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Mericle selected Avo League gymnastics Coach of Year

Fallbrook High School gymnastics coach Debbie Mericle was selected the Avocado League’s Coach of the Year for gymnastics.

“That was an honor; that was completely unexpected,” Mericle said. “I didn’t know such an award existed. I only did the best I could with what we had, trying to make everything work.”

Mericle agreed to coach the Fallbrook team in 2006 for lack of any other willing leaders. Her pre-coaching experience in gymnastics consisted of two daughters in the sport. She has gradually gained experience as a coach, relying on the experience of assistant coaches and tips from former Warrior gymnastics coach Shar Larsen.

In 2006 the Fallbrook High School team had only eight gymnasts. Only three of those competed on the varsity level, not enough to earn a full score for the team.

In 2007 the Warriors returned to Fallbrook High School for the first time in five years. The equipment at the high school didn’t meet standards, so the Warriors at one time held home meets at the Fallbrook Gymnastics Club and became the host team at the opponent’s school once the school team was no longer able to use the club’s facilities. This year the Warriors hosted two meets at the high school while three scheduled home meets were moved to other schools due to superior bars.

The Warriors are likely to host more meets in 2008, as this year the gymnastics team raised $3,800 for new bars. Last year the team’s fundraising effort provided new mats for the high school facility.

Up to ten gymnasts compete for a high school team. One optional gymnast and the top five compulsory gymnasts are scored for each team. Because Fallbrook did not have an optional gymnast, the Warriors were not able to obtain the points for the optional performance. The Warriors still won two of seven dual meets during the season. Two of Fallbrook’s gymnasts qualified for the CIF meet.

Mericle was selected for the league Coach of the Year honor by the Avocado League’s gymnastics coaches. “I think she’s done a lot with the program,” said Mount Carmel coach and league advisor Monique Lamphiere-Tanayoshi.

“I understand why I received it,” Mericle said. “There are other coaches deserving of it. They work just as hard as the rest of us.”

Mericle attended Norte Vista High School in Riverside and graduated from that school in 1982, although she did not compete in gymnastics. She was on the swim team and also played volleyball as a freshman, and she twirled short flags for the high school drill team. Her activities prior to coaching gymnastics also included service as a Girl Scout leader and working as a day care provider.

While the other Avocado League coaches have recognized Mericle for how far she has taken Fallbrook High School’s nearly-disbanded gymnastics program, Mericle seeks greater progress. “I had an awesome year and I’m looking forward to another one,” she said.

 

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