(PRESS RELEASE FROM CY-FAIR ISD COMMUNICATIONS)
Before recent CFISD graduates Jack Freeman, Lazarus Barnhill and J.R. Chou go their separate ways and continue their athletic careers in gymnastics at the collegiate level, they helped continue a dynasty that has become heavily influence by the Cypress area.
Among the many accolades the trio achieved as seniors was helping lead USA Gymnastics' Region 3 to a victory in March in the Elite Team Cup, which pits the nation's best junior elite gymnasts. It marked the fourth consecutive win for Region 3. Barnhill and Chou were both members of the winning team in 2018.
The format features nine men's regional teams, with six gymnasts on each. Region 3 represents Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, and leans toward Texas and CFISD.
"I don't know about other regions, but it would be incredibly hard to be as close as we are," Chou said after the win in North Carolina. "I think that team bond really helps us at meets when things are getting tough."
Barnhill and Freeman both signed with the University of Oklahoma, while Chou signed with Stanford University. The two decorated programs finished first and second at the 2019 NCAA Men's Gymnastics National Championships. Stanford edged Oklahoma, winning its sixth title in history and ending its rival's four-year run as champions.
