The history
of Sharp's Academy...
SGA owner Marvin Sharp spent seven years as the head women's coach (as
well as gym manager for part of that time) of another program in the
Indianapolis area. He had made an agreement to purchase the
business, but it became clear that due to the present management, this
transaction was not to be.
"I learned what it feels like to be on top and then to "not
be on top" in a short period of time. It was only a few years ago
that we had the Level 10 State All Around and Team Champions, the
Regional All Around Champion and six athletes at Nationals.
We came home from Nationals that year with two first place team
plaques, as well as All Around and Event medals. That is about
the time our gymnastics' world began to fall apart. By the next
year we were seriously struggling as a
team and as a staff. We were all ready to make a serious change."
On May 15th, 2001, Coach Sharp decided it was time to
venture out
on his own and open Sharp's Gymnastics Academy. Only he was not
alone...
5 coaches, over 50 team members, and their parents joined Marvin is his
journey.
So the quest began... He wanted to open a gym where athletes
could train at all levels (preschool to Elite), in a POSITIVE and FUN
training environment.
"Training children is our business, and our people (coaches) are our
most
important asset." (something hat had become a long forgotten
ideal)
We wanted to make sure we could build a facility capable of
training top level athletes while supporting a solid preschool and
recreational program. That was going to take a large building, a
lot of equipment, and some careful planning, all in a very short amount
of time.
It took just over three months of training in other people's
gyms, a bit of money, and a lot of support from athletes, parents and
coaches to make it happen. (Basically 5 coaches, 50 team members,
and their parents)
Sharp's Gymnastics Academy opened its doors for business on
Monday, September 10th 2001. We are happy to announce that we
have achieved at least one of our goals. We have established a
positive "happy"
training environment where we teach strong gymnastics fundamentals and
progression. If you are not training at Sharp's Gymnastics, you
should be!
We achieved moderate success in the that first year at both
Levels 9 & 10. In 2003 our success at the Elite Level really
put us back on the gymnastics' path. In 2005 we qualified our
first U.S. Elite
National Team Member (Jr. International). Our training system
appears
to be back on track and better than ever. We are looking forward
to
much success in the years to come.
E-mail Coach Sharp
for more information.
Here is a photo of our original founding members.
(Girls' team, Tumbling team, Boys' team, Staff & Parents)
"SGA established September 2001"
Here are a few photos from the building of...
"Sharp's Gymnastics Academy."
Digging the foam pit.
The walls go up...
The finished pit. Now time for carpet and foam!
Soon to be the new reception desk.
Offices, bathrooms, etc.
Building the new 4" spring 42' x 42' floor exercise.
Click here to
see photographs of the finished SGA Facility.
We actually had to train at a local park while waiting for
construction
to finish on the new gym.
I think that really says something about the people who stuck with us.
Real commitment and dedication. These are good people.
Hard work and commitment is what it is all about.
"Sharp's Gymnastics Academy"
Come by and see for yourself.
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