1954 - 1955

Director: Conrad E. Yunker

Advisor: George F. Kramer

Officer Body

• President: Paul R. Simmers
• Vice President: Richard L. Heintz
• Secretary: Carolyn A. Solnitzky
• Treasurer: Richard A. Haberstroh
• Historian: Barbara J. Headlee

Award Recipients

• Best Act: "The High and the Mighty" Chairs Balancing - Jerry Longanecker and Don Wagner
• Best Female Trouper: Carolyn Solnitzky
• Best Male Trouper: Paul R. Simmers

There's no business like show business

In the fall, George Kramer went to Southern Illinois University where he would set up a new exhibitional gymnastic group, while offering advice to the Troupe over the phone and through periodic visits.  

Conrad Yunker, an alumnus of the Troupe, took over the responsibilities of directing Gymkana’s day to day operations.  He was assisted by the Troupe president, Paul Simmers.  

One of the new acts added that year was Judo, a comedy act which featured Joan Essex, Marcia Greene, Steck Brink, and Dick Heintz.  For a change, the ladies got to throw the guys around. 

"Free Calisthenics" with Hoppy Jones, Luke Howard, and Paul Simmers was an Olympic style tumbling act.  

Steck Brink and Jim Houck took over "The Morticians", the juggling act originated by Eric Winter and Byron Milligan. In addition to its local road shows that year, the Troupe once again traveled out of the country, this time to the Azores over semester break to entertain servicemen.  

As it would turn out, although Gymkana's service to the military would continue for a number of years after, this would be the last time the Troupe would perform outside of the country.

"There's No Business Like Show Business" became the theme of Gymkana's ninth annual Home Show which took place at Ritchie Coliseum on March 31 and April 1. 

Itinerary

• North Dorchester H.S.
• Rising Sun H.S.
• Havre de Grace H.S.
• Oxon Hill H.S.
• Towson S.T.C.
• Herndon H.S.
• Brooklyn Park H.S.
• North Harford H.S.