Hartford gymnastics coach finds success through adversity
HARTFORD, Wis. - When Hartford gymnastics coach Mary Scherr talks, her gymnasts listen.
One of Scherr's biggest messages to her team is to push through adversity.
"Make the most of what you have. Yeah, it stinks when you have those tough times, but you just need to focus on the positives," Scherr said.
It is a message Scherr knows all too well. She coaches the defending Division I state champions from her wheelchair.
"I have always said that having to coach from a chair has made me a better coach. I have had to learn to be able to communicate well with the athletes the point I am trying to get across and, you know, the technique," said Scherr.
Mary Scherr, Hartford gymnastics coach
Almost 36 years ago, Scherr was in a car accident that broke her back and left her paralyzed from the waist down.
"I went into a ditch. Hit the front end, and from the impact, the side windows popped out and the sunroof popped out, and I flew out the sunroof," Scherr said. "I was told I would never walk again. I sat back in those early days thinking, 'I really want to keep coaching.'"
Scherr did just that.
Mary Scherr, Hartford gymnastics coach
In spite of her accident, she is now in her 33rd year coaching gymnastics. Last September, she was named Wisconsin's Gymnastics Coach of the Year by the National Federation of High Schools.
The milestone came just three months before Hartford would take home its first state title in program history.
"With that state title last year and just looking back and thinking, had I given up, I would have missed out on so much. Just all the great kids I have had the opportunity to work with," said Scherr.
Mary Scherr and the Hartford gymnastics team
Scherr's success is something that her two kids, Bobbi and Michael, knew would come. Both are assistant coaches on the team.
"My mom is such a great coach and a great mentor," Bobbi Scherr said.
"Where she has got to be, it is all verbal out of her. Knowing each technique and how to teach it in different ways. Yeah, it is impressive," said Michael Scherr.
Mary Scherr, Hartford gymnastics coach
Indeed it is, and Scherr has had to adapt to coaching in a different way.
"It is a whole lot easier now because I can grab the iPad. I can video them and sit there and slow-motion it and say, 'okay this is the body angle,'" Mary said.
Now, there's an extra hurdle to clear with COVID-19 protocols. However, this unique season is nothing Scherr can't handle.
Mary Scherr, Hartford gymnastics coach
"I just think she’s just an awesome example of pushing through no matter what, just not even only in gymnastics but in life," said Bobbi.
And there's no place she'd rather be, than right where she is.
"Coaching for me is more of my therapy than a job. It gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning and do something with my life. It has probably given me much more than I have given it," Mary said.
Hartford begins its gymnastics season on Dec. 10 against Cedarburg-Grafton.
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