Tulsa Clinic TOP of World For 85 National Gymnasts   By John A. Ferguson World Sports Writer 12/6/96       Kathy Kelly and Gary Warren of USA Gymnastics scouted the TOP (Talent Opportunity Program) field of 85 gymnasts in Tulsa Thursday. The Tulsa World Of Gymnastics was buzzing with activity as Kelly, the women's program director, and TOP manager Warren supervised the efforts of the age 9-11 girls from all parts of the United States. "We have two objectives to accomplish in the four-day training camp," said Kelly. "The first is to recognize and reach out for the physically talented youngsters and, secondly, to educate the coaches." Kelly has been active in the field of gymnastics since 1975 as a junior high school coach and judge before joining USA Gymnastics, based in Indianapolis, 11 years ago. Proud of the gold medal won by the United States women's gymnastics team in the Olympic Games this summer at Atlanta, Kelly vowed, "Our major challenge is to stay in contention for the gold medal again. We want to maintain a consistency of excellence. "However, first we must want to attain such a status. This program is a start. We're not asking anybody to do a back flip on the beam. That's why gymnastics is the epitome of discipline." Warren, who has coached for 22 years and owned a gymnasium in Springfield, Ohio, has been with the national gymnastics office for two years. "I'm responsible for the content of the training program and the logistics of bringing 175 coaches and athletes together. And that is a challenge," said Warren, who had never been outside of Ohio until he became a part of USA Gymnastics. Warren started his coaching program at the YMCA in Springfield, Ohio, before instructing in the sport at the Queen City Gymnastics in Cincinnati. "None of the athletes here are eligible for the Olympics in the year 2000 (in Sydney, Australia)," said Warren. "Their earliest Olympic time would be 2004. "What we're trying to do is set up an educational program with the athletes, coaches and parents." Warren said there are 80 private clubs throughout the United States and that through this training program, in its fifth year, he is seeking to spread the word among the 60,000 gymnasts. It's a screening process for athletes who demonstrate talent, determination and dedication, according to Warren. "In fact, it's a total body dedication," said Warren. "There's psychological testing and nutritional emphasis." Also in attendance at the training camp are Dr. Dan Benardot, a nutritionist, and his team of Kyna Miller and Michelle Ferrell, and psychologist Dr. Joan Duda. Kelly said the heroic performance by Kerri Strug, who performed so well at the Olympics in the vault despite an ankle injury, "was an example of a supreme sense of self-confidence." It's that kind of personality, poise and perseverance USA Gymnastics leaders are looking for at the national camp. Kelly said the results of such training also will help the gymnasts prepare for life's challenges.

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