Sidney Gymnastics Club officials say the program's existing building is excellent for practice, but an expansion is needed in order to hold large competitions at the site.

"We have a facility that is a good gymnastics gym," Randy Searer, club member, said. "All the equipment is here for boys and girls gymnastics. We're only lacking a pit, but that will come with the expansion."

The present location north of Sidney has been used since 1989.

Bill Vander Weele | Sidney Herald Jaycee Searer works out at the club's facility, north of Sidney.

"It's bought and paid for, now we would like to improve and expand," Searer said. "We've always been pretty competitive with our gymnasts. We would like to keep it going."

The first large fundraiser is the selling of Sidney Eagle Crocs. Cost for the maroon and white shoes featuring the Sidney Eagles logo are $35 for adults and $30 for youth sizes.

"We are the only place in the world to get Sidney Eagle Crocs," Kathi Roberts, club member, said. "We're having a selling blitz Tuesday, so be looking for local gymnasts."

To order a pair, you may also call Roberts, 488-8815, or Lesley Thiessen, 488-7502. Deadline for ordering is Friday.

The club's board members include Jason Deming as president, Colleen Haralson as vice president, Kerry Reitz as treasurer, Thiessen as secretary, Chantel Joslin as director and Patti Searer as coach.

The club, which is a USA Gymnastic member and has safety certified instructors, averages 50-80 members annually. Classes range from tiny tots up to the competition team. Classes run from September through May, but students can start and end at any time.

Area cities that have competition teams include Williston, Watford City and Dickinson, N.D., and Circle.

"At this point, it's not quite big enough (for large meets)," Patti Searer said.

The feeling is that Sidney could attract teams from both Montana and North Dakota for competitions if an expansion is completed.

"We're in the middle so we could draw from both states," Patti Searer said.

"We want to be able to hold our own competitions here and have our year-end program here," Tony Thiessen, club member, added. "This means bringing in people from central Montana and central North Dakota."

editor@sidneyherald.com