid (Renton, Level 9)

NAWGJ member since 2010. Kristen began gymnastics at the age of 4 at Clovis Academy in Clovis, California (outside of Fresno). She started competing when she was 9 years old and worked her way up through to level 10. She also had the opportunity to be the only gymnast from Kingsburg High School to compete for her school against all Clovis and Fresno high schools. After graduation in 1999 she moved to Seattle to continue her gymnastics career at Seattle Pacific University while recieving an education in Biology. While at SPU; she was a 3-time All-American on Bars and Beam, and Division II National Champion on Uneven Bars. Following her Senior year she was part of the coaching staff from 2003-2006, meanwhile returning as a student to get her BS in Nursing. Kristen has since been working as an Emergency Room RN, got married, and is currently a resident of Renton, WA. To continue to use her gymnastics knowledge and stay involved with the sport she loves, she has began judging for the 2009 High School season and recently recieved her Level 5-8 USAG rating.

 


Bell, Janine (Maple Valley, Level 10)

NAWGJ member since 1997. She began gymnastics at age 8, at the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club. Her coach, Dale Shirley, also worked at AOG (Academy of Olympic Gymnastic) and asked her to participate in the team tryouts. At this time, AOG was still located next to Carpet World on Northrup Way in Bellevue. Dale moved the gym to a location that is close to Lowes today. Corine Olsen, Linda Lutz and Janine were all gymnasts together at AOG, from 1982-1984. They were all class I gymnasts. In ninth grade, she became an elite but dropped back to Class I and competed as a Class I from 1981-1986. Competed at the AAU Nationals in 1982, and USAIGC Nationals in 1984. In 1985, she took 2nd place in the senior division at Class 1 state, then went on to compete at Regionals, hosted by NWA at Issaquah High School. She won vault for her age division, placed 3rd on floor and took 7th All Around. She fell off beam twice, so did not make the National Team and settled for Westerns. (She ended up missing Nationals by .2.) When the compulsories changed in 1985, she decided to concentrate on optionals. (NOTE: Janine states that she and her fellow gymnasts had great respect for Noelle Buell. "When we competed against her at Regionals and meets in Oregon -when she was at a meet, we never had a chance in the world to beat her on vault.") She received a full ride to Washington State University, but competed for WSU for only 1 year because the program was cut in 1987. Degree in Human Development, with a Minor in Early Childhood Education. She now works for the YWCA as their downtown Seattle director. Her daughter competes in gymnastics for Gym Express. Became a judge in 1995.


Bjella, Lee (Renier) (Everett, Elite '97/National, NAWGJWA CO-SJD with Denise Green 2012- present; NAWGJ WA board 1988-1992 /2002-present Webmaster)

NAWGJ member since 1978. Gymnast 1967-1978. Judging since 1974. Coached from 1974 through 1982 in Minnesota and North Dakota, then periodically throughout the years in WA, including 1 year as assistant coach and 1 year as head coach at Bemidji State Universityyoung Lee in college, Bemidji, MN.
Worked the summer of 1976 during college with her team at the National Summer Palaestrum in Michigan, and was taught how to tumble by 1940's National Tumbling Champ Joe Giallombardo. Bemidji State U (Bemidji, MN.) gymnast 1974-1977 coached by Kathy Reilly Healy. (Program started by Dr. Eric Hughes, and teammate of Diane Palmer.) Holds the record score on Unevens. University of North Dakota gymnast 1977-1978 (MVP) coached by Dale Anderson who had been a Turner gymnast in Minnesota. P.E. degree from Bemidji State University 1979. Asst. Coach BSU, 1978-79. Coached the Bemidji State University Team in 1980. Judged D3 College Nationals 1984. Moved to Washington State in 1985. Elite judge 1997. USAG WA Judge of the year 1990 along with Karen Wisen. USAG WA Compulsory judge of the year 2001. USAG WA Judge of the Year 2004. WIAA High School Technical Director 3 years (1991-1994). NAWGJ WA board 1990-1992, 2001 to present. Judging Highlights: numerous WA State meets and Regionals; vault assistant at the 1990 Good Will Games, Seattle. NCAA Regional Meet 2002 W.VA.; 2004 OSU; 2006 LSU; 2007 Denver; 2009 Ohio; 2011 Denver; 2012 Raleigh NC; Alabama 2013; W Regional, Seattle 2014; SC Regional at OK 2015. 2012 NCAA National Championship, Duluth, GA. USAG College Nationals 2004 (TWU), 2007(SPU), 2009 (SCSU), 2010 (Denton, TX); Westerns 1999, 2002, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. Pac 10's 2006 (OSU) 2008 (UW); Big 12 2009 (Iowa St.) MPSF 2010; WIAC 2010: Big 12 2011 MO; Pac Rim FX line judge 2012.
JAS(NAWGJ College) Judges assigner for Northwest region 2008-2011; Web Design Cert. from EvCC 2008; Webmaster for NAWGJWA since 2002; NAWGJ Nettie Award 2009; Webmaster for USAGWA 2006-2014. NAWGJ historian and website 2014-present.


Buell, Noelle (Draggoo) (Tacoma, National '01, NAWGJ WA Board 1998-2002)

NAWGJ member since 1986. Started gymnastics at age 8 in Tigard OR with Pacific Northwest Gymnastics Twisters with Wayne McClements as coach - his sister is Dale McClements Flansas Kephart. Started because her sister's friend was a competitive gymnast and she idolized her. Competed Class 3 through Class 1 and even tried elite for one year before she dropped back to class 1. She was a class 1 for 7 years. Dale Flansas did all the choreography for her during entire club career. On the region II national team in 1985 and competed at Nationals, qualified for vault finals. Also qualified 2 years to Western Nationals, and probably 6 years to regionals. Best event was vault and won numerous competitions on vault. Vault was a handspring double full and she competed a 2 1/2 at nationals, but did not land on feet. Competed for Boise State from 1987-1991 - 4 year letter winner. Started judging at age 16, in 1985, and her mentors were June Houghton and Vad Woodside. Judged through high school and college. Received National rating in 2001. Judged USAG small college Nationals in 1997 in Seattle. MPSF 2010. NCAA Regionals Utah 2012, OSU 2013, Seattle 2014, USAG College Nationals 2013. USAG Regionals 2014.

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Cairns, Kelsey (Pulman, Level 10)


Carlson, Becky (Redmond, Level 10)

NAWGJ member since 1997. Becky started taking gymnastics when she was in the fourth grade at a gym in Yankton, South Dakota. (Yankton Gymnastics Academy) She started off as a class 4. After two years at that club she switched to a gym located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It was located 90 miles away from her house, so she had to live away from home during the summers. After five years at that gym she moved on to another gym. The next gym she attended was All American Gymnastics Academy, currently still located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Becky finished up her career there as a level 8. Started judging in 1998 while attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. At first meet she judged, she had to judge with Tom Knoll on floor! Judging here in Seattle since 1999.


Carlson, Leslie (Redmond, Level 10)

NAWGJ member since 2001. "My personal claim to fame in the actual performing of gymnastics skills is that I can do a terrific cartwheel. Beyond that my personal sport of my teen and early adult years was Volleyball (where I was briefly a member of the USVBA team) and softball." Her daughters, Christie - formally a level 9/10, and Erica - formally a level 8. "After spending over 17 years watching the numerous skills learned and performed by team members and other contestants I was hooked." When Christie moved on to college (and a coaching position at Wings Gymnastics Center in Boise, Idaho) Leslie moved into the judging role, starting with high school and moving onto club. "Just being part of this great sport has been very rewarding and I look forward to continuing with my gymnastics education." WOA Judge of the Year 2010.

 

 

 

 


Cays, Pam (Longview, Level 10)

NAWGJ member since 2005. Pam began gymnastics at age 5 and competed for Clarks Capers under the direction of Myrna Clark. She began coaching when she was 15 years old through the local YMCA Coaching Certification program. After High School she pursued a career in Physical Therapy and coached gymnastics recreationally and also a competitive Boys Team in Southern California. Pam moved back home to Washington to raise her 3 children and pursue her professional career and left gymnastics behind. In 2000 she was asked to teach a tumbling class at the local dance studio and again experienced the gymnastic bug. "My husband and I opened Gymnastics 4 U in Kelso, WA in 2001. 2003 was our first competitive season with Levels 4, 5 and 6. This year (2004) we will be competing Levels 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8." Pam tested Level 5/6 in 2003. "Currently my goal in gymnastics is to bring attention to Group Gymnastics both the competitive side of Team Gym and the recreational side of Gym Fest."
2014 WOA Judge of the Year.

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Crawford, Kathy Pederson (Auburn, National-'01; NAWGJ WA board 1997-1999)

NAWGJ member since 1986. Kathy and Kelly Feuer went to the same high school (Sheldon High School - Eugene, Oregon) and their coach suggested getting involved in judging. Kathy competed in the junior high program (also competed in trampoline and horizontal bar, 6 events for all-around, maximum score was 6.00/event). During high school, she also took classes at the National Academy 2-3 days a week. Best event was bars. Junior year, she was 3rd in District and 6th at the Oregon State meet on bars. Her highest score during the season was an 8.50 which was pretty good back then. Her coaches were Shirley Veeck and Cliff Magnuson who taught her to have a positive mental attitude. Began judging in high school - used to judge the junior high meets for free. Rated since 1981. National rated since 2001. Started judging high school right after graduation in 1977. While attending college (University of Oregon), she continued to judge junior high and high school meets and took a course from Shirley Rhoads on USGF rules. She passed the test and didn't know she had passed until she was in Guadalajara, Mexico on a 6 month exchange program. She judged a few meets then returned to Mexico until July 1984. Coached at the National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics in Eugene at their summer camp through the year of 1987 when she took a teaching position in Winston, Oregon. She, with husband Miles and son Ian, moved to Washington in the summer of 1989. Kathy also has a daughter Paige who is a gymnast. MPSF Conference 2012 and Mountain Rim Conference 2014; Pac-12, Salt Lake City, 2015


Denny, Judy (Everett, Elite '97/National, NAWGJ WA board 1994-2004, 2010-12)

NAWGJ member since 1986. As a high school student, Judy participated in tumbling in GAA. (Girls Athletic Association in most high schools in the 1950's through 1970's.) "We got a wooden beam and swedish box - our first gymnastics equipment." She went on to nursing school. (There were not many opportunities to participate in sports, and even colleges at that time had very limited womens sports.) "My contactwith gymnastics started again when my daughter wanted to try it. I started to judge as my interest in the sport grew and I found sitting on the sidelines and being a parent was not enough." Started judging in 1985, became an elite in 1997. Judged college regionals 2003, 2004, 2008 and NCAA Nationals in 2003 and 2004. Pac 12 2012. Judges high school, club and college. Judy was also a Trampoline and Tumbling Judge and USAG T&T Board 2002-?. State Judging Director for T&T 2002-2006.

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Dodds, Kimberly (Puyallup 4/5)

Member since 2013

 

Dollison, Kristen (Shoreline, Level 4/5)

Member since 2014

 

Duncan, Tracy (Otis Orchards, National, NAWGJ WA board 2002-2004)

NAWGJ member since 1996. Tracy began gymnastics in her local junior high school program. She enjoyed it so much her parents enrolled her in Bleeker's School of Gymnastics in Spokane. Tracy was a Class II and then Class I level gymnast in club while also competing in high school. She began coaching for Bleekers at the age of 14. Tracy got a scholarship to Spokane Community College. "I continued coaching and this was the year I also began judging. It was part of our work study program at SCC." SCC won the NJCCA's that year, but then Tracy quit competiting to get married and have children. She has coached in Washington, California, and Louisiana. The Duncans moved back to Washington in 1994, and Karen Renner convinced her to judge high school and then club. Karen and Tracy coached at University High School together.


*Eilers, Marge (Renton, Level 9, NAWGJ WA board 2010)

NAWGJ member since 1979. Seattle native and graduated from Franklin High School. As a child in elementary school, she was a frustrated gymnast. She just didn¹t know gymnastics existed nor were there many facilities available to be a real gymnast. Her local "field house" in the Rainier Valley offered "acrobatics" as it was called. The hardest stunt they did, "was to do a dive forward roll over quivering children laying in a row on horse hair mats hoping they were able to achieve this difficult maneuver." She thinks 7-8 kids was her ultimate achievement. Her daughter, Kim, started gymnastics at Renton Gymnastics Unlimited in about 1975. Kim showed some talent and was quickly added to the team. Kim also took ballet at the British Dance Academy for about 3 years. Marge watched almost every class, which was a good background for judging. Marge took a judging class from Karen Patoile Wisen in about 1976 at Highline High School for about 5 weeks. Pat Hatmaker also was an instructor when Karen had to travel to far-a-way places for international meets. Actually judging a meet was not in the plans, only information. She was persuaded to judge a junior high meet with another parent. She was as scared as the students and "threw" all the scores. Of course, the scores were "right on". As is said, the rest is history. She still judges junior high meets. Marge assigned judges for high schools and junior high school meets for 11 years for the North Puget Sound, Kingco, Metro Leagues and 8 junior high leagues. She still assigns judges for 5 junior high leagues. Marge also coached the Nelsen Middle School team for about 8 years. She teaches high school students to judge every spring for junior high meets hoping to keep a few in the ranks. "They usually go off to college and don’t return to judging." Marge now judges some of the children of children she used to judge. USAG WA Compulsory Judge of the Year 2006. 2011 High School WA State Gymnastics Coaching Assoc Hall of Fame Inductee.


Eldredge, Mandy (Auburn, 8)

Mandy retired from coaching in 2013 after 17 years and coached levels 4-9. Grew up in Federal Way Washington and always had a passion for gymnastics. She trained and coached at Gymnastics Unlimited under gym owner David Mackey. Attended Decatur High school and was apart of the gymnastics team all three years. One of her favorite memories was being a part of the 1995 gymnastics team that took 2nd at state right behind Newport high. 1998-2003 - head coach at Decatur high and experienced coaching HS state with her gymnasts as a team & individual event finals. Coaching and education has always been her passion. While reaching her dream of becoming a teacher she also continued to coach 2 competitive teams. Mandy followed them from level 4-9 - leading them to individual state champions and regional qualifiers. Judging has always been the next step after coaching and the sport will always be a part of her life. NAWGJ member since 2013


Elfenbein, Myra Manheim (Friel) (Brevet - Maryland, Region 7 RTC and part-time Seattle area resident (Our adopted Easterner)

1955 graduate of the High School of the Performing Arts


Green, Denise (Castle Rock, Brevet, NAWGJWA CO-SJD with Lee Bjella 2012- present; NAWGJ WA Board 2000-present)

NAWGJ member since 1977. Judge since 1975, Elite rating in 1985 and Brevet since from 1994. Denise was raised in Oregon where she was a club and high school gymnast. Gymnast at Pacific University at Forest Grove with Varina French as coach, from 1974-1976. Denise coached in Oregon in high school and club programs in St. Helens from 1980-1984. USAGWA Hall of fame 2013.
1970's Class I gymnast-Oregon
1974-76 Competed for Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR, Varina French, Coach
1975 Began Judging Women’s Gymnastics
1980-82 Oregon State USAG Chair
1980-84 Coached in Oregon high school and club programs in St. Helens
1985 Invited to Elite Judging Course
1990 Seattle Goodwill Games-score input on FX
1993 Attained FIG Brevet Judges Rating
2000-present NAWGJ-WA board member
1977-present Judged many collegiate gymnastics meets across the US
2001-Present Judged 10 USAG National Championships (level 9 & 10)
2003 & 2005 NAWGJ WA Judge of the Year
2012 Floor Timer and volunteer at Pacific Rim Championships
2012 -present Co-State Judges Director for NAWGJ WA with Lee Bjella
Speech Language Pathologist.
2014 USAG College Nationals RI
2015 USAG College Nationals PA
2015 Level 10 Nationals, Iowa

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Hamlin, Megan (Lakewood, Level 8)

member since 2013


Hansen, Pier(Centralia, National, NAWGJWA Board Member 2012- present)

NAWGJ member since 1986. Pier began gymnastics at age 9, competing for Southern Washington Athletic Club in Centralia (which later moved to Chehalis), followed by clubs in Toledo and Longview. Pier notes that it was very tough trying to find a gymnastics club that was able to stay in business in such depressed areas. She also competed for OGA, Olympia Gymnastics Academy, in the early 1980's. She had a major injury in 1982, fracturing her back in multiple places, ending her competitive career at age 15. Pier went on to coach at clubs in Centralia and Longview and also coached at NASA gymnastics, which included taking several members of the team to St. Petersburg, Russia, to train at the Red Army Gym. They were able to watch the Goodwill Games, as well as participate in the closing ceremonies of the games. Thanks to Pam Hilts, who talked her into taking a judging test, she also found another way to stay involved in the sport that she loves. Pier received her first judge's rating in 1986, and judged her first meet with Barb Graisy-Adams. After the first routine, Pier says she had very little written down on the paper. Barb told her not to worry about it, and to just keep trying. "That's what I've been doing ever since!"


Harper, Pamela (Benton City, Level 10, NAWGJWA State Board 2014-2016)

NAWGJ member since 2007. Pam earned her rating in 2006. NAWGJWA Board member 2014-2016. She has judged Montana State Meets 2013-2015, WA Xcel State Meets 2013-2015, WA State HS 2015, WA State L4 2012. 2007 – 2011 Optional coach for Mid-Columbia Gymnastics Academy, Richland, WA. 1993-1996 M.S., Physical Chemistry, University of Kentucky. 1993 B.A. Chemistry, Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, Indiana. USGF and NAWGJ 1987-1992 L 4-8 judge for Indiana (mentor: Judy Kemp, Madison Gymnastics World) 1989-1992 Gymnastics coach for Madison Gymnastics World (Indiana, Paul & Judy Kemp). 1986-89 Gymnastics coach for Simmonds’ Dance and Gymnastics Studio (Indiana). 1986-87 IHSAA (Indiana High School Athletic Association) Gymnastics Official. 1982-85 Jeffersonville High School gymnast; 1982 third place team, 1984 State Runners-up. Former teammates include: Maureen (Hall) Blair (Louisville Turners, early 1980s) and Wendy (Hussar) Garland (Turners National Team, early 1980s).


Hickey, Priscilla (Seattle, Brevet, Former NAWGJ Washington State Judging Director)

Former UW gymnast in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Also coached at Bellevue High School. Lived in Connecticut and Colorado - Moved back to WA 2014. NAWGJ Member since 1977. USGF / USAG member since 1978
USA GYMNASTICS WA HALL OF FAME Class of 2009

1973 Began Judging Women’s Gymnastics
1980 Attained Elite Judges Rating
1980-09 Publisher: “Hickey Notes – Index to the Code of Points”
1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, IN (master scorer) – Master Scorer
1989-07 Began Judging J.O. Nationals (Region 2, Region 6)
1989 Judges Certification – Optional Judges Exams – Writer
1990 Seattle Goodwill Games, Seattle – Assistant Deputy Commissioner (Judges Draw)
1991 World Gymnastics Championships in Indianapolis, IN– Master Scorer
1993 Attained FIG Brevet Judges Rating
1994-95 NAWGJ – Washington State Judging Director
1995 American Cup & International Mixed Pairs in Seattle, WA (master scorer)
1996 (Centennial) Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA - Master Key Pad Operator – Vaulting
1999-09 Publisher: Washington State High School Rule Book
2005-07 Connecticut State USAG – CPE Coordinator
2007 USAG – Connecticut State Volunteer of the Year Award 2007 Region 6 USAG – Connecticut State Volunteer of the Year Award

High School Gymnast: 1966-1969 Bellevue High School, Bellevue, WA – 3 Varsity Letters
High School Team gymnast (Vault, Bars, Beam, Floor, Tumbling, Trampoline)
1967 State Meet @ Auburn HS – Junior Level Bars (6th place)
1968 State Meet @ Newport HS – Junior Level Vault (2nd place), Bars, Beam
1969 State Meet @ Inglemoor HS – All-Around competitor

College Gymnast: 1971-1972 University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Collegiate gymnast (Vault, Bars, Beam, Floor) – 2 Varsity Letters (club sport)
1971 Regional Championships @ Univ. of Oregon – 3rd place team – AA (10th place)
1971 National Championships @ Penn State – AA competitor
1972 Regional Championships @ Oregon State – 1st place team -AA (12th place)
1972 National Championships @ Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa – 7th place team
1972 Teammates: Laurel Anderson (Tindall) and Joyce Tanac (Schroeder)

Coach:
1973 Inglemoor HS Assistant Coach (Student Teacher) with Karen Patoile (Wisen)
1973 – 77 Gymnastics Inc. at SPU, WA 4 years program director, board member
1973 – 77 Canyon Park Jr. High, Bothell WA 4 years head gymnastics coach
1977 – 79 Tumwater Jr. High, Olympia WA 2 years head gymnastics coach
1998 – 00 Bellevue High School, Bellevue WA 2 years assistant & 1 year head coach
2000 Washington State H.S. Coach of the Year – WIAA

Publisher: "Hickey Judging Notes" 1980 – 2009 29 years (Now we have her notes on our website - on her very own page! http://www.nawgjwa.com/priscilla.html )
Washington State H.S. Rules 1999 – 2009 10 years

NAWGJ Symposium: 1982, 1985, 1993 3 years
Washington State Judging Director: 1994 – 1995 1-1/2 years
Washington State Governing Board: 1994 – 2000 6 years
Connecticut State Governing Board: 2004 – 2007 3 years

Region 2 Judge 1973 – 2000; Region 6 Judge 2000 – 2007 ; Region 3 Judge 2007 – 2009

Washington State HS Assigner 1973 – 1980
Washington State HS Technical Chair 1977 – 1980
Washington State Test Administrator 1977 – 1995
NCAA Collegiate Assigner: (JAS) 2005 – 2007 3 years

Judges Ratings:
State Level Judges Rating: 1973 36 years
National Level Judges Rating: 1977 32 years
Elite Level Judges Rating: 1980 29 years
FIG Brevet Level Judges Rating: 1994 15 years
USA Brevet Level Judges Rating: 2005 4 years

Elite Judging Experience:
Regional Elite Meets
2001 – 2005 Elite Zone Meets (Region 6) 5 years
1984 – 2000 Elite Zone Meets (Region 2) 16 years
1994 U.S. Classic Meet, Palm Springs, CA
1998 Western Elite Qualifier, Ft. Worth, TX

NCAA Judge: 1976 – 2009 33 years
• Division I Nationals: 1990-92, ’94-00, ’03-06 14 years
• Division II Nationals: 1996 -97 ’03-04 4 years
• Junior College Nationals: 1981 1 year
• Collegiate Regionals: 1983 – 2009 26 years

JO Nationals Judge: Region 2 = ‘89, ‘93, ‘96, ‘98, ’99, 5 years
Region 6 = ’05, ’07 2 years

Clinician:
• 2004 Region 6 USAG / NAWGJ Judges Course Instructor
• 2003 Region 6 USAG / NAWGJ Judges Course Instructor
• 2003 Region 2 USAG Clinician – Kirkland, WA
• 2002 Region 6 USAG Clinician – Springfield, MA
• 2001 Region 6 USAG Clinician – Springfield, MA
• 1980 Evergreen State College Judging Course Instructor

 

Johnson, Lacey (Story City, Level 9)

 

Keller, Hollie (Pasco, Level 9)

NAWGJ member since 2007.

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Kiss, Dawn (Gig Harbor, National, NAWGJWA Board 2012-2014)

NAWGJ member since 1994. Competed at Shields Gymnastics School in New Jersey. Competed at Franklin Township High School 1981-1984, and then at James Madison University, VA. 1984-1988. Coached rec classes and special needs kids. Became a judge in 1993 - talked into it by David Mackey! She is a Geriatric Physical Therapist. Dawn has judged numerous state and high school state meets. USAG/NAWGJ WA Compulsory Judge of the Year 2002. National Federation Judge of the Year for WA State (High School) 2002. Pac 10 2010; NCAA Reg 2010; MPSF Conference 2012. SEC 2013, NCAA Regionals 2013. Pac 12 Conference 2014.


Klyayn, Marina (Spokane, Level 9)

Info from Dynamic Gymnastics website: Born in Kaliningrad, Russia and started gymnastics at age 3. Marina competed in Russian Nationals and Junior Olympic Games in 2002. 
Marina received a full-ride scholarship and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from Sacramento State University. Freshman of the Year in Western Athletic Conference (2006); Student Athlete of the Year (2009).  Marina also led the CSUS Woman's Gymnastics Team to two conference championships and NCAA Regionals appearances. 
Coaches at Dynamic Gymnastics, Spokane.

member since 2013


LaDow, Michelle Pohl (Selah, Level 10)

NAWGJ member since 1986. Coach Level 4-10 gymnastics 1981 to present; NAWGJ Judge 1982 to present. Judged many Region 1 regional and state meets. Gymnastics Plus 2003 - 2010: Head Team Coach and Program Director; Green Valley Athletic Club 11/1992-09/1994; International: Gymnastics Academy; 01/1991-10/1992; Merluzzi Flyers Gymnastics (now Las Vegas Flyers Gymnastics); 01/1987-1992 – Gymnastics Team Coach.
Nevada NAWGJ State Judging Director: 13 years 08/1993-05/31/03. Test Administrator for Nevada Judges Association.
Business Manager, Zion Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine 01/01-07/03. Business Manager, Green Valley Physical Therapy 07/98-12/00. Administrator, Las Vegas Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility 12/95-07/98. Business Manager, Rancho Physical Therapy 01/1987-04/1997
ATHLETE CAREER 1978-1982 Elite Competitor Michelle Pohl; Injury/boycott prevented Olympic team presentation; 1986 recipient of the Cache Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen Award; 1984 Female Athlete of the Year; National Champion in 1980 and 1982; Utah State University honor roll
student, Major GPA 3.9; Received full ride four year gymnastics scholarship Utah State University (18 offers)
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS BS Public Health Education, specializing in physical therapy, Utah State University (1982-1986); Safety, CPR, First Aid and Meet Director certified. WA USAG State Board East Representative 2004-2010; NV State Board Representative1990-2003.

 


Lathrop, Keira (Olympia, Level 4/5)

member since 2013

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Lofton, Chrystal (Kennewick, Level 10)

NAWGJ member since 2006. Moved to Lousiana in 2013, back to WA iin 2014..

 

Lovett, Pam (Swan) (Oak Harbor, Level 10)

Moved to East Coast and then to Colorado.Gymnast in Aurora, Ill. Aurora Turners 1980-1989. Bud Marquette coached her at the Turner Camps. High School gymnast 2 years. College gymnastics at U. of Illinois 4 years and by the end of that four years had had four knee surgeries. Coached in Ill. and Florida before coming to WA in 2001. Began judging in 1994. Volunteer at the 1991Worlds in Indy, and at the 1996 Olympics. She judged AAU Nationals in 2001 and Turners Nationals in 1999. Moved to RI in 2012 and back to WA in 2015.


MacAfee, Barb (Seattle, National, State NAWGJ Board -2014)

NAWGJ member since 1981. "I was a college gymnast at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 1970, 1971, 1972 - balance beam and floor exercise.young Barb MacAfee Competed the floor exercise on the wood floor in the gym--back then if you did a back walkover you were something to see. My beam routine kind of looked like the level 4 routine - boy have things changed. I went on to teach and coach gymnastics at Rolling Meadows HS in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. I started judging in 1973-1974 after coaching HS for a year. They are in the same shape as we are today - still looking for judges. I can remember judging with Erna Wachtel. Erna gave me some really good advise - always judge what you see. JO meets back then used to be marathon meets lasting all day. It seems we've come back to that format. We moved to Seattle in 1978 and got back into the loop of judging after talking to Bob Ito at a UW meet. I remember myself as a squeaky wheel as a judge and Kay Canedy and Donna Lucero got me to join the NAWGJ board at that time and help with assigning. I had great teachers and the assigning has progressed exponentially since then. I received my National rating in 2001 (I missed the 1997 group because we moved to Spokane at that time). I have judged HS, club, and college meets since living in Washington. I’ve judged state, regional and college regional meets and hope to continue in the future." MPSF Conference meet 2014.

 

Odenbrett, Stefanie (Olympia, Level 4/5)

member since 2013

 


Palmer, Dianne (Ritchie) (Pullman, Elite '97/National, NAWGJWA Board Member 2012-present, Region 2 Xcel Chair)

NAWGJ member since 1986.
Her coaching career began as Head Women’s coach at Concordia College, Moorhead Minnesota (1975 – 1979) during which time she also judged both club and high school gymnastics. Dianne left for WA state in 1979 to pursue her Master’s degree in Physical Education at Washington State University and was the Assistant Women’s Coach (Head Coach Al Sanders) from 1979 – 1986. She coached (Sun Country Gymnastics in Gainesville, Florida (1987 – 88) and judged in Florida from 1986-1987. Upon moving back to the Northwest, she started Palouse Empire Gymnastics, Inc. in Moscow ID; owning it from 1989 – 2006. The club started a Recreation Optional program (now Xcel) in1998 and she was the head coach for that program until 2010. At present, Dianne is the Region 2 Xcel Chairperson.
After a brief hiatus from judging, she again became a NAWGJ member in 1986 and achieved her Elite (now National) rating in 1997. She has been a judge for over 30 years. Regional Xcel Rep 2014

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Ratliff, Dean (Bothell, Elite '97/National, Former NAWGJ Washington SJD 1994-2000)

I started judging in 1985 and have proudly been a NAWGJ member since 1988. Coached at WGA 1990, Emerald City 1992-93, Ballard & Ingraham HS’s 1993-95. I earned, the now extinct elite rating in 1997 and it has since become called the national rating. I was the State Judging Director from 1994-2000 and I was on the State Board from 1989 until 1994. Club judging experience includes all of our state meets including several times at Meet Referee over the years. I have also judged Region II Championships several times as well as Level 9 Western Nationals (1999 & 2007). I have been the state high school technical director since 1994 and the national high school technical director since 2007. I have judged or been Meet Referee at our State HS meet for 20 years and at HS Nationals for 12 years running (2012 count) (actually MR at all but 8 of these combined meets). I have had the opportunity to judge at the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame Meet on three occasions and was the Meet Director for USA Gymnastics Collegiate Nationals in 1996 and 1997 at Seattle Pacific University. Collegiately, I have had the opportunity to judge Pac-12 Championships (formerly Pac-10) 2000-02, 04, 06, 08, 10, 12, 13; WAC Conference 2009, Mountain Pacific Conference 2011, Western Independent Conference 1995, 1998. Mountain Rim Conference 2014. SEC Conference 2015 NCAA Regionals 1998, 2000-03, 2010-13, Penn State 2014; SC Regional at OK 2015. NCAA Nationals 2001, 2013, 2015 and USA Gymnastics Collegiate Nationals 2000, 05, 07, 08, 12. Was the USAG/NAWGJ Judge of the Year in 1994 and the National High School Federation Official of the Year in 2000. 2013-2016 College JAS assigner for the NW.


Reed, Earla (Gig Harbor, Elite '97/National; NAWGJWA board )

NAWGJ member since 1979. Gymnast at Marcus Whitman Jr. High, and South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard. Went to State in 1977 and 1978. Started judging in the fall of 1978. Coached at Bremerton YMCA, Lakewood YMCA, OGC in Bremerton and ran her own recreational gymnastics business called Sunny Gym Gymnastics in Port Orchard. Earla got her elite rating in 1997. MPSF 2010 and 2014.

The Washington State Gymnastics Coaches Association (High School) inducted Earla Reed into the Hall of Fame, Feb. 21, 2014 - only the second Washington official to be given this honor.


Reid, Laurie Metzger (Yakima, Brevet, Regional JO Program Chair., NAWGJWA board 2004 - 2012)

NAWGJ member since 1976. Competed at Corvallis High School 1968-1970. Competed for Oregon State University 1970-1973 for coach Sylvia Moore. Qualified to Nationals on bars in 1973. In 1973 she moved to Los Altos, CA. and worked for Los Altos Twisters for two years, head coach beam and floor. Started judging in CA. in 1974. In 1975 moved back to Corvallis to finish college, and continued judging with Arlene Crosman as a mentor. Coached a rec program at Linn-Benton CC. 1979 graduated with Phys. Ed. Degree, then moved to Bellevue and coached for Dale Shirley at AOG for a year. Moved to Yakima in 1981 and married Norm. Coached all levels including elite 1983-'84. Yakima, WA. Laurie began judging in 1976 and in 1981 she earned her Elite rating and her Brevet in 1993. USGF WA. State Director 1983-87. 1990 Seattle Goodwill Games Master Scorekeeper. 1997 Region 2 JO Program Chair. USAG Washington Judge of the Year 1992, 2002, and Optional Judge of the Year 2006. NAWGJ WA board 2002 -2008. 2005 Recipient of Dick Mulvihill Award. Co-author of 2005-2013 USAG Compulsory Routines. 2006 USAG Region 2 Judge of the Year. USAG WA. Hall of Fame 2007. 2012 NCAA National Championship, Duluth, GA. 2014 Nationals, Alabama. Big 12 Regionals 2014. NCAA Regionals, MN, 2014. NCAA Big 12 Conference Norman OK, 2015. Numerous Regionals and Level 10 National judge.
Gym Plus owner. Three children.

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Ripple, Michelle (Kent, National, State Board 2014)

NAWGJ member since 1999. Born and raised Leduc, Alberta. Gymnast in the Leduc Kanata Gym Club (1984-1989) after watching the '84 Olympics. Mary Lou Retton was her inspiration to get involved in competitive gymnastics. Before then, she had been involved recreationally. Michelle coached all level girls, and started judging in 1990 since there was a shortage of judges in the province. Moved to Washington in 1999 and back to Canada in 2005, then back here again. 2013 and 2014 USAG Regionals; 2014 Westerns. NCAA 2015 MPSF Conference, Anchorage, AK.

 

 

St. Claire, Wendy (Lake Forest Park, Level 10)

Moved to WA in 2014.

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Sawhill, Christy (Olympia, Level 10)

member since 2012

 

Smith, Don (Auburn, Level 4/5)

member 2010-2015


Sorenson, Stella Clarke (Kirkland, Level 4/5)

NAWGJ member since 1994. Started gymnastics in 1985 and Mary Lou Retton was her inspiration. Stella competed Class 4 for a few years and then high school as well. She got involved in judging because she wanted to stay active in the sport somehow and support its growing popularity. Gymnastics also inspired her to take dance classes as well. Her favorite gymnasts of all time have been Svetlana Boginskaya, Melissa Marlowe, Svetlana Khorkina and Daniela Silivas, the first three being because they were tall like her! Through her experience, Stella has learned that in order to succeed in this sport you MUST have the support of your parents, and that gymnastics is a great sport that can open doors for other activities. Judge since 1994, but only judged for one year and then came back in 2000.

 

Spragg, Amy Begins (Vancouver, Level 4/5)

NAWGJ member since 2010.

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Tavog , Katy Fussner (Woodinville, National) (NAWGJWA board 1999-2001, 2012-2014)

NAWGJ member since 1995. Started gymnastics at age five in suburban St. Loius. Competed Class II. Coached at Cascade Elite 1994-2004. Started judging in 1995.


Tindall, Kai (Brier, 9)

NAWGJ member since 2009. Kai has been involved in gymnastics all her life.  At first it started as day care since her mother (Laurel) is the SPU head coach, but once she was old enough she began competing.  After 13 years of competition, she has racked up 1 state title and 5 regional titles. In her senior year of high school, she got her judges rating as part of her 'Senior Project' to finally put her 13 years of competing and 3 years of coaching to good use. As well as being part of the SPU gymnastics team for the 2011 season, she will continue to coach and judge. 2014 National co-champ FX at USAG Collegiate Nationals!

Article

Mom-Daughter Article- Seattle Times, April, 2011


Tindall, Laurel (Anderson) (Brier, Brevet/1994, State Board 2014)

NAWGJ member since 1979. Student of George Lewis, elite gymnast from 1969-1975. 1971 Pan Am Games trials. 1972 Final Olympic Trials. young Laurel Tindall1973 World Championship team trials. 1974 AAU National Team. UW gymnast 1972-1973. SPU gymnast 1974 -1975. AIAW National Vault champ 1973 and 1975. 10-time All-American. Seattle Pacific University coach from 1975 to present. SPU won 3 National Division II titles, 1986, 1992, and 1997. 15 national champions and 121 All-American athletes. 20 straight seasons of top 4 National finishes in team competition. Four time Collegiate Coach of the Year. Falcon Gymnastics Club Director and Head Coach from 1981 to present. 1972-1981 Gymnastics Inc. club coach. Coached at Jerry Penney's Christmas Camps in the 1970's. 1996 to present Washington State USAG Board. USGF State Chairman from 1976-1983. USGF/USAG Region 2 Chairman 1983-1995. Brevet level Woman's judge having judged several USGF/USAG Regional and National meets. Inducted into 2004 USAG WA. Hall of Fame. Inducted into the Seattle Pacific University Hall of Fame 2005. Co-coach of the year in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, 2005. USAG WA Board member. USAG Hall of Fame board member. Married with two children (Kai is now a judge.)


Urfer, Jan (Port Angeles, National , State NAWGJ WA Board, 1994-1996, 2000-2004, 2008-2010)

NAWGJ member since 1994. Learned to love gymnastics in P.E. classes. Attended CWU, and again, there was no gymnastics program so she took PE classes - called gymnastics apparatus. Jan was a music teacher in Port Angeles, and she took the Class III judging test in 1978. She then took over the local junior high program when the coach quit. She helped establish a recreational program with the YMCA, to fill a gap created when the district dropped the junior high school programs. Jan became a full time assistant and became head coach at the beginning of the 1989-90 season. She served on the High School WSGCA Board since 1988 and was President from 1990-94. Currently treasurer and rep for the Narrows League. 1998 NFICA Section 8 Coach of the Year for Special Sports and elected to the WIAA -WSGCA Hall of Fame in 2001. She judged during 1978-79 high school season, quit judging, then started again in 1993 or 94. NAWGJ WA state board 2 years around 1995, and board member 2000-2004. USAGWA State Xcel Rep 2014-

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Wren, Linda (Richland, Level 4/5)

member since 2013


PAST WA NAWGJ STATE
Judging Directors

PAST WA NAWGJ STATE Board Members

  • Liz Johnson 1975-1976

  • Pat Hatmaker 1976-1978

  • Kay Canedy 1978 - 1986

  • Anita Sharratt 1986-1990

  • Donna Lucero 1990 -1993

  • Priscilla Hickey 1993-1994

  • Dean Ratliff 1994-2000

  • Nola Ayres 2000-2012

  • Denise Green/Lee Bjella 2012-2016

1975 Liz Johnson, SJD;
1976 Pat Hatmaker, SJD
1977 Pat Hatmaker , SJD
1978 Kay Canedy, SJD
1979 Kay Canedy, SJD
1980 Kay Canedy, SJD
1981 Kay Canedy, SJD
1982 Kay Canedy, SJD
1983 Kay Canedy, SJD
1984 Kay Canedy, SJD
1985 Kay Canedy, SJD; Barb MacAfee
1986 Anita Sharratt, SJD; Barb MacAfee
1987 Anita Sharratt, SJD
1988 Anita Sharratt, SJD;
1989 Anita Sharratt, SJD; Lee Bjella, Barb MacAfee,
1990 Donna Lucero, SJD; Lee Bjella, Noelle Buell, Barb MacAfee, Dean Ratliff, Barb Adams, Kathy Harrison, Nola Ayres, Anita Sharratt
1991 Donna Lucero, SJD; Lee Bjella, Noelle Buell, Barb MacAfee, Dean Ratliff, Barb Adams, Kathy Harrison, Nola Ayres, Anita Sharratt
1992 Donna Lucero, SJD; Judy Denny, Dean Ratliff, Karen Wisen, Anita Sharratt, Earla Harwell
1993 Priscilla Hickey, SJD; Judy Denny, Dean Ratliff, Karen Wisen, Anita Sharratt, Earla Harwell
1994 Dean Ratliff, SJD;
1995 Dean Ratliff, SJD; Chris Greso, Devany Martin, Becky Anderson, Jan Urfer, Marge Eilers, Teresa Hiebert, Barb MacAfee, Dawn Kiss
1996 Dean Ratliff, SJD; Jan Urfer, Barb MacAfee, Chris Greso, Devany Martin, Dawn Kiss, Marge Eilers, Teresa Hiebert
1997 Dean Ratliff, SJD; Marge Eilers, Teresa Hiebert, Dawn Kiss, Barb MacAfee,Kathy Crawford
1998 Dean Ratliff, SJD; Judy Denny, Barb MacAfee, Kathy Crawford
1999 Dean Ratliff, SJD; Kathy Crawford, Noelle Draggoo (Buell), Katy Fussner (Tavog), Teresa Hiebert, Barb MacAfee
1998-1999 Lee Bjella, Barb MacAfee,??
2000 Nola Ayres, SJD; Jan Urfer, Dean Ratliff, Katy Fussner (Tavog), Linda O'Reilly, Earla Reed, Noelle Draggoo (Buell) Christy Lang, Donna Lucero, Barb MacAfee
2001 Nola Ayres, SJD; Dean Ratliff, Jan Urfer, Barb MacAfee, Earla Reed, Noelle Draggoo (Buell), Linda O'Reilly, Donna Lucero, Christy Lang, Katy Fussner (Tavog)
2002 Nola Ayres, SJD; Lee Bjella, Judy Denny, Tracy Duncan, Denise Green, Karen Wisen, Laurie Reid, Barb MacAfee, Denise Green, Donna Lucero
2003 Nola Ayres, SJD; Lee Bjella, Barb MacAfee, Jan Urfer, Judy Denny, Karen Wisen, Tracy Duncan, Denise Green, Donna Lucero
2004 Nola Ayres, SJD; Lee Bjella, Denise Green, Karen Wisen, Laurie Reid, Barb MacAfee, Barb Graisy
2005 Nola Ayres, SJD; Lee Bjella, Denise Green, Karen Wisen, Laurie Reid, Barb MacAfee, Barb Graisy
2006 Nola Ayres, SJD; Lee Bjella, Barb Graisy, Denise Green, Karen Wisen, Lauire Reid, Barb MacAfee, Jan Urfer
2007 Nola Ayres, SJD; Denise Green, Karen Wisen, Barb MacAfee, Jan Urfer, Laurie Reid, Lee Bjella, Karen Wisen
2008 Nola Ayres, SJD; Lee Bjella, Denise Green, Barb MacAfee, Laurie Reid, Jan Urfer, Karen Wisen
2009 Nola Ayres, SJD; Patty Ames, Lee Bjella, Jan Urfer, Denise Green, Laurie Reid, Marge Eilers, Barb MacAfee, Karen Wisen
2010 Nola Ayres, SJD; Patty Ames, Lee Bjella, Denise Green, Laurie Reid, Barb MacAfee, Judy Denny
2011 Nola Ayres, SJD; Patty Ames, Lee Bjella, Denise Green, Judy Denny, Laurie Reid, Barb MacAfee
2012-2014 Lee Bjella/Denise Green co-SJD's, Patty Ames, Pier Hansen, Barb MacAfee, Dianne Palmer, Katy Tavog, Dawn Kiss
2014-2016 Lee Bjella/Denise Green co-SJD's, Patty Ames, Pier Hansen, Dianne Palmer, Pam Harper, Michelle Ripple, Laurel Tindall


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USAG WA/NAWGJ WA STATE JUDGE OF THE YEAR RECIPIENTS:

  • 1991 Karen Wisen/Lee Bjella

  • 1993 Laurie Reid

  • 1994 Dean Ratliff

  • 2001 Opt. Nola Ayres/Comp. Lee Bjella

  • 2002 Opt.Nola Ayres /Comp. Dawn Kiss

  • 2003 Laurie Reid/Denise Green

  • 2004 Lee Bjella

  • 2005 Denise Green

  • 2006 Corine Olsen and Marge Eilers (Comp.)

  • 2007 Corine Olsen (Comp.)


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Retired (or moved) Judges

Absolonson, Kadi (Spokane, 7/8) 2011-2013

Alverez, Mia (Seattle, 4/5) 2013

Barker, Karen (Coberly) (Bothell, Level 10)
Competed Club 1983-1990 (Eastside Kips, Gymnastics East, Sportastiks, all in Bellevue.) Competed at Sammamish H.S. for Jerry Penney 1990-1994. Was Sehome High School Assistant Coach 1995-2000, Head coach 2000-2001- 2nd in state 4A. Coached at Bellingham Middle Schools 1996-2000, Leading Edge Gymnastics Academy North 1995-2001. Judged fro a short time starting in 1999.

Belinsky, Ellen (Seattle, Level 4/5)

Started gymnastics at the age of 4. Competed Levels 5 through 8 at Airborne Gymnastics in Santa Clara, CA, winning several state titles. Competed on Saint Francis High School's Varsity Gymnastics Team. Began coaching at Gold Star Gymnastics in Mountain View, CA in 2005 and has been coaching ever since. Earned Bachelor of Science in Elementary and ESL Education from Boston University. Has also coached at Twisters Gymnastics, Inc. in Mountain View, CA and in Washington has coached at Eastside Gymnastics. Is happy to be judging as it keeps her in the gym!

Member since 2013-2015- moved

 

Calvo, Val (Snohomish, Level 4/5) Judged from 2013-2015

*Canady, Kay (1944? -1986 ) (Class 1,Former NAWGJ State Judging Director)
Kay was a wife, mother, teacher, judge and State Judging Director. She was born in Long Beach, California, went to the University of Oregon, moved to Seattle, married and had two children. Kay taught Physical Education at Lincoln High School in Seattle and then substitute taught for a number of years. She became a judge in 1970 and rose to the Elite level. She was SJD for 8 years. Her friends and colleagues remember Kay as a very giving and loving person with a great sense of humor, who adored the gymnasts and enjoyed helping all members of the gymnastics community. The devastating disease of breast cancer took Kay from us in 1986. The Washington State Judges Open was renamed in her honor shortly thereafter.

Carson, Ben (Level 5-8) 12 years experience coaching girls competitive gymnastics at several Northwest Washington clubs including Leading Edge Gymnastics in Everett, the former Leading Edge North in Bellingham, Gym Star Sports Center in Ferndale and I now coach levels 4-8 at Eastside Gymnastics in Woodinville. Other coaching experience includes coaching mens artistic at Leading Edge North; cheer tumbling for the former Pacific Storm All-Stars and Fuzion Ignite All-Stars; and Trampoline & Tumbling in Nevada. I am also a member of the National Association of Women's Gymnastics Judges Washington chapter and hold a rating of 5-8.

Chadwick, Laurie (Spokane, Level 10) NAWGJ member 2002 - 2014.

Clark, Myrna "I owned and operated Clark's Capers Gymnastics Academy/Clarks Columbia for over 30 years in Longview, WA. Our Traveling USGF teams competed throughout Region 2, traveling through out WA. & OR. We also traveled to Hawaii to compete twice & Canada several times. I also coached the Kelso Jr. High School Gymnastics Team to win League Championship for several years in a row. I retired from Gymnastics and thought I was through with that part of my life. Then Kelso High School started a gymnastics team in 2002 so I jumped back in as Head Coach, and started Judging High school Meets. I enjoyed judging and became a NAWGJ Judge in 2005. Every summer for the last 9 years I have enjoyed spending time in Florence Oregon where I work at Coastal Fitness Center with their Recreational Gymnastic program, and choreograph routines for their yearly Spring Show held at the Florence Event Center. My husband & I celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2010. I still enjoy being a part of the Gymnastic world. My motto is: Dear to Dream & enjoy the Quest." Retired 2012.

Crane, Kori (Mount Vernon, Level 10)
She started gymnastics in recreation classes as a youngster in grade school and competed in high school for four years in Vermont. I coached high school for four years in Vermont and two years in Washington state. She judged in Vermont, New York and New Hampshire beginning in 1994 because they were so serverely lacking judges for both high school and club in that area. Kori continued judging in Washington when she moved here in 1997. "I remember the first meet I went to judge, I was quite nervous and I was talking to my mom about it. As always, trying to help, my mom said, "Just remember, the girls are counting on you." So much for putting my mind at ease! However, it is always something I think about when I go into a meet." Kori moved back to the East coast in 2012.

Feuer, Kelly Tarpenning (originally from Oregon,Elite/National)
Kelly got into gymnastics because her older sister did it and it looked like a lot of fun. She was in junior high school when she started taking classes at the National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics run by the Mulvihills. Competed in high school and the team finished 2nd in the state meet her senior year. Named Most Inspirational gymnast her senior year. Started judging high school gymnastics in Oregon in 1977. Kathy Crawford and Kelly went to the same high school (Sheldon High School - Eugene, Oregon) and their coach suggested getting involved in judging. They started judging at the same time after graduation. Became a rated USGF judge in 1982, beginning with Class III rating. Class I rating in 1984. Elite in 1993 while living in Atlanta, Georgia (Region VIII). This was changed, of course, to 'National' rating in 2001. She has judged in three different regions while living on the West Coast (San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Eugene, Portland, Seattle) and judged many Optional and Compulsory state meets. Judged NCAA collegiate regionals at LSU 2002, USAG National College Championships at UC Davis in 2001, Division 2 Regional Championships in 1999,2000,2001. Level 8 (region 8) 1993. Kelly worked at the 2004 Olympics in Greece for NBC. (Actually, this was Kelly's fourth Olympics! She worked alongside her husband Tom at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He was the producer of Track and Field for NBC's "Triplecast" coverage. Kelly worked as a spotter/statistician for the commentators. She worked the 1996 Atlanta Olympics also at the Track and Field venue as a field event spotter and tape logger on the regular NBC broadcast. In 2000, she worked for Quokka Sports, and internet sports company while at the Sydney Olympics. She did live written commentary of the Men's and Womens Artistic Gymnastics for the website. In Athens, she worked the Track and Field venue. Way to go Kelly!)

Graisy, Barbara, Olympia (previously longtime Vancouver resident), National, NAWGJ WA board (sometime in 1980’s) 2004- 2006. NAWGJ member since 1982. Barb started gymnastics at Lakeland High school in North Idaho in 1970. “We had club only and taught ourselves out of books to do such high level moves as walkovers, handsprings and back tucks! Even shoulder rolls on the old 2x4 on top of a bar support beam.” Her highlight was doing a beam routine in the Kootenai County Junior Miss Pageant. In 1978, Pat Guttormsen, a Brevet judge in southwest Washington, got her into judging.(Pat was USGF regional chair and Washington SJD. Pat was quite the character. She raced pigeons with her husband. Varina French started her in judging, and she coached a high school team and was a PE teacher.) Barb judged the Australian National Team Championships in 1993 while accompanying a US high school group on tour. Assisted at the Good Will games in Seattle in 1990. National Federation Judge of the Year for WA State (High School) 2001. Judged many High School State Meets and USAG State Meets. NCAA Regionals 2008. Retired in 2013.

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Greso, Chris (Everett, Level 10; NAWGJWA Board - early 1990's) NAWGJ member since 1985. Was gymnast at Sno-Co. Gymnastics Club in Everett 1974-’79 coached by Dan Hunter. Played clarinet Everett High, Eagle Club Bands; Pommel horse specialist at Everett High 1975-1978, Co captain senior year - 2nd in State on PH in 1978 ; Gymnastics coach 1979 - 1993; Coached at Reflections Gymnastics in Everett 1979-’81; Mount Lake Terrace Parks and Rec. in 1980; Franklin H.S. girls team Head Coach in 1983; Program Dir. Spokane Elite Gymnastics 1990 - 92; College assistant coach SPU '84-'88; (SPU was NCAA II Nati’l Champ in 1986.)

Ballroom dance competitor 1999 - 2010 (highest level: pre-championship standard, novice latin; Mens'gymnastics judge 1978 - present (highest rating: Olympic level) Women's gymnastics judge 1979 - present (highest rating:level 10)
Education: Graduated Everett High(Sea gulls) 1978; Everett Community College A.A.1981; SPU (Falcons) BS 1989; Eastern Wa. University BA 1994. Retired in 2013

 

Hart, Jessica (Marshall) NWA gymnast in 1980's and 90's, coached by Dan and Linda Young.  U of Arizona 1992-1996.  Was an all arounder freshman year and competed in the NCAA division 1 Finals (Super Six) as a team in 1993 in Corvalis, OR. Went on to compete as a vault specialist in 1996 in the NCAA team finals in Tuscaloosa Alabama where U of A placed 7th as a team. "I began judging with a level 9 rating while working in Scottsdale at Arizona Sunrays where I coached the devo kids and optional levels with Dan Witenstien and Lisa Zies in 1997-1998.  I then moved to Southern Ca and judged there from 1999-2000. I took a break and had a family and returned to judging in NorCal in 2006.  I immediately tested up to level ten and judged in NorCal from 2006-2009."  Judged numerous state meets in Nor Cal and now lives in Bellingham. Moved to Minnesota in 2012.

 

*Hatmaker, Pat (1941-1999) Issaquah Retired from judging to coach
Taught at Issaquah H.S. Worked in the development of judging in girls gymnastics. Coached the girls team at Issaquah High for many years. Coach of the year in 1995. Inducted into the WIAA -WSGCA ymnastics Coaches Hall of Fame in 1998. Inducted in the first USAG WA. Hall of Fame 2002.

 

 

 

Helmold, Ashley (LaCenter, Level 4/5) member 2013 - 2014

Hess, Jordan (Seattle, Level 9) Member since -? Moved in 2015 to OR

Hiebert, Teresa (Bellingham, Level 9, NAWGJ WA Board 1996-2000)
Competed for Bellingham High School 1970-1974. Teresa began coaching while still in high school for Bellingham Parks and Recreation on Saturdays. (15 years) She coached middle school and the Bellingham High School Team 1990-1994. In 1984, Teresa and her then husband started their own gymnastics club renting the Whatcom Middle School. Started judging in about 1985.

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*Johnson, Liz
First SJD in Washington. She was from Bothell and taught in Shoreline.

Karsch, Valarie (Vancouver)
Competed in High School in Southern OR. (Mid 80's).Coached team kids for 2 years right out of high school. Had knee surgery so she decided it was a good time to learn to Judge. "As I was coaching, I had many questions, but it was hard to get the specific answers I wanted. If I knew more, I would be a better, more confident coach." Moved to Vancouver in 1987, got a hold of Barb Graisy (Adams at the time) and started studying for the compulsory test with Vad Woodside. Had kids, tried to test whenever she could. Very involved in Middle and High school gymnastics since 1990. Head Coach at Prairie High School and assign for Middle School. Took a few years off of club judging.

Lansidel, Kim (Level 9) NAWGJ member 2011 - 2015

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Lu, Li (Redmond) NAWGJ member since 2005.Former Chinese Olympian - 1992 Gold on Bars and Silver on Beam. Coach in Washington State, and judge.

 

 

*Lucero, Donna (Snohomish,Level 10, State NAWGJ Board 19 -2004, former SJD) Former NAWGJ State Judging Director in the late 1980's and early 1990's. West Seattle High School student. Started judging 1972, high school. Pat Hatmaker and Kay Canedy got her into club judging. 1977-1989  12 Year Executive Assistant to Washington State Judging Director. 1989-1994 Washington State Judging Director. 1984-1996 15 Year Region 2 Championships Judge. 1974-1998 25 Year Washington State Junior Olympic Championship Judge. 1979  Junior College National Championship Judge. Junior Olympic National Championship Judge - Level 10. 1978-2008 Mentor Judge for more than 30 years in Washington State. 1974  Founding member NAWGJ WA. Inducted into the USAG WA Hall of Fame 2008. WOA Judge of the Year 2008 and WOA Hall of Fame 2010.

Lydon, John (Port Orchards, Level 4/5)
Began coaching gymnastics in 1975 - retired 2003. Former member of US Elite Coaches Assoc. Former VP Nor-Cal Women's Gymnastics Assoc. Coached PAC 10 gymnast of the Year and Elite Gymnast, Karin Iyemura and many other college gymnasts. Coached USIAGC Region 1 Team Champs. Meet Director at many competitions including AIAW Collegiate National Championships, 1975; American Classics, 1980 and 1981; American Cup, 1983. Owner of Rainbow Gymnastics until 1989. Opened Cypress Gymnastics, Salinas, CA in 1993. Mentors: Jim Gault; Diablo Gymnastics, University of Arizona: Jim Turpin; Almaden Gymastics, Oregon State University: Patsy Wester; New York Ballet and Hidden Valley Dance, Carmel Valley, CA: Margaet Stoval; Kirov Ballet, Russia: Tom Tutko; Sports Psychologist, San Jose State U. Moved to WA and became NAWGJ judge - member 2013 - 2015

McKenzie, Tracy (Level 10)

Moore, Michelle (Marysville, Level 10) retired in 2013. NAWGJ member since 2005. Michelle was a former club gymnast who competed in Spokane, WA. She never lost her love of the sport and in 2004 decided get involved again by judging. Michelle is married and moved to Marysville, WA where she is currently the Branch Manager at Wells Fargo Bank.

Moreno, Tricia Cusimano (Pasco, Level 10) Became NAWGJ member 1999. Competed for Kennewick High School, 1990-1994. Coached rec classes at Mid-Columbia Gymnastics 1993-1996. Coached at Lilac City Gymnastics 1997-1999. Tricia was a cheerleader at Eastern WA. U. Asst. coach at Southridge High School at present. Judging since 1994. Tricia is a first grade teacher in Pasco and group fitness instructor at World Gym in Kennewick. Retired from judging 2015

Murphy, Theresa (Peterson) Went to Lincoln Heights Gymnastics Club from 1976-1980's. Coached by Terry and Vicky Kelly. Theresa then went to Gymnastics Arts Center, also in Spokane, where she competed as a Class 1. Attended Shadle Park High School and was coached by Lyle Pugh, from 1976-1980. Went to Spokane CC, coached by Rick Harrison. (National Champs), then 2 years at Eastern Washington University where she was coached by Rusty Wellman, and asstistant coach Kathy Harrison. Teresa went on to become a Level 10 judge.

Okazaki, Susan (Ideta) (Seattle, High school judge)

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Olsen, Corine (Frohm) (Lake Stevens, National) Passed Sept. 24, 2013 - "Smiley Judge" - you will be sorely missed - truly loved by all. NAWGJ member since 1999. She was a gymnast under Dale Shirley at AOG (Academy of Olympic Gymnastics); Newport High School gymnast 1985-1988. SPU gymnast 1988-1992 under Laurel Tindall. All American Bars in 1990 and 1991. MVP 1991. National Team Champions in 1992. Coached Newport High 1993-1995. 1st State Championship for Newport in 1994. Started judging in 1991. Married and the mother of four. USAG WA Compulsory Judge of the Year 2006 and 2007. Shortly before her death, she achieved a great goal of becoming a National rated judge.

video tribute

 

 

 

Renggli, Jann (East Wenatchee, Level 10)NAWGJ member since 2005. "I started gymnastics at the rec program at SPU. My family moved to Woodinville where I did gymnastics at a club. Went to King's High School in Seattle and did Cheerleading because they didnt have a gymnastics team. I have 5 children one whom competed gymastics for 10 years at SPORT Gymnastics in Wenatchee where I have been coaching since 2001. I became a judge in 2005 (something I had wanted to do since I first started gymnastics)" Retired in 2015.

 

 

 

Roberts, Rhona (Seattle, Not rated -High school judge) Former gymnast at Deer Park High School, coached by Sharon Johnston. Junior college Spokane CC (National Champs 1980-1981, 1981-1982 with Teresa Peterson Murphy, Karen Erickson Renner and Lisa Bollinger who was from Wenatchee and married Olympian Jim Hartung, living in Lincoln, Neb.) Coach Rick Harrison. Started judging 1981-1982. WSU 1984-'85 coached by Al Sanders (deceased). She has judged high school gymnastics in the Seattle area for many years.

Swanson, Melody Melody started gymnastics in 1984 at Spokane Elite Gymnastics. In 1988 she won the state championship on balance beam for Class III. She continued club gymnastics until 1991 competing through Level 8. Melody then competed four years of high school gymnastics at University High School. She was a varsity member of the team which won the Greater Spokane League championship three years in a row. After high school Melody coached a recreational gymnastics class at Washington State University. After college she returned to Spokane and began judging junior high and high school. Melody got her rating in 1998 and has been involved with both club and high school judging ever since.

Stoddart, Jill (Redmond, Level 4/5) member 2013 - 2015

Wang, Allyson (Seattle, Level 4/5) member 2010-2015

Whitmore, Janelle (Vancouver, Level 5/6)

Young Karen Wisen*Wisen, Karen (Redmond, National, NAWGJWA Board 2004-2009) Karen started competing in the 7th grade on the Mercer Island tumbling teamKaren judging at 1984 Olympics. She transferred to the UW after competing in Minnesota at Gustavus Adolphus on their very first gymnastics team. Karen became captain of the team which took 2nd at the first ever Collegiate Women's Invitations Gym Meet. (Southern Ill.) Started judging while still at UW. She went with George Lewis and his team to USGF Nationals. A judge didn't show up, so Jackie Kline Fie had Karen judge. The next year they sent her to the Pan Am Games and then the FIG course in Madrid! Coached at Ingelmoor High School from 1968 to 1976. Won King-Co every year and won 3 State Championships. Became Brevet judge in the early 1970's. Judged the 1984 Olympics. USGF/USAG Regional Technical Director 1971-1996. Karen was inducted into the WIAA -WSGCA Hall of Fame in 1998 and the USAG WA Hall of Fame in 2004. WA. State Judge of the Year 1991. Oct. 20, 1944 - April 28, 2014.

 


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