TALLAHASSEE TUMBLING TOTS
The Tallahassee Tumbling Tots were organized by Dr. Hartley Price in 1949. The project grew to such proportions that the City Recreation Board in 1953, voted unanimously to provide much-needed help. It was then that the City Recreation Department took over Tumbling Tots; Mr. Jim Hadaway was the supervisor, and classes were held in the City Armory. Members of the F. S.U. Gymkana gymnastic squad comprised the teaching staff. Dick Gutting was head instructor until he graduated in 1955 and then Jim Jackson served until his graduation in 1958. Mr. Bob May was the director/coach of the program from 1959 to 1966. During this period the Tots made many appearances in national magzines and television shows. They had six appearances on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour. They have been featured in national magazines, movies, T-V shows and Walt Disney’s MICKEY MOUSE CLUB.
In 1970 the Recreation Dept. enrolled 800 tumblers, the largest enrollment of children in tumbling at any one place in the United States. The average yearly enrollment is over 500 tumblers. The Tallahassee Gymnasts were organized by Bob May in 1964. This is the gymnastic program for high school or college students, and adults.
Comment by Brent Pichard: "The biggest influence on the Tots program was Randy Trousdell a former FSU Gymnast (57-60). Randy joined the Tallahassee Recreation Department after graduation and progressed up to the top position as Director of Parks & Recreation (Leisure Services) in Tallahassee. (He retired in 2005 after 45 years.) It was he as an ex-gymnast who convinced the Northwood Mall to donate the huge space that would house the Tallahassee Tumblers free for years. It was he who convinced the city elected officials and the voters to build the huge beautiful facility which houses the program to the present day. It was he for whom they named they Facility and he more than deserved that honor."
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