Editors note: This is part one of a two-part series about the Liberty County Armed Services Family YMCA gymnastics program.

Teetering on a balance beam, pint-sized gymnast Hailey Montes tries to hold her form as she attempts a handstand turn and dismount during practice Friday afternoon. Montes, Ahdana Frazier, Makeida Pickens and Brianna Austin are all members of the Liberty County Armed Services Family YMCA gymnastics team.

The YMCA program has been around since the 1980s, but about a year ago the former coaches moved away and most of the staff and participants dwindled.

Victoria Oldag started from scratch after she was hired as the new manager and supervisor.

Read Sunday's Coastal Courier for a complete list of gymanstic classes available at the YMCA and how you can register for courses.