From Rags To Riches

I wanted to share a story about how ACE Cheer Company has impacted my life for the better. I started my career with ACE Cheer Company around 7 years ago while I was a student/athlete at Jacksonville State University. When I approached this (what I thought was just small) gym in Gadsden, AL, I had no clue what changes were about to happen to me! After my interview and first week on the job, I shamefully approach my new boss (JR Zeringue/owner) and wife (Kelley Zeringue) and came clean to the fact that I had been living out of my car and had nowhere to go. Without hesitation they both said, “Here’s our address. You’re staying with us now.” JR added,”…and we’ll leave the light on for ya!”

Once I was on my feet and made enough to rent an apartment, I left the Zeringue household. Over the next year or so, I had struggles with partying and plenty of other temptations. When such escapades started to affect my job, JR pulled me into his office. The only thing on my mind was that I just lost my job. Instead, JR gave me a second chance. After spending more and more time with the company, I grew closer and closer with GOD, leading to my baptism courtesy of JR.  A very proud day indeed. Shortly after, while I was still cheering at Jacksonville State University, a situation occurred to where the university changed from coed to all-girl. This put me out of school for a semester. This leads to the next ACE chapter…

On one random afternoon, while playing basketball, Dan Harrod called me up and asked if I wanted to transfer schools and cheer at NCA nationals with Wallace State Community College. I replied, “Sure! I’ll be at practice tomorrow.” So I picked my life up and moved to Hanceville, AL. Being such a great and vast company, ACE was more than happy to transfer me to the Birmingham location. I cheered at Wallace for a semester and got 3^rd at NCA Nationals the first year Wallace competed NCA. During this time I tried out at the University of Louisville and made the team. At that time, ACE needed help in my home town of Atlanta for the summer. ACE of Atlanta was such a fun experience working with the coaches and developing great relationships with the athletes.

Dead set on pursuing my chance of a lifetime to cheer for Louisville, I get a phone call from Happy Hooper. He calls to offer me a position at a brand new location opening up in Mississippi. Hearing all the news about this Mississippi location, I still replied, “No.” A month went by of Happy calling and me shooting him down. Finally I gave in and decidee to take the job. ACE of Atlanta was not thrilled with me leaving. The kids decided to pie me in the face at ACE skills camp out of vengeance! ACE Skills Camp was my first time meeting my new co-workers, who I had to room with the whole time…awkward. This soon passed, and I made great friends within ACE of Hattiesburg. Throughout the course of working at ACE of Hattiesburg, Brandon Roberts has been a huge help in helping me reach my goal of coming out of debt and grabbing hold of my life. He so graciously loaned me money to pay off countless bills I had acquired, totaling about $8,500. After about 3 years, I had completely paid him off. We also work hand-in-hand to coach our Worlds 5 team, the Chiefs, whose team members I would do anything for. Working in Hattiesburg has also opened other doors, such as becoming the assistant coach at Jones County Junior College. I have truly been blessed.

And so the final chapter begins…

Over the course of my time at ACE Cheer Company, I had gotten myself in and out of a few pickles to say the least. But if it weren’t for the people I met and the relationships developed in the company, there is no telling where I would be or what I would be doing with my life. Up until a few months ago, I was overwhelmed in debt from previous years as a dumb college kid. Due to the help of Happy Hooper, JR Zeringue, and Brandon Roberts, I was able to change my life around in a full 180. Now I am out of debt and a director in the company. To be honest, if I were working for any other job I would have been fired probably 7 years ago. JR, Happy, and Brandon somehow saw the true person I could be and kept giving me chances and guiding me in the correct path. So from living out of my car and on Ramen noodles to only worrying about what is next on my bucket list to check off, I am extremely thankful to ACE Cheer Company and the people who helped me along the way.

Travis Baker

Competitive Gymnast Kylie Cupp Interviews with INSIDE THE TRIBE

Recently ACE Cheer Company's publication, INSIDE THE TRIBE sat down with Gadsden Competitive Gymnast Kylie Cupp.  You'll be able to see her article in the upcoming issue of the magazine, but here's a sneak peak at her interview.  Team Selections for Competitive Gymnastics at ACE of Gadsden will take place on Saturday May 2. For more information visit www.acegadsdne.com or contact Director of Gymnastics, Thereasa Willis:  256-442-4200

ITT:  When did you become interested in Gymnastics?

Kylie:  I was five years old when I began taking gymnastics classes.  I was flipping everywhere, so my mom decided to sign me up for some recreational classes.  My first class I was actually able to move up to Level 2 and in one year, I was able to achieve Level 5.

ITT:  How much time and effort do you put into your training?

Kylie:  It takes a lot of time and dedication to be a gymnast.  I train more than 9 hours a week in the gym and I am constantly working on things at home.  It is a year round sport, so little downtime.  I love it.

ITT:  Do you have a favorite apparatus?

Kylie:  Bars are totally my fave!

ITT:  Is there someone in the industry who inspires you, a competitor, Olympian, etc.?

Kylie:  Gabby Douglas is an inspiration.

ITT:  Tell us about your family support?

Kylie:  I have two sisters, Joeley and Briah.  My Mom and grandparents are so supportive of my athletic career.  My Dad passed away from cancer a couple of years ago.  He was my biggest fan.  He taught me himself how to do a Back Handpring and Back Tuck on the beach!  Even our vacation time has been spent working on gymnastics.

ITT:  Where do you attend school?

Kylie:  Jacksonville Christian Academy and I’m in the 7^th grade this year.

ITT:  Do you have a favorite memory from your athletic career so far?

Kylie:  My favorite memory to this point is winning the Gold on beam.  It was exciting!

ITT:  Do you have a favorite quote that you allow to just swirl around in your head when you face obstacles?

Kylie:  Never give up, work hard, and you will accomplish anything!  I draw my strength from Jesus and I love the scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13

ITT:  Clearly, you are dedicated to gymnastics and growing your athletic career, what hobbies or other fun things do you enjoy during your downtime?

Kylie:  I love being at the river, skiing, riding sea doos, etc.  I also love the beach!

Kylie Cupp

Age:  13

Level 8 Gymnast

Were You Born To Tumble?

The telephone rings and the caller on the other end of the line starts telling me how their little girl or boy has decided to stop walking or running places; instead, they tumble everywhere.  It’s not a joke. We have all seen it; our kids are born to tumble, right?  Fortunately, that’s exactly why we are in business.  Tumbling is a great sport and very physical. 

Last night I visited our Pell City location and our Coach, Lloyd Tucker, affectionately known as FeatherHead by the kids, was joking with a parent.  He asked her if she would like to learn to tumble, and she replied, “I can stumble, but not tumble.”  I can relate as a man getting up in my years, but our young people are vibrant, athletic and energetic, and I for one would much rather see them tumbling all over creation than sitting in front of the computer or XBOX.

As many of you already know, JR Zeringue (our owner) is the guru of Tumbling.  As a young athlete from southern Louisiana, JR won a scholarship to compete in Men’s Gymnastics with Jacksonville State University.  As a national competitor, JR basically took it about as high as you can go.  He didn’t miss the Olympics by much and has taken all of his years of experience, leadership and love for young athletes and applied it to this business.  JR travels all over the country teaching tumbling clinics, writing articles, and leaving a legacy in our industry.  As an employee, I feel pretty blessed that Gadsden, AL and the surrounding area has an incredible resource in JR’s talents.  “People really don’t realize just what a jewel our area has in this man and his knowledge,” explains Sheila Crutchfield Sims, “I have been a client of ACE for years and my two girls wake up in the morning excited when it is ACE day.”  Many of our clients feel the same about the services offered, vision, and coaching quality at ACE of Gadsden.

Tumbling Director Taylor-Noel Jackson, from Springville originally, is a former competitive gymnast, All-Star Cheerleader and choreographer.  “Coach T,” as she is known by the hundreds of athletes she works with each month, brings a current and innovative approach to the tumbling curriculum.  Athletes who join the ACE of Gadsden program receive an initial evaluation to determine the appropriate class assignment.  Tumbling classes are divided based on skill level first and age second.  See our Level Requirements Chart below to find out what level matches your current skills. 

ACE of Gadsden’s 18,000 sq. ft. facility includes a 42 x 54 Competition Cheer Spring Floor, a high school cheer flat floor, a 40-foot tumble track, and countless foam boulders, mats and other training resources.  Recreational tumbling classes are offered Monday-Thursday with multiple class times for each level.  Mention this blog when calling to book your free trial class and you can save an additional 10% off your first month’s tuition.  We are also currently offering a Manager’s Special for tumbling classes.  Athletes can enjoy eight hours of training per month, two classes per week at a reduced rate of $97 per month.

Tumbling offers great benefits for the motivated athlete.  Did you know that many of our male athletes tumble because it helps their agility and prevents injury while playing another sport?  Mason Brown is a Senior at Glencoe High School and has been tumbling for years.  Mason was chosen as All-County for his 2014 performance on the Yellow Jacket Football Team.  Mason and several teammates believe the sport of tumbling gives them increased flexibility.  Whether you play baseball, football, volleyball, softball, basketball or even t-ball, tumbling is a great source of training and conditioning.

Recreational tumbling is also the chosen source of training and preparation for high school, All-Star and collegiate cheerleaders.  If Back Handprings, Layouts, Tucks or even a Double Full is on your bucket list as an athlete, then training with the best is a necessity. 

ACE of Gadsden is also proud to be a bully-free zone.  Every athlete, regardless of skill, gender, age, size, etc. is important and special in this gym.  We want all of our athletes to view ACE of Gadsden as a safe haven and an enjoyable training ground where they can learn important life skills on and off the mat.  Call us today to receive a free trial class and take a tour of your premier tumbling facility.  ACE of Gadsden is conveniently located in Rainbow City, on Steel Station Road, between I-759 and AL Highway 77.  Visit our website for class information or give us a call. 

ACE All-Stars of Gadsden

(256)442-4200

www.acegadsden.com

Enjoy some photos of owner, JR Zeringue in his competitive gymnastics career:

www.facebook.com/aceofgadsden

The Jungle: A look at ACE of Gadsden's Pre-K Gymnastics Program

When we decided to launch The Jungle, our themed gymnastics training area for Pre-K athletes, local graphic artist Kaleb Zeringue went to work on a beautiful mural across the back wall.  While athletes 3-5 work mostly on motor skills, following direction, and muscle memory as part of the curriculum, they also learn to cooperate with other athletes, form social skills and develop basic age-appropriate tumbling skills.  It’s important for athletes to be stimulated and enjoy their training facility.  The Jungle is definitely the fun zone!

With customized apparatuses and equipment, just for their size, The Jungle is a secure area out of the way of our major tumbling floor.  The space gives Pre-K athletes the perfect environment for kid-friendly fun and provides peace of mind for the parent, who is able to watch from a safe distance.

Director of Gymnastics, Thereasa Willis leads a staff of four Pre-K coaches, all very skilled and with excellent coaching technique.  Senior Coach, Ashley Fitzgerald Jones began coaching gymnastics over 20 years ago.  As a mother of three, she and her husband relocated to Gadsden 12 years ago to run their own franchise of ServPro.  Coach Sydney Moses is a favorite among the little ones.  Sydney is a student at Westbrook Christian School but is mature far beyond her age.  She has been involved in All-Star Cheer and gymnastics for over a decade.  Sydney and her family also volunteer at The Big Oak Boys Ranch.  Coach Harlye Thomas rounds out the Pre-K group.  Harlye is known for her patience and love for her students.  Harlye and her family also run a local honey farm.  They are one of only 3 honey farmers in the entire state!

Athletes can begin their training in The Jungle at age 3.  Our Moving Monkeys (age 3), Jungle Gymies (age 4), and Tumbling Tigers (age 5) class curriculum is customized specifically for their age group and the program serves as an excellent precursor for Recreational Gymnastics, Competitive Gymnastics, or Cheer Tumbling, which begins at age 6.  Many of our Pre-K athletes also participate in our All-Star Tiny Teepees Competitive Cheerleading Team.  For more information on this and other competitive programs visit www.acegadsden.com.

One of the highlights for athletes in The Jungle is our year-end Winter Showcase.  Over 300 fans attended this year’s “recital,” themed to the music from Frozen.  Santa Claus and even Elsa herself were on hand to help athletes celebrate the holidays and show off their skills on the big gym floor.  At ACE of Gadsden, we strive to make sure that each athlete has the opportunity to learn and grow.  Showcasing their skills for family is a perk that our Pre-K program has come to enjoy most.

We would love the opportunity to give you a tour of our entire gym and The Jungle.  We offer a free trial class for new athletes to ensure that your little boy or girl will enjoy and feel at home here at ACE.  The current class schedule for The Jungle is listed below.  To book your free trial class or for more information, give us a call today at 256-442-4200.

Preschool Classes

Register	Class	Days	Times	Ages	Tuition
Register	Moving Monkeys (Age 3) Monday 10:30 AM	Mon	10:30am-11:15am	3 - 4	48.00
Register	Moving Monkeys (Age 3) Monday 4:00	Mon	4:00pm-4:45pm	3 - 4	48.00
Register	Jungle Gymmies (Age 4) Monday 5:00	Mon	5:00pm-5:45pm	4 - 5	48.00
Register	Tumbling Tigers (Age 5) Monday 6:00	Mon	6:00pm-7:00pm	5 - 5	54.00
Register	Jungle Gymmies (Age 4) Tuesday 4:00	Tue	4:00pm-4:45pm	4 - 5	48.00
Register	Moving Monkeys (Age 3) Tuesday 5:00	Tue	5:00pm-5:45pm	3 - 4	48.00
Register	Tumbling Tigers (Age 5) Tuesday 6:00	Tue	6:00pm-6:55pm	5 - 5	54.00
Register	Tumbling Tigers (Age 5) Wednesday 4:00	Wed	4:00pm-4:55pm	5 - 5	54.00
Register	Moving Monkeys (Age 3) Wednesday 5:00	Wed	5:00pm-5:45pm	3 - 4	48.00
Register	Jungle Gymmies (Age 4) Thursday 4:00	Thu	4:00 pm-4:45pm	4 - 5	48.00
Register	Moving Monkeys (Age 3) Thursday 5:00	Thu	5:00 pm-5:45pm	3 - 4	48.00
Register	Tumbling Tigers (Age 5) Thursday 6:00