A Victory Flip: Gymnasts excel on and off campus
Victory Gymnastics is living up to its name; it’s one of the highest ranked teams in California. Contributing to Victory’s success are Joe Dixon, sophomore, and Chris Osgood, freshman.
“Chris and Joe are two of our highest level gymnasts,” said Howard Laguna, owner of Victory Gymnastics. The two competed at the State Championships and were named California All Star Team members. They also represented California at the Regional Championships where they competed against the best gymnasts from California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. “At the National Championships, Chris took first place on the Pommel Horse, making him a National Champion at his age group, and finished second in the All Around. Joe finished 3rd in the All Around,” Laguna said.
Osgood and Dixon both started gymnastics at an early age. “I was always interested in doing handstands and backflips when I was little, so my mom signed me up for gymnastics (in the second grade),” Dixon said.
Unlike Dixon, Osgood wasn’t instantly taken by the sport. “I didn’t take it seriously the first two years I did it. I actually got last place in the region,” Osgood said.
But Osgood soon discovered his passion for gymnastics. Today, both Dixon and Osgood train for more than 20 hours each week. “Chris and Joe are two of our hardest working gymnasts,” Laguna said.
Although going to competitions can create some jitters, Osgood and Dixon have learned to deal with it. “Big competitions (are) a little nerve-wracking but I’ve been to two so far, so I’m not as nervous anymore,” Osgood said. “I just push it off to the side and try to think of other things than the stress. I try to think of what’s happening now – not the past and not the future.”
Similarly, Dixon said, “at competitions I try and treat it like a presentation. I make sure to take a deep breath and remind myself to perform just like I practiced. It’s always a bit scary but listening to music helps.”
Both gymnasts excel in the classroom as well, taking Honors and AP courses in addition to following their rigorous training schedule. “Yes, I get overburdened and I have to miss practice sometimes. I have considered being homeschooled and I was actually going to do it this year but … I have too much stuff, and the homeschooling programs aren’t as good,” Osgood said.
“Time management is key,” Dixon added. “My coach actually wanted me to be homeschooled but I didn’t really want to be; I have a lot of friends at school.”
“They always have a great attitude when they come to train, and are leaders on our team. All of the boys look up to them,” Laguna said. “If gymnastics were still a sport in high school, Newbury Park would have one of the most powerful teams in the state.”
Alyssa Boedigheimer & Angela Swartz
