Eastern and Western nationals are another stepping stone in the JO program. The only level that competes in these competitions is level 9. Level 10 goes right from regionals to nationals, while level 9 either goes to eastern nationals or western nationals.
The deciding factor of whether you go to eastern nationals or western nationals depends on the region you're in. If you're in regions 1-4 then you would go to westerns. If you're in regions 5-8 then you would go to easterns.
These championships feature the top seven gymnasts in the all-around in each age division from the respective regional championships and will have competition in 16 age divisions, which are determined by birthday. Competition becomes very competitive here. All the top level 9 gymnasts from each region are all competing for a title. These competitions can also put a gymnasts name out there for college recruits. Doing well in easterns and westerns will stand out to a college coach who will then be looking forward to seeing there level 10 season.
Although I've never been to easterns or westerns, I have had teammates who have gone. One of my former teammates, JerQuavia Henderson, told me about how this competition opened up a whole new level of team bonding. This team bonding stemmed specifically from the region. As I said in my last blog, the region that I was in puts an emphasis on team bonding. We don't just represent the gym that we train at, but as a whole region.
One of my favorite parts about easterns and westerns is seeing all the apparel to represent their region. Often gymnasts are given competition jackets and pants. Their region will generally also give them lots of appreal. I know that my region will give out shirts, jackets, hats, socks, etc. However, the best part, in my opinion, is the competition leotard. These leo's have all the same design with the exception of the color. Each region has a color to represent them. Region 5's color is purple (my favorite color!).
To prep for national competitions, gymnasts come a day or two early. They then are given a training day in the competition area. On this day, gymnasts can run through their routines as well as receive coaching during this time. This allows the gymnasts to become adjusted to the equipment and be prepped for the big day of competition.
Yet again, this championship is just another rung in the competition ladder. Personally, these competitions aren't always my favorite since most of the routines contain very similar skills. There's not much variety to them. However, it's still a very important experience for many gymnasts in their gymnastics career. This competition also gives gymnasts some exposure to what level 10 nationals will be like.