Beauty and the Beast, is a tale as old as time, and a notorious competition that happens every year at BBHHS. This year the competition took place on January 15, combining both girls gymnastics on one side of the gym, and wrestling on the other side.
This unique competition has been a part of the Brecksville Broadview Heights community since 2006 and brings together two sports that, while they share the same season, rarely interact otherwise. It is a unique opportunity that brings people together to support each other, and a great time for parents who have kids in both gymnastics and wrestling!
“The Beauty and the Beast [competition] is an opportunity for the wrestling and gymnastics communities to come together for a night,” says Head Wrestling Coach Todd Haverdill. “A lot of wrestling families have never been to a gymnastics meet and vice versa.”
Coach Haverdill has been head coach for 25 years, inspired by his time at his brother’s wrestling practices when they were younger.
The Head Girls Gymnastics Coach Maria Schneider has had a similar early start, coaching for 29 years, and being raised in the gym as her parents opened up Gymnastics World.
Coaching plays an extremely important role in improving both the ability and attitude of these athletes. Both coaches have described a large focus for their teams as improving who they are as student athletes, and this has been reflected in how the athletes describe the team atmosphere.
“My coaches are such a significant reason for the success I or my team has,” says senior gymnast Rachel Kirin. “They are truly the best people. They know how to coach us individually- pushing us and making sure we’re doing what we need to do. They keep it tough in the gym, but they are also there for us in every way.”
It is easy to see how much these coaches care about their athletes. Coaches often jump to the win-loss ratio, how they’ve done this season, or the best performing player, but there is none of that in this case.
While the athletes would like to improve and perform well, they’ve learned there’s more to competing and winning or losing.
Kyla Haverdill, a senior gymnast and also Coach Haverdill’s daughter, says, “I feel incredibly grateful and proud to finish my last year with this team knowing the memories and bonds I have built will stay with me long after gymnastics.”
Kirin adds her own sentiment regarding the bonds saying, “My teammates that I grew up with motivated me to keep going when at times I didn’t want to.”
“The goal is always to help the student athletes become better versions of themselves,” says Coach Haverdill. “This sport is very hard. The discipline, accountability and work ethic they get from this sport will put them ahead in life.”
Senior Jeremias Castro-Paredes joined the wrestling team sophomore year and claims there have been improvements to both his wrestling skills and skills he uses in his everyday life.
“It [wrestling] has made me into a better person, I have learned how to manage my time. It taught me to be more dedicated to something and want to be there,” says Castro-Paredes.
Wrestling has had a lasting impact on Castro-Paredes, not only teaching him time management and dedication, but also hard work. With long practices and seemingly endless lifts Castro-Paredes doesn’t regret joining the team and encourages any new wrestlers to stick with it despite how difficult it may feel at first.
Kirin feels similarly about gymnastics. “Gymnastics has been the most significant part of my life,” she says. “It has taught me more lessons and who I am more than anything else. I’ve learned discipline, focus, artistry, and how to work hard to achieve my goals. I have also gained friendships and relationships I will have for the rest of my life.”
While Beauty and the Beast is a special competition for both wrestlers and gymnasts alike, girls gymnastics has a reputation to uphold.
With 22 consecutive state championship wins currently under their belt this is a large focus for their season, something they work toward.
“My goal is always the team’s goal – and they want to defend the state title – so I want to as well!” says Schneider.
“Winning states means carrying on a legacy of excellence and knowing that our hard work, trust in each other, and commitment to the team truly paid off,” adds Kyla Haverdill.
The girls’ team has emphasized repetition, their main tactic to perfecting their routines for each competition, but especially the state championship.
Kyla Haverdill recalls practices to be focused with everyone “pushing each other to improve, and staying mentally tough while supporting one another everyday.”
