Through amazed eyes, the audience watches as students float, flip and twist through the air. With unparalleled height the members of Gymkana raise the bar for all athletic groups on campus.
Gymkana is a gymnastics and acrobatic team at the University of Maryland. Founded at UMD in 1946, the troupes have performed in many shows, appeared on America’s Got Talent, and continue to go around Maryland encouraging a drug and alcohol free lifestyle. While many know much about the team from their annual performance at Comcast Center, as they flip through a flaming hoop of fire, bringing the stadium to their feet; many don’t know the coaches, which help keep this group in existence.
Interim Director and Head Coach Josh Montfort, has been coaching gymnastics for over 20 years, He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1993 and a Master of Science degree in Psychology of Sport in 1996. Coach Josh joined Gymkana in 1989 as a troupe member and is currently the head coach. Practice is held every night of the week, and troupers are required to fulfill a minimum of 6 hours of practice a week. As the members walk into the gym after a stressful day in school, they can always count on Gymkana as an outlet during their hectic lives. This is the environment that Coach Montfort creates from the moment you walk through the door.
Kieran McGuigan, a third year member of the Gymkana troupe said, “Josh is definitely more than just a great coach. I don’t really have a positive father figure in my life and he has filled that role.”
While Josh does have a family of his own, he makes the time to coach Gymkana every night. Making sure every member has a place on the team and a chance to learn new skills; Josh makes himself available to 85 plus members.
“Instead of separating his own family and Gymkana he combined them. Every member of Gymkana is now a member of his family,” said current Vice President McGuigan.
Gymkana is known for their intense requirements. Getting up at 4 a.m. on Friday mornings for gymnastics is no walk in the park and while those five-hour practices on Wednesday nights conflict with academic schedules every member must attend. One of Gymkana’s requirements is the pledge each member must take before joining the team. The pledge states: members must abstain from drugs and alcohol every year they are a part of Gymkana. This includes winter, spring and summer break.
While many college students think this is an absurd request, Coach Josh sets an example for all the members on the team, making it an easy task to conquer. Josh really helps the team stand by their motto, “healthy bodies shape healthy minds.” With this, the team remains in existence and continues to perform around Maryland promoting a drug free lifestyle.
Josh has affected the lives of every student who has walked into the gym for practice. Whether you are a level 10 competitive gymnast, or know nothing about the sport, Coach Josh, along with the team create a warm, healthy and active environment anyone can be a part of. As they get ready for their Homeshow on April 5, 2013, one of their biggest shows of the year, they wanted to reach out to the coach who makes it all possible, Josh Montfort.
If interested in buying tickets for their upcoming show, you can check their website, www.gymkana.umd.edu.
First photo by James Liu, member of Gymkana
Second photo by Erin Pearson, member of Gymkana