The Piercy Family’s Unexpected Journey to Building Champions
For Terra Piercy, owner of Red Dirt Tumbling in Sayre, life is proof that no matter how carefully you plan, the path you take may turn out to be something entirely different.
What started as a temporary move to Western Oklahoma for her parents’ education became the foundation of a family, a business, and a community legacy that has impacted hundreds of kids through both fostering and gymnastics.
But to understand the full story of Red Dirt Tumbling, you have to go back to how it all started—with a young girl, a small-town romance, and a commitment to giving back.
A FAMILY ROOTED IN SAYRE Terra was in eighth grade when her family moved from Woodward to Sayre. The plan was simple: stay just long enough for her parents to finish college, then move back home.
But fate had other plans.
Right across the street from their new house lived a local boy named Michael Piercy. Terra met him at 12 years old, and by 16 and 18, they were married. By 21, the couple had three children—Allie, JC, and Brody—and Sayre had become home in every way that mattered.
“We were supposed to move back after my parents finished college,” Terra says with a laugh. “Instead, I married my neighbor, and here we are.”
For the Piercys, family has always been at the center of everything they do. Whether it was raising their own children, fostering, or mentoring young athletes, their mission has remained the same—create a safe place for kids to grow and thrive.
A HOME FILLED WITH LOVE The Piercys didn’t just raise their own children. Over the years, they welcomed 65 foster children into their home, offering stability and love to kids who needed it most.
“Fostering wasn’t in the plan,” Terra admits. “But when the opportunity came, we couldn’t say no. It takes a lot to get approved, and once we were in, we decided to keep going and help as many kids as we could.”
Many of those children found comfort and confidence in tumbling, an activity that helped build self-esteem and discipline—something that would eventually lead to Red Dirt Tumbling.
BUILDING RED DIRT TUMBLING Nearly 20 years ago, Terra began coaching gymnastics and tumbling, working for a gym in Elk City. What started as a way to cover tuition for her own kids soon turned into a lifelong passion.
By 2010, she had purchased the gym’s equipment, name, and business, moving everything to Sayre and building a 165-by-45-foot training facility that has since trained hundreds of young athletes.
Over the past 12 years, Red Dirt Tumbling has grown into one of the top competitive tumbling programs in the state, with 69 national championship titles across different disciplines, including: - Power Tumbling - Trampoline - Mini Trampoline - Synchronized Trampoline Her own children have competed and won at the national level, with both Brody and Allie earning national champion titles.
“We don’t just train competitors,” Terra explains. “We train kids to be confident, to be disciplined, and to believe in themselves.”
And you don’t have to be a competitor to join.
“You don’t have to compete if you come here,” Terra says. “We have recreational classes for kids who just want to learn, play, and build skills.”
Red Dirt Tumbling also hosts open gym days, birthday parties, and lock-in events— making it one of the few local spaces where kids can stay active in a safe, structured environment.
KEEPING THE DOORS OPEN FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS Over the years, Red Dirt Tumbling has become more than just a gym—it’s a second home for many kids. Whether they’re learning their first cartwheel, training for national competitions, or simply finding a place where they belong, the gym provides an opportunity that many small towns don’t have.
But keeping a local, family- run gym alive in a rural community isn’t easy—especially after COVID-19 took a toll on youth sports participation and sponsorships.
“A lot of businesses closed down, and that impacted everything— including us,” Terra says. “We’ve fought to keep the doors open because we know how important this is for the kids.”
With fewer funding opportunities and increasing travel costs for national competitions, fundraisers have become essential to ensuring that every athlete—no matter their financial situation—has a chance to compete at the highest level.
That’s why Red Dirt Tumbling is hosting a special fundraiser to support the young athletes who have earned a spot at nationals.
FUNDRAISER: SUPPORT SAYRE’S YOUNG ATHLETES This year, eight young athletes from Red Dirt Tumbling are heading to Nationals, competing at the Junior Olympic level in Houston, Texas.
To help support travel expenses, the gym is hosting an Indian Taco Dinner & Showcase on Friday, April 5.
Location: Red Dirt Tumbling, Sayre, OK Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Event: Gym Showcase & Indian Taco Fundraiser The event will kick off at 10 AM with a gymnastics showcase, where students of all ages will perform their best skills. Every participant will earn a medal, making it a great opportunity for kids to shine in front of friends and family.
At 11 AM, the Indian Taco Dinner begins—open to the public. All proceeds will go directly to helping young athletes fund their trip to Nationals.
“We’re not just raising money,” Terra says. “We’re giving these kids an opportunity to chase their dreams.”
For families looking to get involved, Red Dirt Tumbling accepts new students yearround.
To sign up or donate, visit Red Dirt Tumbling on Facebook.
