NORTH NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Last winter, the Fisk University gymnastics team took the sport by storm. They are set to do it again this competition season.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan.15, 2024, the Fisk University Bulldogs will compete against five other teams coached by Black women.
Roughly a year ago, the team became the first squad at a historically Black college and university. Their team has a special bond that only shows on camera — you can see it in the player above.
"I think that one event could have the potential to have a ripple effect that a lot of other institutions that may have thought about it, now they'll think about it a little more," said Valencia Jordan, the university's athletic director.
Fisk coach Corrinne Tarver said the five other coaches didn't hesitate when she invited their teams to participate.
"Every single one of them immediately said 'I'm in,'" said Tarver. "So it is going to be historic... we're going to embrace and celebrate what we have, and show how we need more."
Fisk will compete against Brown University, Iowa State University, Rutgers University, Talladega University and William & Mary University.
The meet is going to be an official part of Nashville’s Martin Luther King, Jr. week of celebration.
This summer Talladega College in Alabama became the second HBCU to launch a gymnastics team.
The event will be at Vanderbilt University's Memorial Gym. For tickets to the historic meet, visit FiskAthletics.com and select the Jan.15 gymnastics meet.
I'm so thankful Robb Coles highlighted the Kamer Davis clinic in Hermitage and the hardship that may force its closure. The clinic provides care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and there is no other place like it nearby. You can tell the staff is so passionate about the care they provide. I hope by shining the light on this, the right person can step in and make a difference.
- Carrie Sharp
