Anyone who watched the 2011 season of “America’s Got Talent” has probably seen the impressive University of Maryland Gymkana troupe perform one of their impressive and breathtaking gymnastics routines.
The Gymkana troupe, which is part of the School of Public Health, was founded in 1946 and is built on the principles of healthy living.
Despite their inflammatory exit from the show, the troupe does many shows each year designed to promote healthy living and personal achievement in the absence of drugs and alcohol, said assistant coach and former troupe member Ben Prescott.
Photo by James Levin
The gymnastic performances are only a part of what being in the troupe is about. What many people do not realize is that joining Gymkana means pledging to avoid all drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, which is hardly an easy task given today’s college drinking culture.
Rebecca Newkirk, a freshman and first year troupe member, said that the pledge can be a challenge on certain college weekends.
“I do have friends who get drunk like every weekend, and if I go out with them I usually end up being the mommy or designated driver and stuff,” said Newkirk. ”I mean, it can be hard sometimes but it’s worth it to be able to be in Gymkana for me.”
Even though the pledge may cause challenges, Newkirk made it clear that she, and all the troupe members she knows, take it very seriously.
“It’s like we’re being role models for little kids so if we’re going around getting ‘shwasted’ or getting high all the time that’s not like really showing them what we can do without drugs,” said Newkirk.
Prescott said the troupe understands that “among adults” there are certain benefits to moderate alcohol consumption “unlike tobacco and drugs,” which is why the pledge is considerate of legal, responsible alcohol consumption.
“The tobacco and drug portion [of the pledge] is year round,” said Prescott. “As far as the alcohol portion, that’s from the first day of the season until 24 hours after our last event.”
Gymkana puts a heavy emphasis on performing, but even if you have never done gymnastics before the troupe will provide you with the opportunity to learn, and you do not have to perform to be a part of the troupe, said Prescott.
“Regardless of whether or not you perform in any acts, membership is based off of dedication and commitment to the team,” said Prescott. ”You have to take the pledge and commit to a certain amount of hours of practice per week.”
Prescott made clear that being able to perform was not a requirement of the troupe and that anyone was able to come and learn provided they take the drug-free pledge, which is upheld with complete and total rigidity.
“It’s something that we do take very seriously,” said Prescott. ”Any infraction of the pledge will result in dismissal from the team; there’s no grace period, no tolerance.”
The displays of physical grace and pledge of sobriety come together in their performances which occur throughout the school year at local schools and public events such as the upcoming Cherry Blossom parade in Washington D.C.
“The whole tone of our performance is not necessarily to lecture,” said Prescott. “Not to tell you that you can’t do this, you can’t do that. It’s a more positive message to promote healthy living and healthy habits.”