BUTLER TWP — Getting invited to Bela Karolyi's gymnastics camp in Texas is a big deal.

Just ask Natalie Beilstein and Hannah Welker.

The former Butler Gymnastics Club members qualified for Karolyi's camp through the Talent Opportunity Program as 11-year-olds in 2001.

Beilstein earned All-America status in floor exercise as a University of Michigan freshman last season while Welker competes at the University of Illinois.

"We haven't used the TOPs program since because we haven't had anyone at that level since that time," Butler Gymnastics Club owner Steve Heasley said.

Until now.

Joscelyn Landgraf, 9, and sister Lindsay, 8, of Kittanning recently completed successful testing in the TOPs program at Olympic Dreams in Youngstown, Ohio, and will be headed to Houston Oct. 1 to 3 for national testing at Karolyi's camp.

There were 2,717 gymnasts who tested nationwide. Only 200 were selected.

Karly Laughner, 8, of Butler also tested in Youngstown, but fell just short of qualifying.

"Sydney Mylan is another girl who is entering that program," said Michelle Heasley, the Butler club's girls coach. "Karly and her both stand a great chance of getting there in the next year or two.

"I brought back the (TOPs) program two years ago with all of these girls in mind."

Gymnasts ages 7 to 11 can qualify for Karolyi's camp. The TOPs program is designed to identify girls in that age group who show particular talent in the sport and aren't already enrolled in an elite program or training for international competition.

About half of the gymnasts on the U.S. national team are found through the TOPs program.

Young gymnasts in the TOPs program are tested in 10 different categories, including splits, 20-meter sprint, shoulder flexibility, leg lifts, handstand holds, cast handstand (on lower bar), press handstand (straddled 'L' position), vertical jumps, bridge and rope climbs.

The cutoff total score for 8-year-olds was 75 and Lindsay tallied an 81. The 9-year-old cutoff mark was 68 and Joscelyn recorded a 76.

"Our two girls made it easily," Michelle Heasley said. "They're both very consistent performers and that paid off for them. You get one chance when you test. You either hit it or you don't."

The Landgraf sisters will have to hit it again in October.

"Once these girls get to Houston, they'll be tested on more skills," Steve Heasley said. "The top 25 will return to Houston in December for still more testing."

Between now and October, the coaches will work with the girls on correcting flaws and improving skills.

"I had these girls for a month and noticed how quickly they pick up on everything," Michelle Heasley said.

Mike Landgraf, the girls' father, said they've already been involved in the sport for four years.

Now that school has started, Joscelyn and Lindsay report to the gymnastics center at 3:30 p.m. and stay until 7:30 p.m. four days week.

"They absolutely love this," Mr. Landgraf said. "They never complain about it. They never get tired of it.

"It didn't take us long to realize they have some ability for gymnastics. We have to fund the trip to Houston, but as long as they're into it, we'll keep supporting it."