THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 18, 1994 TAG: 9409160249
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 23 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, CURRENTS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
An accident started 13-year-old Ashley Eickhof on her way toward becoming a state champion gymnast.
When she was 6 years old, Ashley was running and fell.
``I did a split,'' recalled Ashley. ``I told my mother about it and how I bounced right back up. I said maybe it would be fun to try gymnastics. I had watched some of the Olympics on television and it looked interesting to me.''
``When I saw Ashley trying to copy what she saw on television, I thought gymnastics would be good for her,'' said her mother, Cindy Goree.
Eickhof began gymnastics training. She then stopped for nearly three years and returned to it two years ago.
Her progress since has been remarkable. In her first state meet last year she was ninth at level five.
Recently Eickhof became the Virginia 12-year-old champion at level six in the United States Gymnastics Federation competition at Martinsville.
In her division she was first in bars, second on beam and floor, third on vault and won all-around honors. She scored 36.55 out of a possible 40 points.
In January she plans to step up to level eight or nine. Gymnasts vie up to level 10 before moving on to elite.
And maybe up the line people will be watching Eickhof on television in the Olympics.
``I don't know about that,'' said the modest Eickhof. ``That sounds like a real long shot to me. But I would be very honored if it did happen.''
Nevertheless, Ashley works at her favorite sport six days every week. Only Friday is an off day - when she attends Churchland High School football games where sister Stephanie Pinchbeck is co-head cheerleader.
An honor student at Churchland Junior High School, Ashley had an all-A report card last grading period. ``I've never made anything below a B,'' she said.
Eickhof plans to be a candidate for the Churchland High gymnastics team next year.
Meanwhile she practices about 30 hours each week - after school and on Saturdays and Sundays. She's a member of the Gymstrada team at Virginia Beach. She is coached by Dena and Jim Baker, who currently are coaching two Junior National team members. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL
Ashley Eickhof is becoming an accomplished gymnast.
by CNB