Ericka and Aubree Culp are sisters who are home schooled in Avonmore. Most think home schooled kids lack in sports by not attending a pubic school, but that’s not the case. Both girls, Ericka who is 13 and Aubree who is 10, are gymnasts and each was ranked National Champions, State Champions, and Keystone State Game Champions. That in itself speaks to their earnest pursuit of excellence in sports.

Reaching their abilities has not come without an effort and setbacks. Ericka has endured three major injuries that could have seriously hampered her gymnastic goals. Ericka’s injuries included a badly dislocated elbow in September 2003, a broken growth plate and sprained ankle in June 2004, and another broken foot in June of 2006. She spent extensive and painful hours in physical therapy fighting hard for something she wanted – to continue on in gymnastics. Her attitude was always positive and she said that she’d never quit. She told her mother, Becky, that it was worth fighting for and she wasn’t going to give up!

Aubree Culp

Ericka has been involved in gymnastics for 3½ years and Aubree 3 years. They started at American Gymnastic Academy in Lower Burrell and then made a transition to a long time friend’s team, BG’s Gymnastics in Monessen. Their friendship and trust with their coach, Michael Stiffy was a great formula for success. Michael along with the other coaches, Denise Cervantes, and Stephanie Marasti-George, assistant coaches, developed both girls into USAG (United States Association of Gymnastics) State Champions.

The girls also spend a lot of time traveling to BG Gymnastics in Monessen. Some distance from their Avonmore home, they go at least three times a week to train with their coach, Michael Stiffy. Normal gym time for the week is 10½ hours. They train at home on their off days on their bars and beam along with their conditioning program.

Ericka Culp

Mike Stiffy said that Ericka and Aubree have really grown up this year, not only in gymnastics but as individuals. “It is a pleasure coaching them,” he said. He went on to say, “This year has been a great learning experience for all three of us. I learned how far I can push them and they learned how far they could be pushed. They learned how to push themselves through pain and defeat, but in the end these two girls came out on top.” He also noted that the two sisters have strong work ethics and when they are in the gym they are there to work hard. They rarely miss a practice.

Ericka competed this year as a level 6 gymnast. She’s places 1st all around at most of her meets this year. At her PA USAG Jr. Olympic State Championship meet she placed 5th in state and 2nd on bars in Sommerton, PA. Aubree competed this year as a level 5 gymnast and a very successful year. She placed first all around at most of her USAG meets. She was also the Western PA State Champion at her sectional meet. She scored the highest in her age group and level for the entire weekend. But, best of all she placed 1st all around, 1st on bars, 1st on vault, 2nd on floor, and 3rd beam at her PA USAG Jr. Olympic State Meet, in Waynesboro, PA.

From the July Cover of Alle-Kiski Today

Ericka and Aubree are both enrolled at PA Cyber School. They both have a 4.0 average and love cyber schooling. The girl’s favorite subjects are science and math. Cyber schooling gives them the flexibility to maintain their GPA as well as pursue their sport. Active in their church, Hebron Lutheran Church, they are acolytes and assist in serving communion. Each love being involved with the church.

As you read about Ericka and Aubree, it is obvious they are not just sisters, but friends. They enjoy what they do together. In addition to gymnastics, they started taking piano lessons last year and are approaching it with the same passion as sports. And, in their free time they love to go fishing together and play golf. Yes, you read it right – golf! Currently they are learning the basics of golf for the last two years from their grandfather, Paul Culp, who is an avid golfer. "They have great control and a pretty good swing”, says their grandfather.

They are practicing in their back yard and improving every day to earn their way to a full golf course. Who knows? Should Tiger Woods be concerned?

Mark and Becky Culp are the proud parents of Ericka and Aubree. They have two other children, Evan, 3½ years old and Ava, 9 months old. Sami the cat completes the family. Mark is a Manager of Distribution for Giant Eagle. They reside in Avonmore.