As temperatures drop and the cooler months approach, South’s gymnastics team is gearing up for its season. But one question remains unanswered: who is the head coach?

In hopes of recovering the team, South’s athletic team posted a callout for coaches. However, the future of the team doesn’t depend on finding a coach alone. Interest in gymnastics has been declining among students, leaving the program with fewer athletes each year.

The gymnastics team has been around since 1978, and the students who participate put in a lot of dedication, along with discipline and teamwork.  “I don’t want to see the team disappear,” said senior Siena Johnson. 

If a coach is found, it may just be a temporary solution, as the team continues to get smaller each year. Sophomore Lena Adams said, “With clubs, you’re learning a lot more… while [in high school gymnastics], it’s like one head coach or maybe a couple assistant coaches, and depending on their experience, it can really affect how you learn it.” Despite this, Adams said,  “If we do get a coach, that would be really awesome. I would enjoy having another year to do it, and I know some of our seniors would probably like that.”

Kyle Simpson, the gymnastics team administrator, expressed his concern, saying, “No one wants to lose a team; it’s a horrible thing. We’re looking for a qualified coach, but unfortunately haven’t heard anything back. I would hate to cancel this season. The only thing we can do is hope a qualified coach responds to the listing before the season starts.”