Bringing Home the Medals

In some ways, this all-teams meet at Atlantic was a tough one, with some stricter judging in play, apparently. Scores were generally lower for most of the girls from all nine gyms competing. There were many low 8s flashed and quite a few 7s too.

The Level 4s felt that tougher judging, especially on floor. Despite the lower-than-average scoring, the 4s managed to post some high point scores. The OTW 4s were strong on Beam. Allie's 9.45 and Madison & Hanna's 9.35 stood out. Summer had a good Vault and Beam routine. Her Floor was better than the score suggested. Jessica scored 9s on Bars and Beam. Madeline took 5th on Floor. Hanna posted 9s in all four events, taking 1st in three of them, and 1st in the All-Around. Hope, similarly, took three 1st places in the 9-10 age group, and 1st in her group's All-Around.

The Level 5s had their burden with the lower scoring climate, but like the others had their highpoints too. Emma tied for first on Vault, taking home a medal. Jessica F took home the silver on Vault. Jackie took home a sliver on Beam with a 9.025. Jessica P also took home silver for Beam (11-12 yr olds) with a 9.025. Jessica P also took the gold in the All-Around.

The Level 6s were bringing home their share of medals too. Madison took 1st in the All-Around (11-12s), with Kelly taking 5th. Jamie and Amanda were having rather good days, taking home gold and silver medals in the 13+ All-Around.

The Level 7 team pressed on, and despite not having the best of meets, did quite well. A few notable exceptions to the generally lower scores were on Beam, with Allison scoring a 9.5, and Courtney with a 9.3. Kayla and Leigh dominated the Vault with a 9.45 and a 9.40.

When it came to awards, it was apparent that the OTW 7s were in better form than the scores implied. In the 7-11 yr old group, Leigh took 1st on Vault, 4th on Beam, 2nd on Floor and placed 2nd in the All-Around. Among the 12 yr olds, Allison took 1st on Bars and Beam, as well as 1st in the All-Around. In the 13 yr old group, team mates Kayla, Hillary and Courtney shared the podium, taking 1st, 2nd & 3rd on Vault. Hillary took 2nd on Bars. Courtney took 1st on Beam. Kayla took 2nd on Floor. In the All-Around, they took 1st, 3rd and 4th. In the 14+ age group, team mates Jess, LaNaya and Melinda swept 1st, 2nd and 3rd on Bars.

In Level 8, Alyssa was no stranger to the awards podium either. She took 2nd on Vault with a 9.1, 3rd on Bars and 4th on Floor with 9.0s. Her All-Around placed her 5th.

All in all, the girls did an excellent job with a rough day. Congratulations every one of you!

Thanks, Pat, Lori, Jeannie and Linda for the scores

Strong first meet for Optional Teams

As this first meet of the season, many of our gymnasts felt that familiar mixture of anxiety, excitement and determination. In the first rotation, it was clear that determination took over.

In Level 9, Kenna took third on Bars, 4th on Beam and placed 2nd in the All-Around. Bri took blue ribbons on Vault, Beam and Floor.

In Level 8, Alyssa's first meet as an 8 was great. She placed 3rd on Vault, 1st on Bars with a 9.225, 2nd on Beam with a 9.075 and took 1st on Floor. Her All-Around of 35.85 took first place too.

The Level 7 team got off to a strong start too. In the 12 yr old group, Allison and Leigh took first and second in the All-Around. Leigh scored a 9.3 on Beam. Allison had a 9.375 on Vault. The Beam was not going well for many of the rest of the team.

Vault, however, was blazing. Every member of the Level 7 team scored 9-somethings on Vault. Jess topped the charts with a 9.6. Hillary and Kayla weren't far behind with a 9.5 and 9.45. Bars went pretty well too, with OTW girls taking the top three on the podium. LaNaya took 1st with a 9.5, Jess 2nd with 9.4 and Melinda 3rd with 9.35. In the 13-14 yr old group, Kayla, Hillary and Courtney took their turn dominating the podium, taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the All-Around.

Level 4 Team Captures 2nd Place at States

The level 4 girls had a great day at States, bringing home the 2nd place trophy with pride!

Vault was particularly strong for many of the OTW 4’s. Allie, Summer, Jessica and Madeline all turned in personal best scores on this event. Allie earned a 9.5 for 5th place, Summer a 9.425 for 7th place, Jessica a 9.325 for 10th, and Madeline a 9.275 for 11th. Cassie earned a solid 8.75, placing 8th in her age division. Hanna and Hope both had great meets, earning state titles on both bars and in the all around in their age divisions. Hanna also earned a silver on beam, while Hope captured silver on vault, and bronze on beam. Congratulations girls!

In Level 5, there were several good placings. Among the 7-8 yr olds, Jackie took 4th place in the State on Floor. In the 9-10 yr olds group, Kelly took 3rd on Bars with a 9.175 and placed 5th in the All-Around. In the 11-12 yr old group, Jessica F took 7th on Floor. Jessica P took 3rd on Beam with a 9.0. Team mate Anne took 2nd on Beam with a 9.05. Anne took 3rd place in the All-Around. Good work, 5s!

In Level 6, 11-12 yr olds, Madison scored her personal best on Vault. Morgan matched her personal best on Floor. In the 13+ group, Amanda and Jamie were both still in top form. They took first and third in the Vault with a 9.65 and 9.375 (Great vaulting, girls!) They also took first and third in the All Around.

2nd Sectional

The second sectional of the winter season, held at Tristar, was a mixed bag for many of the OTW gymnasts. Some events went a little less well as usual, but some events went better than usual. That's how it goes sometimes.

The Level 4 team were all having a good day on vault, with many high scores. Cassie had her second best vault score and set new personal bests on Bars, Beam and Floor. Hanna took 1st on Floor (6-8yr olds) with a 9.2. Hope didn't have one of her best Floor routines, but did excelled at Bars, 9.5. Summer scored a 9 on Vault and had her highest All Around yet. Jessica had two 9s, Vault and Bars. Both Allie and Madeline also turned in 9s on Vault.

In the Level 5 session, the Vault was not as friendly to anyone. Jessica F. took first place with an 8.9. Emma showed continued command of the Bars, with her second highest score. Anne and Jessica P took 2nd and 3rd on Beam with 9s. Kelly took first on Bars with a 9.35. Emily was very close to a new personal best on Floor. Jackie was having a good day on Bars, scoring her personal best.

The Level 6s team had its share of moments too. Madison took first on Floor with a 9.2 and first in the All Around for the 11-12 yr olds. Team mate Morgan was close behind her, taking third on floor. Among the 13 yr olds, Amanda and Jamie were both having very "on" days. Amanda took 1st on Vault with a 9.5, as well as firsts on Bars and Floor. Jamie was in-the-zone too, with a 9.35 on Vault, taking 2nd on Beam and thirds on Bars and Floor. Amanda and Jamie took first and second in the All Around.

Good job girls.

Whole Team Going to Sectionals

Levels 4, 5 and 6s competed at a qualifier in their home gym, against teams from Atlantic and Kelly's.

The two new Level 4 team girls, Allie and Madeline, did well, qualifying for Sectionals in their first meet. Cassie had her best Beam routine yet and added over a half point to her All Around score. Jessica scored a 9.0 on Bars. Summer's strong vault was her best score of the meet. Hanna and Hope were both in great form, scoring 9.4s on Bars and Beam, respectively.

The big story of this meet was Emma. Things started out kind of gloomy, with a very disappointing Beam. This was the last qualifying meet, so going to Sectionals seemed out of reach. Emma, however, showed the heart of a champion. On the next event, Floor, she turned in a 9.05. She did her personal best Vault thus far. Bars had been a struggle for Emma this year, but the champion heart kicked in again. She turned in her personal best on Bars too, 8.8, taking third place. She qualified for Sectionals! The whole OTW team and many in the crowd burst into loud cheers. Way to go, Emma!

The other Level 5s kept up the pace, all easily qualifying for Sectionals. Jessica P and Jessica F were both strong on Floor. Kelly was hot on Bars and Beam. Anne, too, had a good Bars routine. Emily scored her personal best on Beam. Jackie scored her personal best on Floor. Go get 'em, Fives!

Level 6s had highlights too. Madison and Amanda, both scored 9s on Bars and Floor. Mackenzie scored a 9 on Floor too. Morgan and Jamie were both strongest on Vault. It looks like the Level 6s are primed for Sectionals too.

Ghosts, Goblins, Gremlins and Gouhls!

The Level 4 girls had a great Halloween Fun Meet on Saturday at Tri-Star. Complete with a costume parade, it was a fun day, and a great team building meet. Cassie, Summer, Jessica, Hanna, and Hope scored an impressive 2nd place team showing against many larger teams. Coach Tammy kept the girls relaxed between events, and the girls enjoyed cheering their teammates on with shouts of encouragement and high fives.

The Level 5 girls had their fun too. Many of the girls posted personal bests for the season thus far. For several of the Level 5s, the Beam was THE event of the meet. Emma, Kelly, Anne, Jackie and Jess F., posted their best scores of the meet up on Tristar's beams. For Emily and Jess P, the floor was the place to shine, posting their best scores on the big blue carpet. All in all, a fun day for the team.

The Level 6 girls had their share of 9s amid the Halloween fun. Amanda was hot, posting three 9s. MacKenzie and Madison posted two 9s. Morgan scored her best score of the meet on Floor. Jamie posted her best of the meet on Vault.

(Thanks, Roger, Linda and Fred for the scores)

4,5 & 6's First Sectional

The compulsory teams showed the right stuff at this first Sectional of the winter season.

In Level 4, 6 to 8 yr olds, Hannah took 3rd on Vault with a 9.05 and 1st on Bars with a 9.20. She took 4th in the All Around. Summer scored her best of the meet (an 8.925) on Vault. Jessica took 4th on Vault with a 9.05. She also took 4th on Bars. In the 9 & 10 yr olds, Hope was hot. She placed in all four events, taking 3rd on Vault with a 9.05 and first on Floor with a 9.10. Hope placed first in the All Around with a 35.300.

The Level 5 team dominated the winners platform. Jackie took 3rd in Bars, and Floor, 1st on Beam, in the 7 & 8 yr old group. In the 9&10 yr old group, Emily took 3rd on Vault. Kelly was especially hot, taking 1st place in all four events and the All Around. Among the 11 & 12 yr olds, Jessica F took 1st on Vault and tied for 1st on Floor with team mate Anne. Anne also took 1st on Beam and the All Around. Jessica P took 1st on Bars, 3rds in Vault and Beam, and took 2nd in the All Around.

The Level 6 team was standing at the top of the platform a lot. Madison took 1st on Beam (9.30) and Floor (9.15), taking 2nd in the All Around for the 11-12 yr olds. Team mate Morgan took 1st on Bars and 2nd in the All Around. In the 13+ group, Amanda, MacKenzie and Jamie took 1st, 2nd and 3rd in All Around. Amanda took 1st on Bars and Beam and scored a 9.25 on Floor. MacKenzie took 1st on floor with a 9.275.

OTW girls take team 1st

Brentwood's Harvest Meet was another good showing for the girls Levels 4, 5, & 6. The OTW Team took the 1st place award, over Evergreen, Tri Star and Kelley's Gym.

In Level 4, Hanna scored a 9.30 on vault, and took first in the All Around for 7 & 8 year olds. Cassie took third in the All Around. Hope scored a 9.60 on vault and took first among the 9-10 yr olds in the All Around. Vault was hot for the 4s. Both Summer and Jessica posted their best scores of the meet on vault too.

In Level 5, Jackie took 4th in the All Around for 7-8 yr olds. Kelley scored a 9.05 on beam and took 1st among the 9-11s. Jessica P scored a 9.25 on beam and took 8th place ribbon in the All Around. Anne took 4th in the All Around for 12&up. Jessica F. took the 4th place ribbon. Emily posted her best score on Vault, while Emma came on strong on Floor.

In Level 6, Madison performed a very clean beam routine to score a 9.25. She placed 2nd in the All Around for 7-11s. Morgan took home the 7th place ribbon in the All Around. Madison's beam routine was good for a 9.25. Among the 12-13 yr olds, MacKenzie, Amanda and Jamie dominated the awards platform, taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd, respectively. MacKenzie scored two 9s, one on Vault, the other on Floor. Amanda scored a 9.25 on Vault.

It was great to see the OTW girls do so well and looking very sharp in their new warm-ups! (Thanks to Roger for the scores and pix)

Season Opener for Level 4,5,6 Teams

The Level 4 girls made a good show of their first competitive meet. Cassie had her best score on floor. Hanna also impressed the judges with her floor routine (9.35). Jessica had her best score on floor as well. Hope scored two 9.10s, one on beam the other on vault. Summer posted her best score on vault too. All in all, a great beginning for the Level 4 team.

The Level 5 girls had their first meet of the season too. This compulsories meet was held at NEGTC's gym in Hudson on Oct. 1st. The girls made a strong effort at this debut. While the team struggled a little with the beam routine, they had a stronger collective command of the floor. Kelly turned in a 9.30 on bars. Anne scored 9s on both vault and bars. Several of the team have already qualified for Sectionals.

The Level 6 team, being the veterans, put out a solid effort for this first meet. The 6s were strong on vault at this meet. Amanda posted a 9.25 on vault. Morgan, too, was strong on vault. Mackenzie nailed an impressive 9.50! Madison posted a 9.25 on beam. Both Amanda and Mackenzie posted 9s on floor. The Level 6 team is off to a powerful start.

(Note:The meet schedule and results of the first meet are now posted (10/10/06). Also main booster pages, like fundraising. Have a look!)

Team Camp, Week 3

It was a hot one again for week three, with temps in the high 90s. Sakes!

Many of the girls could see their work on their next-level skills starting to come together. There's still more polishing and work to do, of course, but feeling the progress made Week 3 feel satisfying -- despite the heat.

The skits this week took an entertainment spin. There were several musical numbers and one group sang the "gymnast blues." The dog show skit got very silly.

Team Camp, Week 2

Week Two of Team Camp held more conditioning, of course, but there was more working on the skills necessary for moving up to the next level. From the upper level optionals to the youngest Level 5s, the new skill requirements pose a serious challenge. This was the week to start the scary stuff.

On the lighter side, the skit theme this week was "Infomercials". The teams treated us to: Zit Zapper, Walk-No-More Shoes, Book-Reader-Box (shown in photo), and Scare-Free (now in aerosol cans!)-- just what you need if those next-level skills have you all scared.

It was a very hot summer week at the gym. The pool breaks were especially welcome.

Team Camp, Week 1

The first week of Team Camp is usually a bit tough. All that conditioning and drills? Came as a bit shock after two weeks off. However, by the end of the week, most of the sore muscles were tough again. Let the working on new skills begin!

This first week wasn't all drills and flexibility routines. At the end of the day, there was the pool to relax in. That was especially nice during the 90 degree days at the start of the week. On Friday, the girls put on their skits. This week had a fairy tale theme. In the photo (thanks Gail!) you'll probably spot 3 pigs and 7 dwarves. The other characters need a bit more explaining. Once upon a time, there was much silliness...

Team Week

Many of the team girls attended this year's Team Week workout. Coaches Liz and Paul ran them through drills to keep their existing skills sharp (or sharper). The more exciting part, was that the girls also got to work on elements that build to the next level's skills. The concentrated attention in Team Week helped. All the girls could see progress towards acquiring the next skills.
After all the intense workout, a quick splash in the pool was better than chocolate (well, almost). For all the girls, it was a good week of workout, new challenges, and meeting a couple new faces.

Food, Fun and Fond Memories

This year's OTW Boosters banquet was a great way to end the season. Coach Paul spoke, praising the girls for a good season. He touched on their many achievements as a team.

This season, OTW team girls took first place 201 times. 25 of the team girls were a part of that 201. The OTW team produced 10 State or Regional Champions this year. Becca went on to be the Level 9 Regional Champion on Vault. Tiffany was part of the New Hampshire Team that placed 2nd in the Level 8 Regionals.

The Level 7 Team took first in the State Championships with what Coach Paul said was the highest team score in OTW history. The Level 6 Team only very narrowly missed first place. The Level 5 Team overcame some early season roughness and rallied to take 4th.

After the speeches, the girls were awarded their goodie bags with this year's "good job!" gift, a mega-soft beach towel with their name and a gymnast figure embroidered on one corner. Oh, and there was a chocolate gift for all the girls who gave up their Saturday to do the tag day.

They also got their yearbooks, which looked especially slick this year. (Thanks for everything Audrey and Trisha). There was a whirlwind of activity as the girls chased each other around to get their yearbooks signed.

After the food and yearbook signing, it was time for fun. The DJ played group dance tunes like Cotton Eye Joe, the Macarena and the Chicken Dance. He sped up and slowed down the music with hilarious results. The Limbo contest got very silly.

All in all, the girls had a great time celebrating a very good year. (A few pix available on the Photo Album page)

Team girls become judges for fun

OTW Team gymnasts are accustomed to doing their routines before the sharp eye of NH-USAG judges. June 10th, it was their turn to be the judges. Off the Wall Gymnastics held a fun meet as the season ender for the youngest gymnasts' classes.

There were two sessions. The first session featured the youngest students. They might be the youngest OTW gymnasts, but the serious looks of concentration on their faces as they prepare for a challenging skill, was just the same as the most seasoned upper level girls.

Sometimes, the thrill of victory overwhelmed the young competitors. Upon completing a "clean" routine, a little gymnast would run off the floor giggling with pride. Coach Liz would coax them back to give the judges the proper end-of-routine salute. The judges weren't too big of sticklers for protocol.

The second session took things up a notch. These young gymnasts were Level 1 and 2. More specific skills and higher standards were expected. These young gymnasts also tried hard to do their best at what they had learned this season. Most of them did well. Some even impressed the team girl judges enough to earn scores of 9.00 and higher.

In the end, it was a fun day. Fun for the young gymnasts going home with their ribbons and trophies. Fun for the team girls who got to be judges for a day.

NH Level 8 Sr. Team takes 2nd at Regionals

At the Level 8 Regionals, held in Providence, Rhode Island on May 6th, the NH Team (which included Off The Wall's own Tiffany Nault) placed 2nd. The NH Senior 8s had a team score of 144.625, just a half point behind the Connecticut team. The NY team was close behind in third with 143.925. MA was close behind them in fourth with 143.900. RI took 5th and Vermont 6th. The mixed team took 7th.

Congratulations to the NH Senior 8s for placing well in an obviously close competition.

Team Girls Make Tag Day a Success

Many of the team girls pitched in to make the Plaistow Tag Day successful. The weather was beautiful and the store busy. Working in pairs, at both entrances to Market Basket, they greeted the shoppers with bright smiles. The shoppers of Plaistow were cheerful too, and showed their support for the team. One woman put three dollars in one girl's can but then turned back to ask, "What's this for?" "Off the Wall gymnastics team," she was told. "Oh gymnastics!" the woman beamed. She put in another dollar.

The girls had fun working together to help raise funds for the team. Seeing the support from the community was nice too.

Our 1st Tag Day - A Huge Success!

On Saturday, April 15th, three of our OTW girls participated in the first of two Tag Days being held to support the Boosters Club.

Courtney, Jamie and Jessica stood in front of Howie Glynn's store in Windham looking for support from their neighbors and other locals who happened by.

The girls only brought the two OTW cans with them. A kind gentleman who stopped into the store handed a donation to each of the girls. After seeing that Jess didn't have a can, he returned to his car and a few moments later, came out with a tissue box. He made sure he emptied it out, right down to the plastic covering, so that Jess would have her own collection "can". After a little decorative work, Jess' can was right on the money.

The tag day was a huge success. The store's customers were very kind and very supportive. The girls exceeded the goal they had set for funds raised...by almost double!

Tiff Going To Regionals

Tiffany had a good day at States. Her Vault, Beam and Bar scores were her highest of the season. Her All Around of 35.7 was also her highest. She took 6th place in the 15+ age group, so that puts her on the New Hampshire Team. Way to go Tiff!

Level 8 Regionals are in Providence, RI, on May 6 and 7.

OTW 7s are State Champions!

It didn't look too good by the time the meet was nearly done. Other gyms' girls were scoring 9.5s and 9.6s. Winning the banner seemed unlikely. It's not that the OTW 7s were having a bad day. In fact, they were having a very good day (see score comments below). But it seemed like the big teams (NEGTC and Atlantic) were having very very good days. TriStar was also scoring very well.

The OTW 7 team had amassed a team score of 112.8 -- their highest of the season. But, it didn't seem high enough, after seeing the other teams' scores on Beam, especially.

As they announced the team scores, Atlantic took 4th with a 111.35 Spirits lifted a little as that meant the OTW girls could still bring home a trophy. TriStar narrowly took 3rd with a 111.45. It was down to OTW and NEGTC. A second place trophy would have been excellent.

NEGTC took 2nd with a 112.3. The OTW Level 7 Team had done it! They brought home the State Champions banner.

What happened to all those high other-gym scores? The OTW girls didn't always post the highest scores on each event, but they were not far behind and more consistent as a team overall. Most of those high other-gym scores were on Floor and Beam. OTW was solid there too, but came on stronger in Vault and Bars, particularly.

Allison was a little blond fire ball, scoring 9.4 on Vault, 9.5 on Bars and took first on Beam with a 9.25. She took first in the 8-11 yr olds in the All Around with a 37.625. Allysa took 1st on Bars with a 9.475, 2nd on Beam and 2nd in the 12 yr olds in All Around.

Alexis took 1st on Vault (13, 14 yr olds) with a 9.45, 2nd on Bars and Floor with 9.425 and 9.4. Her 9.425 on Beam took 4th, just to underscore how tough the competition had been on Beam. Alexis' All Around of 37.7 took 1st.

Jess was a tall brunette fire ball. She scored 9s on everything. She took 3rd in the All Around with 37.075 -- her season best! Kayla was part of the Vault power pack. Her 9.225 on Vault was part of the extra kick that put OTW ahead. LaNaya scored a 9.35 on Bars -- her all-time best on Bars, taking 4th. Her All Around of 36.55 was her season best. Melinda also came on strong on Bars. Her 9.10 (her season best) got her to the awards platform and was part of her season best All Around too.

Very impressive, girls. You did your best when it counted most. Each of you are truly are Champions! (You've got a banner to prove it.) :-)

Level 9 Regionals Results

The Region 6 USAG Regionals for Level 9 were held April 2nd in Syracuse. Becca and Brianna competed. Their full scores are listed on the meet results page (click here)

Becca took first place on Vault in the Junior D age group with an 8.95. Becca's All Around was 34.575 which placed her 11th. Bri took fourth place on Beam with a 9.40. Bri's All Around was 35.700, taking 12th in the Junior C age group.

7s stay hot at Sectional #2

The Level 7 team didn't cool off during the month since their last meet. There were the usual little ups and downs, but overall the whole team performed well. The blue and white OTW jackets were regular features on the awards platform.

Allison took 1st on Bars with a 9.30, 2nd on Vault and tied for 2nd on Floor. Her All Around of 36.70 took 2nd in the 8 to 11 year old group. Alyssa took first in the All Around of the 12 yr old group.

At this particular meet, the 13 & 14 year old group was crowded. Awards went out 8 places. Despite the large group size, the OTW 7s were often "sweeping" the top of the platform. For the Vault, Alexis took 1st, Jess 2nd, Kayla 3rd. On the Bars, Jess took 1st, LaNaya 2nd, Alexis 3rd and Melinda 4th. (This was Melinda's high score on bars (so far) for the season. Way to go, Melinda!) On Beam, Alexis took 1st, Jess and LaNaya tied for 2nd. Kayla took 6th and Melinda 7th. On Floor, it was Alexis at 1st, LaNaya 3rd, Jess 4th, Kayla 5th.

The wall of blue and white continued through the All Arounds. Alexis took first with a 37.15. Jess took 2nd with a 36.625. LaNaya took 3rd with a 36.30. Kayla took 5th with a 35.00.

With only two weeks to go until States, the Level 7 team is looking good.

Tiff Looking Good at Sectionals

Tiff made a good showing at the Sectional. She already qualified for States, but took advantage of the meet as a rehersal for States. In Level 8, the top seven gymnasts (by All Around scores) in each of three age groups, will go on to make up the New Hampshire team at the Region Six competition in May.

At this Sectional, Tiff placed third in the Vault, and third on Floor. She placed fourth in the All Around. Keep it up, Tiff. You'll be Regionals-bound for sure.

Level 6s Win 2nd Place at States

The Level 6 girls came home with the 2nd place trophy from the 2006 State Competition. The final team scores were close with the girls just missing out on first place by a mere .05.

Madison finished with a 34.10, taking 8th place on Beam. Hillary won the Level 6 State Champion with an all around score of 36.675 and took 1st on both vault and bars, 2nd on beam and tied for 3rd on floor. Courtney placed 2nd in the all around with a score of 36.15, taking 1st on beam, 3rd on both vault and floor(t) and 6th on Bars. Amanda placed 4th all around with a score of 35.35, taking 1st on floor, 2nd on vault and tied for 7th on bars and 9th on beam. MacKenzie took 3rd in the all around with a score of 34.85, placing 1st on floor, 3rd on bars and 5th on vault. Jamie finished with an all around score of 33.00, taking 5th place on vault.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR LEVEL 6 GIRLS FOR A GREAT SEASON...Madison, MacKenzie, Oliva, Hillary, Amanda, Jamie, Shannon & Courtney!

Level 5 Team rallies, wins 4th

OTW's Level 5 team had been experiencing more than their share of off days in the latter part of the season. At the last sectional, many of the girls posted scores below their usual. Their team score would have been a 104.075, if they calculated team scores at Sectionals. For comparison, the team that was 9th at the State Meet posted a 104.300. That would have put the OTW 5s in tenth place.

The 5s were determined, however, to work hard during the two weeks remaining to tighten up their routines. Their hard work showed. Their scores were much higher. In the end, the Level 5s' team score was 107.925. This was just a half point shy of the third place team. Fourth place, out of thirteen teams, was a nice reward for their hard work in the final two weeks.

Congratulations Level 5s. You're made of the right stuff.

Level 9 team takes 2nd at L9 State Meet

OTW's Level 9 team had their States this past Sunday. Since it takes three to count for a team score, every score that Brianna, Kenna and Becca posted went towards the team standings. (no pressure) All three put in a solid effort. Their combined team score of 105.675 was good enough to take the second place team trophy. Atlantic took first, with six girls on their team. All the other teams had just three girls apiece.

Becca continued her strong showings. She scored 9.0s on both the vault and uneven bars. Her beam routine took 2nd place, with a 9.10. Her All-Around of 36.075 took fourth place. Brianna came back strong after taking a break (from Aquafina). Bri's routine on the uneven bars was outstanding, scoring a 9.45 and taking 1st place. Her floor routine scored a 9.00 and tied for third. Kenna scored her personal best scores of the season on both vault and floor. A good day to meet those goals!

Taken all together, the 9s' total scores put them ahead of three other gyms' teams. In the tough and demanding world of Level 9 gymnastics, that's something to be very proud of. Good job Bri, Kenna and Becca.

The next step is looking forward to Regionals, held in Syracuse on April 1st and 2nd. Go girls!

LEVEL 6s COMPETE IN SECTIONAL # 3 AT AGTC

The Level 6 girls did a great job at the 3rd Sectional held at Atlantic Gymnastics in Portsmouth. There were only 10 competitors in the Level 6 division, with 8 of them being our OTW girls.

Because the group was small, awards were only given in the All Around. Madison placed first in the All Around in the 9 and 10 year old division. In the 11 and 12 year old group, Hillary placed first, Courtney placed second and Amanda placed third. In the 13 and up division, Jamie placed first, MacKenzie placed second and Olivia came in 3rd.

The girls are looking forward to the State Competition coming up in just 2 weeks.

All of Level 7 Team Qualify for States

The 7s came on strong again at this first Sectional for the 7s and 8s. They were strong on Vault again, as they have been at other meets. All of them posted strong vault scores, but Jess's 9.55 and Alexis' 9.475 were good enough to cinch 1st and 2nd. Kayla took 5th with a 9.275.

It was much the same power on display when it came to Bars. Allison posted a 9.40. Alyssa took 1st in the 12 year old division with a 9.25. LaNaya took first in the 13+ age group with a 9.275. Melinda posted her best score of the meet on Bars too. Kayla took 5th with a 9.00.

On the beam, however, things were not quite as solid as they had been at Aquafina. Things just didn't seem to click like they usually did. Only Alyssa and Alexis scored 9s -- 9.05 and 9.075 respectively. Both of these scores took first in their age groups, though, so it seems that all beam scores must have generally been a bit lower.

Out on the floor, the 7s put in an extra effort. Alexis put a little extra zip into her routine and took first with a 9.60. LaNaya and Jess both put on very strong floor routines too. They each scored 9.30, tying for 4th. Alyssa's 9.225 took 2nd in the 12yr olds.

In the All Around, Allison took first place in 10-11 year olds, with a 36.625. Alyssa took first in the 12 yr olds with a 36.775. In the 13 and older group, Alexis and Jess took first and second with a 37.35 and a 36.35. LaNaya took 6th with a 36.025. They don't give team awards at Sectionals, but if they did, the 7s would have had a team score of 111.35. Quite respectable, considering that a 110.85 won the 7s first place at the Judges Cup.

There were smiles and congratulations all around as the gilrs realized they had all qualified for States. They now have a month to polish up their routines to perfection.

Level 8s Qualify for States

Both Tiffany and Rachel qualfied for States at this first Optionals Sectional. Tiff took 4th on Bars and 5th on floor with a 9.10.

Level 7 Team Rises to Challenge: Brings Home Trophy

At the Aquafina Team Challenge, OTW's Level 7 team worked hard to put out their best performances. It was going to take their best efforts too. 16 gyms from New York, Connecticut. Mass, and of course, New Hampshire, competed in two sessions. One New York gym had a team of ten gymnasts.

The competition was very sharp too. As an example, Allison's very respectable 9.30 on floor wasn't enough to get her up on the podium. We're talkin' very serious competition. But, OTW's 7s were sharp too. As proof, they brought home the third place team trophy. (both sessions combined)

While the vault had been the OTW 7s' strong event at the past few meets, this meet's vault scores were "only" averaging 8.95. Alexis and Kayla did score 9s. Bars was similar, although Melinda posted her best score of the night in a clean bars routine.

On floor, however, the 7s were hot. Alexis put on her best floor routine of the season, scoring an impressive 9.425 which was good for a first place medal (intermediate age group) Kayla took third with her season best (so far), a 9.20. Jess took third in the seniors division on floor with a 9.30.

It was on the beam that the 7s really took off. Allison and Alyssa tied for second with very clean routines. Both earned 9.60s! Alexis and Kayla took first and second in the intermediate division with 9.40 and 9.25. LaNaya had a very solid beam routine too, except for one fall, but still scored a 9.225 -- even with the fall!

Allison took 4th in the juniors All Around with a 36.525. Teammate Alyssa wasn't far behind with a 36.40. Alexis and Kayla took 1st and 2nd in the intermediates with a 37.025 and a 35.75. LaNaya and Jess took 5th and 6th in the seniors group with a 36.125 and a 35.25.

As a team, the 7s scored 182.65, good enough to earn the third place trophy in the team challenge. If you do the math, that works out to an average individual score of 9.13 on each event! An outstanding team showing at a high-powered meet.

Congratulations to the entire Level 7 team! You had an excellent night.

Level 6s Sectional 2

The Level 6s had a fabulous day at Sectional 2 held at Gymnastics at Brentwood Commons. Their floor scores were incredible, with MacKenzie scoring a 9.525! Following closely behind were Amanda and Hillary who both scored 9.425.

Madison placed 1st on Beam and 3rd on Floor. MacKenzie placed 1st on Floor, 2nd on Bars and 3rd on both Vault and Beam. Hillary came in 1st on Vault and Bars and tied for 1st on Floor and placed 4th on Beam. Amanda tied for 1st on Floor, and placed 2nd on both Vault and Bars. Shannon placed 3rd on Vault. Jamie took 2nd on both Vault and Floor. Courtney took first on Beam, 2nd on both Vault and Floor and 3rd on Bars.

In the All Arounds, Madison came in 3rd in the 9 and 10 year old division. In the 11 and 12 year old division, Courtney placed 1st, Hillary placed 2nd and Amanda placed 3rd. MacKenzie took 1st place in the 13 and up category and Jamie came in 4th All Around.

Congratulations to all the girls on your Sensational Sectional!

OTW girls watch UNH win at Fox Run

Many of the OTW team girls went to watch college gymnastics at the Fox Run Invitational on Saturday. UNH's team, led by Amanda Hall, faced the teams from the University of Miinnesota, Yale and Temple. The UNH team was good, but the Minnesota gymnasts were very good too. After the first rotation, UNH led by less than a point. After the second rotation, UNH was still only ahead by 0.9375. In the third rotation, UNH widened the gap only slightly to a point and a half.

UNH's team put on an excellent floor performance. Amanda Hall's impressive 9.90 included her crowd-pleasing "worm" move. The Minnesota team was sharp, making few mistakes and suffered very few falls. By the end of the fourth rotation, they had closed the gap to only a half a point. In the end, UNH's team took first place by just 0.5 points.

OTW girls could be heard claiming fancy moves for their future routines. "I call that for my mount." You could also hear sympathetic voices when a gymnast would slip or bobble. "Oww. I know how that feels." Aside from the window-shopping for cool moves (which there was plenty of), they also got to see that even the "big girls" can have a bad day. Amanda Hall, for example, had 9.8s on both vault and bars, but was not having as good a day on beam. She wobbled twice and fell on her front tuck. For this, she got only a 9.075. (only?) That fall was enough let Minnesota's Ashley Mutchler take first place in the All Around with a 38.750. Hall took second with a 38.625.

Seeing all the skilled gymnasts at the Fox Run Invitational had quite a few of the OTW girls energized for more.

8s and 9s Shine at American Flyers

Off the Wall's Level 8 team and Level 9 team took home several medals at this year's American Flyers Cup invitational. Becca took first in the All Around for level 9. Tiffany took 4th in the All Around for level 8.

The Level 9 team won the second place team trophy.

5s Take 3rd Place Team Trophy

The Level 5 team faced some good teams at Sunday's session of the American Flyers Cup in Maine. They rose to the challenge and put in a solid effort. Several of the girls scored 9s. Kelly got a 9.40 on vault, while Charlotte brought in a 9.15. Morgan (who was having an especially good day) scored an impressive 9.50 on Bars.

Many of the team were hot on the Beam. Morgan took 2nd in the 10yr old group with a 9.00. Cloe took home a medal for a 9.00 on Beam. Sarah scored a 9.05 on Beam. Kate also took home a medal for her Beam routine. Jessica won a medal for her Floor routine.

Emma, the youngest of the team, scored a 31.50 in the All Around, which qualified her to go to Sectionals! Keep up the good work Emma!

As a team, the girls racked up a team score of 107.70, edging out other teams to take the third place team trophy.

Level 6s Take 2nd Place at American Flyers Cup

The Level 6 girls had a terrific day at the American Flyers Cup. Maine Academy of Gymnastics put on a great event with strobe lights, slideshow pictures and Gym O Grams. The girls really enjoyed the atmosphere. They worked hard to impress the judges in all their events. The scores weren't flying as high as they usually do, but that didn't stop their determination.

In the 10 and 11 year old division, Madison took 1st place on Beam, 6th place on Floor and Bars and placed 6th All Around. In the12 and up division, Jamie took 4th on Beam, 7th on Vault and 7th All Around. MacKenzie took 1st on Floor, 4th on Bars, 5th on Beam and 5th All Around. Amanda took 2nd on Vault, 3rd on Bars, 5th on Floor and placed 4th All Around. Hillary took 1st on Bars, 2nd on Beam, 3rd on Vault, 4th on Floor and placed 3rd in the All Around. Courtney took 1st on Beam, 6th on Vault, Bars and Floor, and placed 1st All Around. Shannon scored a 30.30 All Around and Olivia scored a 31.90 making her way closer to the qualifying score for states.

The handstand contest was loads of fun. MacKenzie and Courtney held strong against a tough competitor from Dragon Gymnastics. Courtney was the proud winner of a handstand bar to bring back to Off the Wall for all the girls to share.

As a team, the girls scored an impressive 108.275 earning them the 2nd place Team Trophy!

7s win 2nd place despite tough day on floors

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At the American Flyers Cup competition, the level 7s got off to a tough start. For whatever reason, all their scores for floor were fully a half point or more off of their usual performance. (El Nino?)

They didn't let a rough start throw them off. They all came on strong in the next event (vault). Alyssa took first in the 11 & 12 yr olds with a 9.50. Allison took 2nd and Kayla took third. In the 13 and older group, Alexis took 2nd with a 9.45, Jess 3rd and LaNaya 4th. In Bars and Beam Alyssa took both firsts in 11,12s. Alexis took first in the 13+ group. Melinda also took home a medal for her performance on bars.

In the All-Around, Alyssa took first, Allison second, with Kayla taking the 5th place medal. In the 13s, Alexis took first, LaNaya 4th, Jess 5th.

Despite the tough floor scores, the team rallied to take home the second place team trophy. Great job girls!

In the handstand contest before the awards LaNaya and Alexis were tied in the final round. Both held stag positions for a long time, and were beginning to wobble. LaNaya held on just a bit longer to win the handstand bar prize.

Level 6 takes 1st Place at Judges Cup

The Level 6 team had a super day at the Judges Cup held at Tri-Star Gymnastics in Dover. The girls marched in dressed as the Off the Wall Superstars, ready for a super-hero effort.

Madison came in 4th in the All Around in the Powerpuffs age division. MacKenzie won the Floor Exercise event and placed third in the All Around. Courtney won first place in the All Around, Uneven Bars and Balance Beam. In Vaulting, Jamie took first place and also placed 3rd in the All Around. Hillary won both Vault and Floor and took second All Around. Amanda took second on floor and vault and came in third in the All Around in her age division. In the batgirls division, Shannon scored a 32.475 All Around. Rounding out the successes of the day, Olivia qualified for the next Sectional Meet.

The girls huddled together for the announcement of the team awards, hoping and wishing for a win. In the end, their hard work had paid off and the team took home the 1st place trophy with a total score of 109.00. Way to go OTW Superstars!

7s Take 1st Place Team at Judges Cup

OTW's Level 7 team narrowly edged out NEGTC's team to take home the first place team trophy at this year's NH Judges Cup Competition. Allison scored two 9.40s (vault and beam). Both Alexis and Jess scored amazing 9.50s on vault! All the girls were hot on the vault at this meet.

In keeping with the judge's theme of America's Super Heros, the age groups were: Powerpuff Girls, Lava Girls, Bat Girls and Super Girls. Allison took first in Bars and Beam in the Powerpuff group, 2nd in the All Around. Alyssa took 1st in Bars and Beam and All Around in Lava Girls. Alexis took first in Vault, Floor and the All Around for Bat Girls. Jess took 2nd in Vault and All Around in the SuperGirls age group. LaNaya took 1st in Beam, 2nd in Floor and 3rd in All Around of Bat Girls.

All these scores and other strong showings contributed to the team score of 110.75. Good job girls!

Tough going at Brestyan's, but some successes

The field of competitors was tough. Gyms from all around New England sent some very strong gymnasts. The meet got started late. Several members of OTW's Level 7 team were not having their best days -- which happens, of course. The scoring per event and for the all-around was a bit unusual, with an individual gymnast sometimes being counted in the Intermediate group, but sometimes in the Child. While another was sometimes a Senior, but at other times a Junior B.

The level 6 team took 3rd, 4th and 5th in the all-around, "junior" age group, with Hillary taking 1st on Beam (intermediates), Amanda tieing for 1st on Floor (juniors) with a 9.225. Courtney took 1st on Beam in the juniors with a 9.20.

Every member of the level 7 team (photo) brought home at least one medal in an event and a trophy. Notable were: Allison who took first on Vault, Beam and the All-Around (intermediates). Alexis took 1st on Beam with a 9.15 (junior B) and 2nd in the All-Around. Jess took 1st in Vault, Bars and the All-Around (seniors). Melinda took 3rd in the All-Around (seniors)

In Level 9, Becca took 1st on Beam with a 9.15 (senior A) and tied for 1st in the All-Around. Way to go, Becca!

7s strong at Atlantic

The Level 7s had a strong showing at the qualifier held at Atlantic Gymnastics in Portsmouth. Most of the seven gymnasts turned in stronger all-around scores than at the previous meet. Allison and Alexis took first and second (11-12s), in the All Around, with a 37.25 and a 36.50. Alyssa took 4th with a 36.475.

LaNaya took first in the All Around for 13 & up, with her all-time high of 35.90. Jess earned the 4th place ribbon with a 35.45.

A few problems with mis-flashed scores created some confusion, but was sorted out in the end.

All 7s Qualify for Sectionals

OTW's Level 7 team had their first competitive meet of the '05-'06 season, at Granite State Gymnastics in Bow. All seven gymnasts had solid performances and each easily qualified for Sectionals. Alexis, LaNaya and Jess placed first, second and third in the All Around (ages 13 & up). Allison placed first the All Around for 11 year olds, and Alyssa placed first in the 12 year old group.

An excellent start to the competitive season for the Level 7 team.