By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Marianne Frongillo began participating in gymnastics when she was a freshman at Shrewsbury High School. It was not long before her love for the sport spawned aspirations of a career in gymnastics. After participating for four years at Shrewsbury High School, Frongillo competed for Westfield State College where, in 1979, she graduated with a degree in physical education and health.
After college, Frongillo worked at Giguere's Gymnastics in Cherry Valley. Three years later, in 1983, with the encouragement of her parents, George and Mary Simone, and her best friend, Michele Syslo, Frongillo opened the Gymnastics Learning Center (GLC) located at 574 Lake St.
“Initially, my business focused exclusively on gymnastics, and GLC offered classes for toddlers through competitive gymnasts,” Frongillo shared. “We built a state-of-the-art facility, with Olympics-quality equipment including a spring floor, foam landing pit, in-ground trampoline, and Tumble Trak.”
The GLC offers classes for both recreational and competitive gymnasts, with a mission of helping all students “build the pride inside” by putting self-esteem above all else. Instilling positive feedback and encouraging words to each child, said Frongillo, is more valuable than learning a new skill and more valuable, even, than a gold medal.
Frongillo strives to make a difference in the lives of others and to develop happy, healthy,
confident children through a caring and positive environment.
Over time, GLC has expanded both its facilities and its programs. During summer months, Red Cross swim lessons are offered in the 53-foot heated swimming pool as well as in the two-foot-deep toddler teaching pool.
GLC also operates both a preschool and kindergarten under the name, “God's Little Children.” Students in God's Little Children preschool and kindergarten have curriculums that include recreational time in the gym and swimming pools, in addition to their academic studies, art, music, and computer classes. God's Little Children is the only nationally accredited preschool and kindergarten in the town of Shrewsbury.
Frongillo credits the success of GLC to its many long-term employees who care deeply about each student who walks through the door – from Office Manager Patty Quinn to Director Michele Syslo. She also credits the top-notch coaching staff who devote their lives to excellence in gymnastics: Jennifer Belculfine (who is celebrating 20 years on staff), Robert and Nikki McElroy, Joshua Ortin, Kristi Stout, Beth Hurley, Joe Latuga, and Matt Hall.
“They are all so passionate about gymnastics and have such a love of children,” Frongillo said. “Their dedication and hard work astounds me. I am blessed to be surrounded by such great people that I respect and appreciate with all my heart.”
In in addition to offering quality gymnastics equipment and coaching, GLC is dedicated to giving back to the community. Their Special Olympic gymnastics program, run by Carie Miele, offers special athletes a place to feel safe, have fun, and learn gymnastics.
GLC's facility is continually being updated and upgraded in order to provide the highest quality service and technology. They recently purchased a state-of-the-art floor exercise mat and energy-efficient gym lights, installed a new asphalt driveway and parking lot, and updated other equipment throughout the gym and preschool.
For Frongillo, the GLC is home and gymnastics is life.
“I love the sport of gymnastics for all the life lessons it brings,” Frongillo said. “It teaches you to set goals and work hard to achieve them. The discipline of this sport has a great carry-over value to school, academics, and to life. Gymnastics is the foundation to every sport – bringing strength, confidence, flexibility, concentration, coordination, and focus, all while having fun and learning. I feel very blessed to share my passion for gymnastics with children every day at GLC for the past 30 years.”
For more information on the GLC visit http://www.gymnasticslearningcenter.com