NCGA E-Newsletter December, 2001
Season's Greeting from the NCGA.
In case you don't know what NCGA stands for, it is the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association, or the governing body of Division III gymnastics. This e-newsletter has actually been in the works for about 5 years. We finally got tired of just talking about it, so here it goes. You are receiving this e-newsletter because an old coach or teammate has passed on your e-mail to us. If at any point, you wish to be removed from this list, please e-mail the webmaster and ask to be removed. It is our sincere hope that you would wish to remain as part of this e-newsletter and not only that, but spread the word to old teammates or gymnasts that you used to compete against that were all part of the NCGA. There are currently 16 schools that are members of the NCGA, but there used to be many, many more before Division III schools decided that it was no longer feasible to offer gymnastics at their school. One of our goals is to reach and reconnect with those athletes, coaches and NCGA fans that were affiliated with those schools that no longer have programs. Would you please help us?
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Check out the NCGA Website
Our website has moved to a new server and it has been updated with the history of the NCGA and pictures from the 2001 National Championships. Please check it out at NCGA Home Under NCGA News, you will be able to check the latest updates and news of what is going on with our organization. We will also post announcements, rankings and pictures. Please send us your feedback and let us know how we may be able to improve it.
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A 20th Anniversary Reunion in the works?
The NCGA will turn 20 soon. For many of us that have been involved with this organization in some way or another, we hold a very special place in our heart full of great memories and friends. Because of that, we are starting to think about throwing a 20th Anniversary bash sometime in the winter of 2004. The first step would be to try to reach as many people as possible that have had some involvement with the NCGA over the years to make sure that everyone is invited. People would be able to check our newly updated website for updates, or join this e-newsletter. Your personal e-mail address will never appear as a recipient, so you could remain 'anonymous' if you choose to join the list. We understand and respect everyone's privacy and want to assure you that only issues relating to the NCGA will be mailed to this list. Furthermore, you would not be receiving more than 5-8 e-mails per year. We are certain that there are many stories to be shared, memories to be recounted and old frienships to rekindle. Help us reach those people that you know would want to be involved and let's see how many we can get to the party.
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Speaking of parties....
Rumors are flying around about the possibility of a National effort to plan an all college and university gymnastics reunion for both men and women in 2003. Mike Jacki, current president of the Nationals Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches for Women, is spearheading the effort. Not too many details yet, but if this happens, it would be during the World Gymnastics Championships that will be hosted in Anaheim, CA during the summer of 2003. Considering that many of our NCGA alumnae are spread all across the country, we could consider hosting a separate NCGA reunion at this time for those of you that are closer to the left coast. The 2004 reunion could take place on the East Coast, that way you would have the opportunity to attend one or the other. It's all still in the planning stages, but it is quite exciting.
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From the editor:
I feel funny putting in such a section since this is not much of a newsletter, but I did want to share a couple of thoughts. If there is one thing that we have learned from the September 11th tragedy is that our lives are truly uncertain. There is no guarantee that we will be here tomorrow, or the day after that. Many of us get so caught up in our day to day activities that we find it difficult to take the time to take a step back and really focus on what is important. Taking care of the people we love and making time for the people that are important to us gets lost sometimes in the fast-paced world in which we live in. The NCGA is a special organization. All of us that have been a part of it truly care about each other and we look back on our time in the NCGA with fond memories. There is not a more lasting impression and memory than the traditional circle which our athletes and coaches form around our seniors to say good-bye to them at Nationals every year. If you think back to your years in the NCGA and it brings a smile to your face, please share that thought with someone who you've lost touch with and have been meaning to get a hold of. Who knows if we will all still be here in 2004, but if we are, we are going to be throwing one heck of a party. I encourage you to get involved and to reach out to your old teammates and NCGA friends. Let them know that we want to get back together and let the NCGA grow with all of us.
Take full advantage of every day. That is my wish to you and yours for this Holiday Season. May the New Year bring peace and happiness to all of us.
Best regards,
Eduardo
"No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth" - Robert Southey