"Gymnastics has something to it; something personal which I've never experienced in any other athletic field," discloses Gerry Peterson, Warrior of the West.

Blonde, blue-eyed Gerry considers gymnastics an excellent sport despite its lack of body contact or the intricate team plays of many sports. "You have to develop, coordinate, and perfect your individual stamina and physical ability. Gymnastics is one sport which forces you to depend upon your personal quality, not the rating of the team," explains Gerry. He feels that the individual satisfaction and personal sense of accomplishment experienced by the gymnast are far more gratifying than the moments of recognition awarded many other athletes.

A parallel bar man, Gerry has earned a letter for his outstanding performances on that apparatus. This year his routines on the parallel bars have been awarded seven first places out of nine meets. He emphatically denies the old adage that high school gymnasts lack muscle power and dynamic strength. "The routines involve difficult maneuvers which require deft muscular skill and power," Gerry discloses. "Such routines must be repeatedly practiced to develop smooth, graceful, and fluent motion. They build up physical endurance and co‑ordination."

According to Gerry, the fact that team members perform separately on different apparatus does not disunite team spirit and support. "The success of the entire team in a meet depends upon the work of the individual. Each guy knows that the team is relying on him." Gerry reveals that even in singular performances "you are never alone."

Gerry recognizes the intense pressure directed upon athletes in competition. "Sure you get worried before you face a tough opponent for your own team's sake, but worry and nervousness are a part of every sport."

Gerry is generally an active person who especially enjoys swimming at his family's summer cottage on Lake Geneva. He is known to relish both guitar music and pizza, "but doesn't everyone?" Following his graduation from Maine West, Gerry hopes to pursue his interest in science and mathematics at either the University of Michigan or Drake university.