History

In the late 1970's two Arlington County physical education teachers, Steve Garman and Tim Mendering, moved their after-school recreational gymnastics programs into an auxilary gym at the vacant Gunston Middle School and the team known as the Arlington Aerials was formed. Several years later, Steve and Tim were allowed to expand the program to include another auxilary gym. The facility was remodeled again in 1989 and the program continued to grow. Soon after Arlington County reopened the middle school to students and the hunt was on for a new site for the Arlington Aerials.

In 1997, after three long years of meetings, the decision was made to begin work on the Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center which would be the new home of the Aerials. The gymnastics program moved to Barcroft in 2000, and has expanded to its current size. Steve has retired from teaching and coaching, but continues into his third decade as the Virginia State Chariman for USA Gymnastics. Tim has also retired from teaching, but continues to work as a physical educator on the Aerial's coaching staff. In 2012, AAPA nominated Tim for the Arlington Sports Hall of Fame for all his dedication to education, coaching, and helping the Aerials competative team. Tim was inducted in May 2012. The organization was started in 1958 and has inducted a total of 35 members over the course of its fifty four years.

The Arlington Tigers were formed as a trainer team by Mindy Thompson in 2000. Past coaches have included Donnise Bragg and Michelle Pearson. Current head coach Sonja Hird Clark has raised the program to new heights, taking boys to their first USAG sponsored meet in January 2008. Team Founders - the team of six - include: Ben Bloom, Collin Carey, Corwin de Boor, Julian Gagnier, Nolan Kataoka, and Scott Sawicki. Currently there are 31 competing members on the team.