A Timeline of the
NAIGC
National Association of Intercollegiate
Gymnastics Clubs
1989: The first NACGC championships
were held at Eastern Michigan U. The meet
attracted three Midwest men’s clubs, and
EMU won. Thanks to coverage of the meet
in IG, seven clubs took part the next year.
The NACGC also changed its name to the
National Association of Intercollegiate
Gymnastics Clubs (NAIGC).
1991: The first women’s nationals were
hosted by Miami U. of Ohio.
1994: A student at Virginia Tech established a listserv that has contributed greatly
to communication and growth. A student at
Buffalo started a NAIGC website, but unfortunately (or fortunately) he graduated.
Presently, alumni members are updating the
site. Many clubs have their own websites and
the Internet is full of NAIGC news and
events.
1996: Nationals became co-ed.
1999: Nationals were at the Naval
Academy. Because of growing numbers, it
was the last year the meet could be held on
one day.
2001: At nationals at Syracuse, the
women’s preliminary competition was divided into two sessions. Individual finals were
held the second day.
2003: Nationals were hosted off campus
by a group of Texas clubs. The men’s prelims were split into two sessions, the women
into three. About 350 gymnasts representing 34 colleges took part.
2004: Nationals returned to EMU with
over 500 gymnasts. Growth and late entries
resulted in an additional women’s division.
The major challenge most clubs face is
money. Currently the NAIGC receives some
exposure from USA Gymnastics via its website. Private club owners and some college
coaches have supported the NAIGC.
Today: Most clubs are run by students—a
major strength and weakness. Students are
very enthusiastic but have little spare time
and experience running meets. Alumni were
recently elected to a governing board.
There are currently 100 college gymnastics clubs. Those that can afford it or can
miss class time go to the nationals. The purpose of the NAIGC is to encourage participation, not limit it.
The current rebirth of college gymnastics
is the result of students and now alumni who
are involved “for the love of the sport.”
—Marvin Johnson/retired EMU coach
