2013 Girls Gymnastics Team with Coaches Kim Rhatigan and Vicki Vitalie (with acknowledgement to former Coach Deb Rut)

Throughout the late 1990's and early 2000's one team dominated Nassau County Gymnastics- the combined team of Bethpage and Plainview-Old Bethpage.  They were a dynasty winning nine consecutive County Championships (seven of them undefeated seasons). Coached by Kim Rhatigan and Debbie Rut, these teams crushed opponents.  In 2008 Section VIII decided to split the team. Deb Rut, a Bethpage teacher, became the Coach of Plainview and Kim Rhatigan became the Coach of Bethpage, now ably assisted by Assistant Coach Vicki Vitale.  Both teams continued to impress and were often neck and neck for top awards.

The 2013 Bethpage Gymnastics team was one of the most outstanding to ever take to the mats.  Coaches Rhatigan and Vitale knew this team had the heart of champions. The 17 girls on the team were exceptional athletes and scholars.  They went undefeated, narrowly getting passed POB to become Conference and then County Champions. Four of the athletes received All-State honors and five received All-County honors.  

If ever a team mirrors its coach, it is the Gymnastics team led by Kim Rhatigan-Drexler.  Kim graduated from BHS in 1984 and was Captain of the Gymnastics team (she also participated in Swimming and Cheerleading).  She has been coaching at Bethpage for 30 years and has assumed leadership positions in the County and State Gymnastics associations.  In 2012 she was the Newsday Coach of the Year and she is currently the 6th winningest coach in New York State Gymnastics. She is a force to be reckoned with.