Medals Amid The Storm

Despite the serious snow storm that blanketed southern New Hampshire with a foot of snow, OTW's gymnasts were on the floor and racking up medals at this year's all-levels December meet at Atlantic. Sunday morning, the Level 7 Team took the the floor. Together, the team brought home 17 medals and two trophies!

7s Still Hot Stuff
In the "child" division, Emily P. took the silver on Vault, bronze on Bars and Beam. Jackie placed on Vault and Beam, taking the bronze on Floor. Nicole placed on Vault and Bars. She took silver on Beam and bronze in the All-Around. In the "junior" division, Mikayla placed on Vault and had her high score of the meet on Floor. In the "junior plus" group, Ali placed on Vault, Bars and Floor, taking the bronze on Beam and silver in the All-Around. In the "senior" group, Amanda and Jamie continued to dominate the top of the platform. Amanda took three golds and one bronze. Jamie took two silver and a gold. In the All-Around, Amanda was gold, Jamie took silver.

For fun this year, there were several "Judges Awards" trophies handed out. Amanda won the Vault Excellence trophy for best twist. Nicole won the Beam Excellence trophy for best flight series connection.

8s Gaining Ground
All three 8s were in the "senior" division. Jess took the bronze on Vault. Melinda took 4th. On Bars, LaNaya took silver. Jess took the bronze. Jess took the silver on Floor. In the All-Around, Jess took 4th, LaNaya 5th. Both improved their All-Around scores. Jess won the Vault Excellence trophy.

Other level results as parents send them in. (if you've got some meet results, send them in to otwbooster@gmail.com) -- Thanks to Rita for the Level 7 scores.

New Faces on Team: Paige

Paige has been on the OTW Level 4 team when it started its Fall season. She's been doing gymnastics since she was four years old. Not too surprisingly, Paige's favorite event is Vault. She's been turning in 9s on Vault pretty regularly. Her favorite foods are broccoli and strawberries (not at the same time). Her favorite movie is Rin Tin Tin and turns the radio up to hear "Our Song" by Taylor Swift. Paige is really enjoying being on team. She especially likes having the older girls around to mentor her. She was on hand to cheer the optional girls on at their first meet of their season, in Bow.

We're all glad to have you on the team, Paige.

Optional Season Off To Great Start

The OTW optional teams had their first meet of the season this Sunday in Bow. As an "unadvertised special" this first meet of the year was also a theme meet. It was the Snowflake Invitational. This meant medals instead of ribbons and team trophies. The OTW girls brought home quite a few of them. Liz even brought home some cold cash, as she won the first session's 50/50 raffle. Go Liz!

Level 7s' Hot Start

With no apparent rustiness to shake off, the Level 7 team was off and running. They took home the 1st place team trophy, with a score of 110.8. They also gathered a lot of gold and silver in every age group. In the 8-11 age group, Nicole took silvers on Beam and All Around. Jackie took gold on Bars, Beam and All Around. In the 12 year old group, Mikayla took gold on Bars and Beam and silver in the All Around. In the 13-14 group, Ali took gold on all events except Floor where she took silver. In the 15+ group, Jamie and Amanda were always up for medals. Jamie took gold on Beam and All Around, silver on Vault and Bars. Amanda took gold on Vault and Floor, silver on Beam and All Around.

For being the first meet of the season, this team is already looking powerful. Keep up the great work 7s. Very impressive start.

Level 8 Medals Too

The Level 8 Team was out of the running for a team trophy as Melinda could not compete all events (sore foot). She was able to compete bars. In fact, she took the gold on her one event. Not a bad way to go. Jess took silver on Bars, and to complete the sweep, LaNaya took the bronze. Jess went on to take the gold on Beam, Floor and the All Around too.

They might be a little team, but they're in the running.

Level 9 / 10 Take 1st Too

Levels 9 and 10 competed as combined teams. Here again, the OTW girls took the top of the podium. The 9s and 10s took 1st place. Individually, there was gold and silver for everyone here too. Kayla took gold on Vault and Floor. Alyssa took gold on Bars and the All Around. Allison took gold on Bars (11-12 age group), Floor and the All Around. Becca took gold on Vault, Floor and All Around. Bri took gold on Bars and Beam.

Great job optionals. This promises to be an exciting season.

Winter States: 5s take 4th & 2 golds

The Level 5 team faced a talented field of competitors at this winter's state meet. The team brought home a trophy. The 5s also have two State Champions. Jordon is the State Beam Champion in the 10 year old group. Emma T. is State Beam Champion in the 9 year old group. Sydney took the bronze on floor. Maddy took the bronze on floor in the 10 year old group. Summer had her high score of the meet on Bars. Ellie, too, placed highest on Bars.

The Level 4 girls were strong on Vault at Winter States. Sarah scored a 9.15, Paige scored a 9.00. Emily also scored her highest of the meet on Vault.

The Level 6 action also saw Hanna and Emma L. scoring their highest of the meet on Vault. Hanna took 4th on Bars.

We're proud of you girls.

Halloween Meet Action

The Level 6 Team is looking stronger with each meet. They took 6th at this year's Halloween Meet at Tri-Star. The 6s showed more of their steady improvement. While Bars remained a bit of a challenge, the team did better on Beam. Allie scored a 9.15. Maddie F. scored a 9.075. Allie, who became ill just before the first qualifier, was able to qualify for Sectionals at this meet. This time it was Emma who wasn't feeling well, but competed anyway. Hope had her best score on Vault, taking home a ribbon. Hanna had her highest score on Beam and the highest All-Around of the team.

Keep up the hard work 6s. Things are coming together.

The Level 5 Team was looking good, taking 4th place at this year's Halloween Meet, held at TriStar. Their scores were generally higher on all events. Most notable was Beam. All of the 5s were powering on Beam. Sydney took the blue ribbon in her age group with a 9.10. Jordan had a 9.175. Emma took third in her age group with a 9.175. Maddy added her 9.05 to the harvest of 9s. Summer and Ellie also scored their highest scores on Beam.

All together, the Level 5 Team took home over 20 ribbons. They look like a team that's getting fired up!

The Level 4 Team was also heating up at the Halloween Meet. Paige, Sarah and Emily each scored 9s on Vault. Emily's 9.50 took the blue ribbon. Bars have been looking better. Sarah took 5th with an 8.80. Like the other OTW teams, the Level 4 girls were strong on Beam. Emily took the blue again with a 9.30. Sarah took 2nd with a 9.075. Paige also took home a ribbon for Beam. On Floor, Emily again took home the blue ribbon.

The three-girl Level 4 Team took home 11 ribbons. Go 4s!

Sectional 1: Level 6

The Level 6 girls continued to hone their new skills at this second meet of their autumn season. Hanna tied for 2nd on Floor with a 9.15. She also qualified for Winter States. Emma L. tied for 5th on Floor. Her Bars score was the highest of her team. Hope's strongest score of the meet was on Vault. Maddie F. placed on Floor, which was also her strong event of the meet.

Sectional 1: Level 5

The OTW Level 5 Team showed improvement since their debut meet of the season. Sydney bumped up all her scores, taking 1st place on all events in the 11-12 year old group. Her Floor routine was especially nice, scoring a 9.30. Jordan also pulled up all her scores. She took 3rd on Floor in the 9-10 year old group with a 9.00. Both Sydney and Jordan qualified for Winter States. Maddy continues to shine on Floor. Summer was stronger on Vault. Emma T.'s best score of the meet was on Floor, though Beam was a close second. Ellie placed on Vault and Floor.

Sectional 1: Judge With A Heart

At the Level 4 session, we saw a different side of USAG Judges -- compassion. Competitive gymnastics can be emotionally demanding. Our new Level 4 girls were getting a taste of the pressure that comes with qualifying meets. Sarah had ran into some trouble half way through her Floor routine. Unsure how to handle the problem, she left the floor, visibly upset. One of the judges came over, put her arm around her and reassured her. (This was nothing like the petty types in the movie "Stick It!")

Such a disturbance can break the focus of gymnasts who are up next. Sarah's team mate, Paige, did not let things rattle her. Paige went out and performed a nice routine, earning an 8.40. The judges let Sarah try her floor routine again. Finding that spark of a champion inside her, Sarah went out, performed her entire routine cleanly. She scored an 8.85, taking third place! Both Paige and Sarah posted qualifying scores for States. Way to go girls!

Both Paige and Sarah demonstrated the courage to succeed today. And, we saw that a little compassion can do amazing things.

New Faces on Team: Mikayla

Mikayla joins the OTW Level 7 Team with five years of gymnastics experience. This 7th grader loves lobster and likes the movie "Evan Almighty." Her favorite song is "One Step At A Time." Her favorite event is Vault. From her previous competitions, her highest score was a 9.1. When asked what she likes best about being on the OTW Team, she said, "...everyone is funny and friendly." As the optional teams polish up their skills for the start of the season, Mikayla said, "considering I'm brand new (to OTW), I look forward to some great years with the team."

We do too, Mikayla. The Level 7 Team is looking very promising this year. We're glad to have you as part of it. Watch out banner, here they come!

New Faces on Team: Emily

Emily is another of our new Level 4 Team girls. She's been doing  gymnastics since she was two. She likes eating pizza and watching  Animal Planet.  For music, she's "an old school girl," having a soft spot for KISS. But, back to gymnastics, her favorite events are Floor  and Bars. Even though its very early in the season, the thing she likes best is hanging around with the older team girls, to watch them and learn from them.

That Emily is a shrewd one. There is a lot of talent on the OTW teams. Watching champions is a great way to learn and become one too!  Go get 'em Emily.

New Faces on Team: Sarah

Sarah is a new face on the OTW Team, but not a new face around the gym. Between classes, rec and pre-team, she's been coming to Off The Wall since she was 2 years old. Now she's 8 years old and moved up to the Level 4 Team. Her favorite event thus far is Bars. Her favorite food is strawberries and she enjoys watching "Jon and Kate plus 8." She turns the radio up to hear "Broken Road." What Sarah likes best about the whole team experience so far, was meeting all the other team girls during the summer 'camp' weeks.

Welcome to the team, Sarah. We'll be cheering you on as the season gets under way.

Nice Day for Tag Day 1

Turned out the girls had an excellent day for the Tag Day. Friday's rain had cleared out, and Sunday's rain hadn't come in yet. Eleven of the 31 team girls participated, covering the 18 time slots. The proceeds were off a bit compared to last year, but not from lack of effort by the girls. Some stayed for multiple shifts. They poured on the charm (as usual) and even did some demonstrations which did impress the shoppers. Perhaps the slower economy was a factor. Either way, the eleven did more than their part to help raise money for sending some of their team mates to Regionals and Nationals, as well as some for the year-end banquet and for possible meet fees next year.

Thanks to LaNaya, Sydney, Emma L., Hanna, Hope, Emily D., Amanda, Maddy K., Sarah, Ellie and Nicole. Great job girls! There are some photos on the Photo Album Page

Thanks too, to you parents who drove them and stayed as chaperones. Their success is yours too.

First Booster Meeting, Thursday!

We had a good first meeting of the season. It was great to see some new faces among the regulars. There were many good ideas discussed for fundraising for this year's projects. More on that later. The most urgent business was the upcoming Tag Day (canning in front of stores) which is scheduled for this Saturday at 9:00. There is a sign-up sheet upstairs at the gym. As of Thursday night, there was still a need for girls to sign up for the middle "shift" at Shaws and a couple slots still open at Walmart. Check out the sign-up sheet on Friday and sign up for a time slot. It's a great way to help out the teams without having to buy anything (or sell anything). For those already signed up, thanks! And, see you Saturday!

Shawn Gets Her Turn

In this last big individual event for women's artistic gymnastics, it was finally Shawn Johnson's turn. She had come in second in the All Around, and second on Floor. Beam is one of her team mates' specialties (Nastia out scored Shawn on Beam in the All Around), and Cheng Fei was the local favorite for the gold. Despite all that pressure, Shawn pulled off an amazingly solid Beam routine. Nastia performed her usual magic on Beam too. While Nastia slightly edged out Shawn on execution (9.4 vs 9.2), Shawn's higher start value (7.0 vs 6.6) gave her the .2 advantage. The USA took the gold and silver again, like in the All Around, but this time swapping who took the gold.

In all, Nastia had an excellent Olympics. Silver in the team competition, Gold in the All Around. Silver on Bars, Silver on Beam and Bronze on Floor. Five Olympic medals is a pretty impressive haul. Shawn did her share too, bringing home the second of two gold medals for the USA in gymnastics. Gold on Beam, Silver on Floor, Silver in the All Around, and Silver for team.

All this great gymnastics seems like a good way to start out this next season with the OTW Team. Go Girls!

Tie = Silver? Huh?

Nastia Liukin scored the same 16.725 on Bars as China's He Kexin. Yet, He was awarded the gold. Liukin was given the silver. What's up with that? Many people were clearly upset with the new rules, thinking that awarding two golds was the proper way to go. That's how it used to be in prior Olympics as recently as the Atlanta Olympics. The IOC, however, didn't like duplicate medals and told the FIG (Federation of International Gymnastics) to work up rules to resolve ties rather than award double medals. Like it or not (and I know at least one OTW gymnast who is outraged), here's how the tie-breaker rules work (as explained by NBC Sports):

New Scoring Scheme: A + B
A complete gymnastics score is now made up of two parts, A and B. The first, the A score, or the start value, is an assigned degree of difficulty.I n this instance, both He and Liukin had the same start value, 7.7. The second part of a score, the B score, is an execution score. Six judges vote. The high and the low are tossed per the rules. That leaves four scores. Those four are averaged. That average becomes the B score. Add the A and B together and you get a complete score. -- In this instance, both He and Liukin got 16.725.

Tiebreakers :
The first tiebreak is the B score. Here both got the same B score, 9.025.
The next tiebreak: the judges drop the next highest deduction. That obviously leaves three judges' scores instead of four -- or to be precise, the marks those three judges gave for deductions. Here, the average of those three judges' deductions for He: .933. For Liukin: .966. -- Liukin had a greater deduction. Thus she was second.

Another way of getting to that math: Take the B scores of the three judges from that second tie-break, add them together. The math for He's remaining three B scores: 9.1, 9.1, 9.0. That equals 27.2. For Liukin: 9.1, 9.0, 9.0. That equals 27.1. Thus she was second.

Is that fair? What do you think?

Two More Medals for Shawn & Nastia

On Floor, America's two stars were shining again. Shawn had to go first of the eight competitors. OTW girls who've been through a few meets know it's tough going first. But, Shawn put in good routine with a high start value. Her 15.50 kept her in first place through all the next six competitors. The two Chinese girls were expected to go for gold, but had a few problems. Cheng Fei had a fall at the end of one tumbling pass. It came down to the last two gymnasts. Shawn's 15.5 was still first. She was in line for a medal no matter what. Nastia Liukin turned in a very nice routine, with no flaws. Her lower start value meant her 15.425 put her behind Shawn, but ahead of everyone else. She was in for a medal too. The last gymnast, Sandra Izbasa of Romania, put in an excellent routine. Her 15.65 put her on top for the gold. Shawn and Nastia took the sliver and bronze.

On Vault, Alicia Sacramone did two very nice vaults with clean landings. She was edged out of the bronze by a tiny margin by Cheng Fei, who actually fell on her landing. That didn't seem quite right, but the judging is final. Oh well, we were still proud of Alicia.

Nastia Takes Gold, Shawn Silver

It was another late night of Olympics watching but well worth the lack of sleep. Nastia too the gold in the All Around, putting her in company with legend Mary Lou Retton and Carly Patterson. Shawn Johnson poured on her usual power to clinch the silver from China's Yang Yilin who seemed headed for gold.

Americans Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson were considered gold medal material going into the Olympics, but troubles in the team competition and the success of the Chinese girls meant that there was no shoe-in. After two rotations in the All Around competition, China's Yang Yilin was ahead in points, but not by too much. Nastia's Bars routine scored a 16.65, closing the gap considerably.

The last two events, Beam and Floor, were both strong ones for the Americans and they did not disappoint. Nastia's Beam routine was almost perfect. Shawn's was as powerful as ever, with only one visible balance check. Yilin's was noticeably shakier. On Floor, Yiling's routine had the same difficulty factor as Nastia's, so she could still have the gold. A couple of wobbles lowered her score. This left the door open. Nastia's floor routine was flawless. Shawn's was great too.

It will be a very sleepy-eyed day on Friday, having stayed up to past 1 a.m., but it was worth it. Gymnastics moments like that don't come around very often.

USA Takes Silver in Beijing

It was a late night of gymnastics watching, and a tough one too. The American gymnasts were having a better night, but still had some troubles. They gave the Chinese girls some strong competition, but in the end were still 2 points behind at the last rotation. The Chinese team took the gold. The American team took the silver. The Romanian team took the bronze.

There were several nail-biter moments last night. Chellsie Memmel go through her release move on Bars which she fell on two nights ago. Nastia stuck her Bars landing. Local favorite Alicia Sacramone fell on Beam, but went on to finish her routine rock solid. On floor, all three girls stepped out of bounds. It was a tough night. High points include Nastia's 16.90 on Bars and Shawn's 16.175 on Beam. There was a lot of great gymnastics to see.

The commentators were saying that the Chinese team had an edge going in. Their somewhat more difficult routines gave them a two point advantage in the scoring total. That's how much they won by. Even if you put back in the fall and out-of-bounds deductions, the Chinese would still have won it. The American girls gave it a great shot. Silver is nothing to be ashamed of.

Now, on to the individual events. (need to get some sleep sometime)

Excited Over the Olympics

More than a few OTW team girls have been glued to their TVs watching the Beijing Olympics. Sunday night, especially, was a big night for young gymnasts -- the Women's Qualifying round. In part, they qualify as a team for one of the eight slots in the team competition. Their individual scores determined who would go on to compete on the individual events (two per country). At least I think that's how they said it worked.

The Italians, Japanese and British teams (also in Sub#2) were generally scoring in the 14s. The Chinese women in Sub#1 were looking a little thin on artistry, but had strong scores. It was a tough night for Team USA. Watching Alicia Sacramone and Bridget Sloan step out on Floor was tough. Watching the falls and slips on Bars was even tougher. But, seeing Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin's Floor and Beam routines was impressive.

What did YOU think after watching Team USA Sunday night? Click on the "comments" link below and share your thoughts.

Camp Week 4: Finale

This last week of the summer camp saw many skills being honed. For the compulsory levels, this was the week to pin down the skills for the next level. Coach Paul has developed a first pass at the team lists. For the optional levels, there is still a couple months before competition, so optional teams are less set. For this week, however, it was still time for fun too. There were contests and challenges. This week's teams were: XYZ, Wouldn't-You-Like-To-Know, Say-Whaaat? and Hiya-David-M-N-O-P-Slippery-When-Wet-Lather-Rinse-Repeat-Padiddle-Padaddle-Padoink. This last team not only takes the prize for the longest name, they also won the week's competition. This week also had some added fun. The coaches got into the silly mood, dressing up as Flintstones and acting silly. The skits were to be news reports from the gym. Jamie recreated Jess's famous double-trip Beam mount. Kayla re-enacted her famous Grand Canyon Leap, for all those who didn't get to see it the first time. Allison acted out a "fisher cat" sighting. Ellie was a monkey on the loose. A hilarious end to four weeks of hard work.
Now we all await the beginning of the season. (with a diversion with the Olympics)

Kingston Days

The rain held off, but the mats were set up in the big tent anyway, just in case. Coach Liz was a natural as the master of ceremonies, helping the large crowd understand team gymnastics and the various skills required at each level. The girls performed their routines well. The tumbling was a real crowd pleaser. The girls also did a demonstration for the little kids. The day was a good one for outreach and helping the public understand at least a little bit of what team gymnastics is about.

Head over to the Pix page for some photos Pat shot during the day.

Camp Week 3

The mixed weather meant things weren't quite as hot in the gym, except for Friday. Still, the girls were making progress on their new skills. There were more Flex Routines to keep them flexible, handstand contest and challenges. This week's teams were called: 1-2-3-(snap), Table 9 3/4, The Terrific Ten and ¡Saawingg!, who was the wining team. The skits on Friday were on the theme of occupations. There was a hypnotist skit, a restaurant skit, some super heroes, and a silly barber shop. Amid all the skill development and fun, many of the girls worked on a routine for Kingston Days.

Just one more week left of camp!

Camp Week 2: Wet

Being a mostly rainy week, the temperatures were not as hot at the gym. The girls were reshuffled into four new teams, this time named: The WFL, Oozing Cow Tippers, Los Chupacabras and That's Funny Ha Ha. There were the usual flex routines, handstand contests and challenges along with continuing work on new skills. At the final scoring, the WFL team won. For the skits on Friday, each team had to incorporate four words which they drew at random. This yielded very unusual skits about escaping convict eggs, another about big shoes on Jupiter and another starring Cindy Lou Who. All very funny stuff.

Camp Week 1: Hot!

The weather was especially hot and muggy for the first week of OTW's Camp. There was plenty of conditioning, of course, to get everyone back into shape. The girls were formed into four teams for some informal competition in flex routines, skill contests and challenge games. This week's teams: Look At Me Go, Guagua, Dirty Birds, and Banana Pancakes. The winning team for this week was the Look At Me Go team. Joining the team girls from last season were several pre-team girls working on their Level 4 skills, and some new faces too.

For skit day, Friday, the theme was Commercials. Among them was a hair remover commercial, and an ad promoting adopting giraffes as pets.

Hopefully, Week 2 will be a little cooler. The girls will be reshuffled into new teams and the training continues. Hang in there girls.

Team Week, no Old Home Days

The weather alternated between hot and stormy, but the girls attending this year's team week pressed on. After States, all the girls had been working on the skills required for the next level. This week gave some of them an extra concentrated focus. The progress on the new skills was encouraging. Now for a few weeks off before the rigors of Camp Weeks!

Old Home Wash Out-- Many of the team girls showed up at the gym Saturday morning, meeting up to perform gymnastics at the Plaistow Old Home Days. Unlike last year's very sunny day, this year was washed out. The heavy rain last night left the field too wet for the mats. A drizzle began to fall, which would have made the mats too slippery. In the interest of gymnast safety, Coaches Paul and Liz called it off.

Great Party!

This year's season-end banquet was a great time, as usual. (Click Here for some photos.) Coach Paul listed off all the first places the girls won this year, and how we had 19 State Champions this year -- the most ever for OTW. There was plenty of praise to go around. There was plenty of food to go around too -- also as usual. Booster Prez, Pat Whitman thanks everyone in the opening remarks. Booster VP, Michelle put together a terrific slideshow out of the six thousand photos collected over the season. A special treat was seeing shots of young Paul, young Liz and other coaches interspersed. In the girls' gift bags was a pair of light blue warm-up shorts, a yearbook and a DVD copy of the slideshow. It took quite awhile for everyone to sign each others' yearbooks. After that, the dancing took off, led by master DJ Josh. When it was finally 10pm, and time to clean up, none of the girls were ready to stop. "One more song!" they pleaded.

It was a great party to wrap up a great year. All the girls deserve huge congratulations for a job well done. All the parents deserve a special thanks for all their help with the fundraising this year, which sent 9 of our girls to Regionals AND put on such a great year-end party.

See you next season!

Banquet and News Bits

This year's year-end banquet will be held at the Atkinson Community Center. See the directions page for more info.

The Team page has been updated to use the shots we took for the yearbook. You can see them at: The Team Page.

Tag Day 3 -- Despite the rain, and the reduced number of shoppers, the girls did a good job. Receipts were only a bit under projections. Not bad for a wet gray day. Thanks girls (and parents)

Fun Meet -- This year's Fun Meet was a hot one. Temps in the 90s meant that water and juice boxes were big sellers. The Fun Meet has never been a big money maker for the Booster Club, but we did pretty well. Thanks to all you parents who donated goodies.

See you at the banquet!

Great Times at Regionals

The best Level 8 gymnasts from the seven state region were gathered in URI's Keany Gymnasium on Saturday. There was clearly a lot of talent on the floor. This year's Level 8 Regionals was a big one for Off the Wall. We had six qualifying gymnasts -- the most OTW girls in many years. OTW's girls were evenly split onto two New Hampshire teams. Courtney, Alyssa and Allison were part of the NH Intermediate Team. Jess, Kayla and LaNaya were part of the NH Seniors Team.

Both NH Teams Take 4th
The top four scores were counted. New Hampshire's "senior" team placed 4th with 141.90, not too far behind Massachusetts and New York with 144s. Connecticut took 1st with a 148.75. Plaques were handed out to the girls on the top four teams. The NH Intermediates also placed 4th with a 146.05. Mass took 1st with a 149.65. NY took 2nd with a 148.25. CT took 3rd with a 147.275.

Kayla is Regional Vault Champion

The Seniors started rotations on Bars. While many of them looked in good form, the scores seemed unusually low. LaNaya led the team with an 8.55. This was their weakest rotation. On Beam, things were getting better. LaNaya led the team scoring with a 9.05. On floor, they were gaining speed. Kayla led the team scoring with a 9.15. On Vault, the team was hot. Kayla had her Tsuk in great form. She took 1st place on Vault with a 9.55. She also took home a medal on Floor for a 9.175. LaNaya (whom the announcer called "La-Nadia") took home medals for Bars and Beam. Jess took home a medal for Beam.

Alyssa is Regional Bars Champion

The Intermediates started rotations on Floor. Isabel Goodwin led the team with a 9.20. Allison, Alyssa and Courtney's Floor routines looked very good. On Vault, Ellen Seidel led the team with a 9.30, followed by Allison's 9.20. On Bars, Alyssa stole the show with her 9.575 gold medal routine. (the crowd went wild). On Beam, it was Allison in the spotlight with her silver-medal-winning 9.425. Hope and Jackie were on hand to cheer. Jackie's calls of "Go Courtney!" carried through the whole gym.

All in all, this was a great experience. In a gym full of the best gymnasts, the OTW girls were right in there. Having both the Regional Vault Champion and Regional Bars Champion is great stuff. Add in a silver and two other medals for Beam, another for Vault, two more for Bars and three in the All Around. That adds up to a very good meet for the OTW girls. Way to go girls, you've provided a spectacular finale to this competitive season.

Medals at Level 9/10 Regionals

At this year's Level 9 & 10 Regionals, held in Syracuse, New York, OTW was able to send all three of our Level 9 and 10 gymnasts. Kenna competed first, in the 2nd session on Saturday. Of course the competition was talented, they'd have to be just to BE at Regionals. Kenna placed highest on Beam, but her highest score was on Floor. Becca competed in the Senior B group, in the 4th session on Saturday. She won two bronze medals, one for her 9.30 on Vault, and another for her 9.30 on Floor. Bri competed in the 4th session on Sunday, in the Junior D group. She won a silver medal for her 9.40 on Floor.

We're proud of you all, ladies.

OTW Girls Win Again!Tag Day Successful

Okay, maybe we didn't exactly need an armored car to transport the Tag Day proceeds, but it felt like it. Saturday's Tag Day was a huge success -- our best ever. The beautiful weather helped, as did the enthusiasm of the girls. Altogether, the girls took in more than the booster club had anticipated and accomplished our goal of raising enough to make sure all the girls who qualified for Regionals will get some support. This was no small task either. OTW has NINE girls going to Regionals. It has been a long time since OTW has sent this many gymnasts to Regionals. It was great to see many of their team mates, even some Level 4 and 5 girls, turn out to support them. Such team spirit is inspiring.

Thanks to all you parents who helped out with taxi service and chaperone duty.

A big thanks to you girls! Emma T., Ellie, Maddie K., Hanna, Hope, Allie K., Kalley, Nicole, Jackie, Allie A. Emma L, Anne, Amanda, Morgan, Jamie, Kayla, Jess, LaNaya, Alyssa, Courtney, Kenna, Becca and Bri.

(I can't help but think I forgot someone, but I lost my list and was going from memory. (Risky) If I left anyone out, I apologize. Use the comments feature below to set me straight. I'll fix it.)

Eights Excite !

It couldn't get much more exciting than this. Forecaster Jim Nast sure called this one, when he said it would be BIG! The championship came down to the last competitor on the last event of the meet. Total nail-biter material. In the morning, the Level 7 Team pulled off a victory that also went down to the last event. The 8s found themselves in almost the exact same situation. The Atlantic 8s were in good form. Atlantic started on Vault, OTW started on Floor. After the first rotation, OTW had a narrow lead. After the second rotation, OTW still had a small lead. There was some very high scores on both sides. At the last rotation, Atlantic was on Floor -- their strongest event. OTW was on Beam -- their weakest event. The Atlantic girls were excellent, turning some very high Floor scores. OTW wasn't having too good a start on Beam.

High Drama on Beam
What lead OTW had, was gone halfway through the last rotation. Atlantic's girls were red hot on Floor. All other gymnasts were done competing, except OTW's last four competitors on Beam: Courtney, Alyssa, Allison, and LaNaya. The team needed a rotation score of 27.45 to win. Courtney gave them a good start with a 9.125. Alyssa turned in an awesome 9.325 on Beam. With that big boost, it came down to the last competitor: LaNaya. No one else was competing. All eyes were on her. (no pressure!) OTW needed a 9.00 from LaNaya. She stuck her series, but on her full turn, she looked like she was going to fall. A collective gasp rose from the many OTW fans in the stands. LaNaya held on. The rest of her routine went smoothly. Her final score of 9.05 was enough to push the OTW team ahead by 0.075. Talk about close! Where are those defibrillators? Open some windows!

Heavy Medal
After such a championship effort, it was only natural that all of the girls were up for awards. Melinda was up for her Vault and her very nice Bars routine. OTW's golden girls were Kayla, gold on Vault (9.55!) and Floor in the 15+ age group, and Alyssa, gold on Vault, Bars (a 9.70!!) and All Around, 13-14 age group. Silver medals went to Alyssa for Beam, Allison for Bars, LaNaya for Bars and Beam and Kayla for All Around. Bronze medals went to Courtney for Beam, Allison for All Around, Jess for Floor and LaNaya for All Around. What an awesome team!

Nail Biting
At the awards ceremony, everyone knew it was very very close. Tristar took 5th. Granite State took 4th. Gym Village took 3rd. It was down to just Atlantic and OTW. On paper, OTW's 111.950 had narrowly edged out Atlantic's 111.875, but there was still the possibility that one of the scores had been flashed wrong. The many OTW fans in the stands, clutching their score sheets in nervous hands, knew that their numbers were unofficial. No one could relax yet. When the announcer called Atlantic up for 2nd place, the fans erupted into cheers. The OTW girls (who had been locked in a tightly clinched pinky ring) burst into screams of amazed delight. Oh sure, the meet organizer left the banners at home (hence the pasted over one on the photo above), but no matter. They were State Champions -- again! This is the same team that was Level 7 State Champion in 2006 and again in 2007. There's no doubt about it. They've all proven that they've got what it takes. They're all champions.

Way...To...Go...Girls! It's going to take a solid week for your many fans to calm down.

Sevens Super Again

OTW's Level 7 Team proved that they're championship material, again. This team was NH's Level 6 champions last year. They did it again this year as Level 7s. This win carries on the winning tradition. This marks the third year in a row that OTW has taken home the Level 7 championship banner. OTW's team score of 110.40 narrowly topped Atlantic's 110.275.

Yipes!
Mackenzie sprained her arm at school just a few days before States. Her doctor told her it would hurt to do gymnastics, but wouldn't do any more damage. Mackenzie, the trooper, decided to compete all four events. Her team needed her. It was a very close contest all the way through. OTW and Atlantic remained within less than a point of each other all through the first three rotations.

No Pressure, or anything
At the last rotation, Atlantic had pulled ahead by just a little. It came down to the last event, Beam. All the other competitors were done, getting their gym bags and heading for the awards floor. Madison had yet to do her Beam routine. With everyone watching (including the next session waiting to get in) she would have to turn in a 9.375 on Beam for her team to win. For the past several meets, Madison had been scoring in the 9.0 to 9.1-something range. But, when the pressure was on, she pulled out her best. She turned in an amazing 9.50 routine, to push her team ahead. This is a very solid team, with every girl contributing at least two scores towards the winning team total.

There was gold galore among the OTW 7s. Madison took gold on Vault, Beam and All Around. Mackenzie, despite the sore arm, grabbed gold on Vault, Bars and All Around. Amanda took gold on Vault too with a 9.55, meaning that OTW took gold in all three age groups. Jamie took gold on Floor. Her silver medal Bars score went towards the team total. Morgan's impressive 9.25 on Floor and bronze medal winning 9.225 on Bars was part of this impressive team score.

The meet organizers didn't have a banner on hand to present to you at awards, so we offer up for you the little Photoshopped version (above), until they deliver your real one. Excellent job, ladies. We couldn't be more proud.

Level 8 Regionals: Prospects?

With States looming for the Level 8 Team, it's pretty natural to wonder how many OTW girls will be going on to Regionals. Unlike qualifying for Sectionals or States, qualifying for Regionals is not as simple achieving a certain threshold All Around score. The top seven gymnasts (based on All Around scores) in each age bracket will go to Regionals as part of the New Hampshire team. The eighth scoring girl in each age group goes to Regionals as part of the mixed-states team. 

Region VI will also select an All Stars team based on a percentage of a percentage of States competitors based on their All Around scores, regardless of age. NY-USAG says that typically over half of the 90 All Stars usually come from New York state. New Hampshire will get at least a few of those All Stars slots. Just who gets on that All Stars squad will not be as quick to find out.

What are OTW's Level 8's prospects for Regionals?
Of course, one should never count chickens before they hatch, but a look back at Sectionals can give a hint. At the first Sectional OTW had five Level 8 girls in the top seven.  At the second Sectional, there were also five OTW girls in the top seven, and one in the eighth. At States, OTW will have three girls in the 13-14 age group, four in the 15+ group. Coach Paul is confident that all of them are capable of making it to Regionals. The wildcard in such figurings is that some notable gymnasts of other gyms were present at one Sectional but not the other, so there will be more competition at States for those top eight slots.  Nonetheless, it looks reasonable to guess that OTW could be sending at least four gymnasts -- maybe more -- to the Level 8 Regionals. 

Now that's pretty exciting stuff. Go 8s! You can do it!

Bringin' Home the Gold

OTW's Level 9 and 10 gymnasts were in good form at this year's 9-10 State Meet. Between them, Bri and Becca brought home 3 gold medals, a silver and a bronze. Bri is State Champion on Beam, with a 9.30 and tied for State Champion on Floor with a 9.35. She took the silver in the All Around with a 36.400. Becca took home the gold on Vault with a 9.35 and the bronze on Bars. Kenna scored a 34.00 in the All Around, which according to the NH-USAG site is the required score to go on to Regionals.

Way to go, ladies!

Outlook for 8s at States

by OTW's favorite forecaster, Jim Nast

Now that Sectionals are behind us, how do things look for the 8s at States? It's hard to get all exact about predictions, of course, but a look at the previous scores can give you an idea.

OTW -- The Level 8 Team racked up a 109.75 team score at the second Sectional. This narrowly edged Atlantic into second place. At the first Sectional, the OTW 8s posted a 108.875. The 8s had improved their Vault since the first Sectional. While still not their strongest event, they had proven they were capable of some big numbers. Bars was respectable, and showed a modest improvement. Beam, was another story. They've shown that they can get the big scores on Beam, but consistency has proven elusive. Floor has typically been their strongest event with several girls frequently scoring in the mid to lower 9s. If the OTW 8s stay on their current improvement curve, they're on track for a team score in the lower to mid 110s. If a couple of their event-stars (who were having somewhat "off" days) hit their skills (as they have in prior meets), this could raise the team total to the high 110s. Good, but not a shoe-in by any means.

Atlantic -- At the second Sectional, the Atlantic 8s turned in a team score of 109.60 -- very close behind the OTW team. In the first Sectional, the Atlantic 8s scored a 105.05, but they were missing one of their high scoring girls. At the second Sectional, they had their high scorer back and all of them had shown improvements. They also had the slight advantage of competing on their home equipment. As before, the Atlantic girls were very strong on Floor and shown marked improvement on Vault. They had improved a bit on Bars, but this was still their weak event. If the Atlantic 8s continue on their current improvement curve, they could be scoring in the high 110s, making them a very tough team to beat.

Gym Village -- At the second Sectional, the GV girls were competitive on Vault. On the Bars and Floor they were not quite as strong, but not too far behind either. Their team score was 108.075. This is up by roughly 3 full points from their first Sectional, so they have clearly been tightening up their routines. Following their improvement curve, GV could be turning in mid 109s. The banner might not be in the cards, but they could be nipping at the 2nd place trophy.

Outlook for the 8s at States? It will be a very close contest between OTW and Atlantic. With less than a quarter point separating them at this point, it could go either way. Both teams are definitely championship material. This promises to be a fascinating State Meet. Every gymnast's performance will be important. Eat a good meal beforehand, gymnastics fans. You won't want to miss any of the action because you were in the snack bar.

7s States Outlook?

by OTW's Chief Forecaster, Jim Nast

OTW's Level 7 Team had a good run at the second Sectional of the season. Their team total came in a 110.05, up from their first Sectional score of 109.55. At this meet, the 7s were strong on Vault and respectable on Bars. Beam had improved some since the first Sectional, but remains the team's weaker event. On Floor they were always strong, but managed to push things up just a little more. If they follow their current improvement curve, they could score in the high 110s. That's good, but will it be enough?

Atlantic, -- They have a strong Level 7 team this year. At this second Sectional, they put together a team score of 110.5. They made a lot of progress since the first Sectional, where they scored a 108.50. Their stars were clearly performing well, especially on Floor. Their Vault rotation score was good, as was their Bars score. Beam was their weaker event too, but a 27.35 for a rotation score is still respectable. Having a meet on your own home equipment does give a little edge, but how much? If they stay hot for States, the Atlantic 7s could score in the 111s. They don't have a lock on the banner, but they can't make any mistakes either. The competition is too close behind them.

TriStar -- The Dover gym has a sizable Level 7 team this year and they've been improving steadily. At this second Sectional, they scored a 109.14. This is up from the 106-something at the first Sectional, so the TriStar 7s is clearly heating up. If they keep that improvement, they too could be scoring in the 110s at States.

Several other gyms have smaller teams, which makes it much harder for them to get into the 110s. On a team of three, for example, each girl would have to score an average of 9.175 on every event. Do-able, sure, but no one could have a single "off" event.

So, what's the forecast? It looks like it will be a very close contest between OTW and Atlantic this season. Both have some seriously talented girls and enough depth to handle the occasional "off" routine. They both also have some issues on Beam, so it might come down to which team can tame that pesky Beam in time. But, don't count out Tristar. They've been coming up fast. This year's State Meet may be so close, it could come down to a toe-point, or a bent arm or a wobble. With a meet this close, who needs caffeine?!

Sectional 2: Rehearsal for States

The OTW Level 7 Team was looking good at this second Sectional of the season, held at Atlantic. Since all the girls had already qualified at the first Sectional, this meet was more of a dress rehearsal for States. It was a good session.
The 7s started the rotation on Floor. They wasted no time proving that they were going to be a force to be reckoned with. Amanda took 1st in the 13-14 age group with a 9.40. Mackenzie took 1st in the 15+ with a 9.425. All of them placed in the top three on Floor. On Vault, the team stayed hot. Three girls took 1st place ribbons, Madison with a 9.25, Amanda with a 9.35 and Mackenzie with a 9.20. Jamie and Morgan were not far behind, also scoring in the 9s and taking 2nd and 3rd. On Bars, the scores were respectable. Jamie took 2nd with a 9.15, as did Amanda with a 9.10. Morgan also scored a 9.10. Beam proved elusive. Nonetheless, Jamie took 1st in the 15+ group. Mackenzie took 2nd with a 9.025.

Ah, but in the All Around, every single one of the team scored in the 36s, taking either 1st or 2nd (or both!) in their age groups. Their overall (hypothetical) team score of 110.05 suggests that they'll be contenders at States. No doubt the boosters' own number-cruching forecaster, Jim Nast, will be chiming with an armchair analysis of how the 7s stack up.

Go 7s! You're looking great!

The OTW Level 8 Team was having a somewhat mixed day, but still did rather well overall. This is where the depth and diversity of the team factors in. Even though lacking the higher scores of a missing gymnast, the team posted a hypothetical team score a full point above their season-to-date average.

The 8s followed the 7s, starting the rotation on Floor. Kayla led the scoring with a 9.35, taking 2nd. LaNaya posted a 9.225, taking 3rd. Allison's 9.175 rounded out the team total. Jess and Courtney were right in there too, with a 9.1 and a 9.0. Vault was not quite as strong an event for the 8s as it has been at other meets, but team put in respectable scores. Alyssa led the way with a 9.20, Allison and Jess came in with a 9.05 and a 9.00. The 8s were in good form for Bars. Alyssa took 1st in the 13-14 age group with a 9.325, Allison took 3rd with a 9.175. LaNaya took 1st in the 15+ group with a 9.075, with team mate Melinda taking 2nd and Jess taking 3rd. Beam continues to be a challenge, and being the last event of the meet meant the team was coming into it a bit less fresh. Despite this, they looked a little better, even if the scores didn't quite reflect that. LaNaya led the scoring with a 9.30, taking 2nd. Alyssa took 1st in the 13-14s with a 9.125.

In the All Around, 13-14 yr olds, Alyssa, Allison and Kayla took 2nd, 3rd and 4th. In the 15+, LaNaya and Jess took 2nd and 4th. Once all the scores are in for both sessions, I'm sure Jim Nast will be doing some of his predict-ifying on how things look for the Level 8 Team, both for States and the prospects for Regionals.

4s 2nd at States

The OTW Level 4 Team put out an amazing effort at this year's Spring State Meet. They pushed their own limits and scored a whopping 113.025. The 1st place team scored 113.050. Only .025 difference! You can't get any closer to championship material than that. Congratulations 4s. A totally impressive performance.

For highlights, everyone was sticking the Vault. Ellie scored her best of the meet on Vault, with a 9.125. Emma took the gold with a 9.625. Maddy took silver with a 9.55. Summer nailed the Vault too, scoring a 9.35. In the 10 yr old age group, Jordan and Jessica took gold and silver. Bars also saw some high scores, but the competition was tougher there. Jordan took the bronze with a 9.625, just to give you an idea of the talent that gathers at States. It was pretty much the same on Beam. Emma took the silver in her age group. Summer took the silver in her age group with a 9.30. In the 10 yr olds, Jordan took silver. On Floor, Emma took the gold with a 9.25. Maddy scored a 9.10. Jordan took the gold and Jessica took the bronze. In the All Around Emma took the gold in the 8 yr old group. Jordan took the gold in the 10s.

A most inspiring meet, ladies. You all have a LOT to be proud of.

6s take 3rd at States

The OTW Level 6 Team took home the 3rd place team trophy from this year's Spring State Meet, held in Dover. The 6s were up against a field of excellent gymnasts from around the state, but they put up an equal effort, with two of our 6s becoming State Champions. Nicole is State Champion on Beam and Floor and All Around in her age group. Emily is State Champion on Bars. Anne is State Champion in All Around in her age group.

A few of the highlights include, Anne taking the bronze medal on Vault with a 9.075. Allie took 4th on Bars with a 9.15. Emily took the gold with a 9.45. On Beam, Jackie took 5th with a 9.35, Anne the silver with a 9.30. On Floor, Jackie scored a 9.125. Emily took the bronze with a 9.225. Nicole took the gold with a 9.0, and Anne took the silver.

Their combined team score of 109.50 earned them the 3rd place team trophy. Good going, 6s. We're proud of you.

5s Take 3rd At States

OTW's Level 5 Team was coming on strong at this Spring State Meet. Since this was the State Meet, it was only natural that there were a lot of talented gymnasts on hand. The 5s were right in there, in a very VERY close battle for 1st. As it was, they were only a quarter point out of 1st and only .15 out of 2nd.

For highlights, Hanna is State Champion on Vault, Bars, Floor and All Around with a 37.050. Allie is State Champion on Beam with an impressive 9.625. Emma took home the bronze medal on Beam with a 9.50. Madison took home the silver medal on Vault with a 9.05. Hope is State Champion on Vault. Sydney had an excellent Beam routine, scoring 9.275. All of the 5s were showing the strength they've been developing all season.

Way to go, ladies! You're an awesome team.

American Flyer: Every Team Wins Trophy

There was some very VERY talented competition at this year's American Flyer's Cup Invitational up in Portland Maine. The teams from Virginia, Excalibur, were very good. The teams from NEGX in Connecticut were even better. Even amid all that power, every one of the OTW teams took home a team trophy. THAT was pretty awesome. The 4s competed Friday. On Saturday, the 6s, 7s, 8s, 9s and 10s competed. On Sunday, the Level 5s had their turn.

The Level 4 Team was scoring big, taking home gold, silver and bronze medals in all four events. Emma took gold in Vault with a 9.60. Maddy took the gold in her age group too. On Bars, Emma took gold again. Ellie and Maddy took silver. Jordan took the bronze. On Beam, Emma took the silver, Ellie the bronze. Maddy and Jessica took home medals too, with a 9.05 and a 9.20. On Floor, it was Emma again at the top with a 9.40. Jordan took the bronze with a 9.20. In the All Around, Emma took 1st, Maddy 2nd, Ellie and Jessica took 4th and 7th. Their overall team score of 110.70 won them the 3rd place team trophy.

The Level 5 Team was especially hot on Sunday morning. Everyone one of them scored in the 9s on Vault and took home a medal for it. Madison won the silver with a 9.35. Hanna and Emma won bronzes in their age groups, also with 9.35s. On Bars, Hope was the star, taking the gold with a 9.35, Hanna took the bronze with a 9.25. Beam was not quite as hot, but still respectable. Allie scored a 9.15, taking home the 4th place medal. On Floor, Hanna wowed the judges, scoring a 9.475 and taking home the gold. Madison scored a 9.15, good for the bronze. All the 5s got up to receive medals for Floor. In the All Around, Hope took the 1st place trophy. Hanna and Madison took home 2nd place trophies. Allie, Emma and Sydney all took home medals for their All Around scores too. Their team score, which everyone one of them contributed to, was 110.025. This won them the 2nd place team trophy.

The Level 6 Team was equally well balanced and strong. Every one of the the OTW 6s contributed to their team score. On Vault, Anne took the gold with a 9.15. Emily took the silver with a 9.05. Ally also medaled with a 9.05. On Bars, Ally led the charge, taking the gold. Anne also took gold on Bars. All the 6s were up for medals on Bars. On Beam, Hanna again took gold, Nicole won the silver with a 9.125. Emily took the bronze with a 9.15. Ally took 4th with a 9.05. On Floor, Ally took the lead with a 9.25. Anne also took the silver, with Emily taking the bronze. IN the All Around, Anne and Ally took the 1st place trophies in their age groups. Emily took the 2nd place trophy. Jackie took 4th. Their team score of 107.925 won them the 2nd place team award, only narrowly missing 1st by 0.3 points! Now that's close.

The Level 7 Team was gangbusters on Vault. Every one of them scoring 9s. Madison took the gold with a 9.50. Amanda also took gold with a spectacular 9.70! Mackenzie took silver in the 14 yr old group with a 9.60. Jamie took the bronze with a 9.60 in the 15 yr old age group. This should give you an idea of how tough the competition was. On Bars, Mackenzie took the gold with a 9.20, but all of her team mates got up for medals too. Beam was a little less hot, but Mackenzie took the silver, nonetheless, and Madison took the bronze with a 9.025. On Floor, the heat was back on again. Mackenzie took the gold with a 9.475. Madison took a silver, Amanda took the bronze. Morgan took home a medal on Floor with a 9.25. In the All Around, each of the girls were up on the platform. Mackenzie and Madison took 1st in their age groups. Jamie took 2nd in hers. Amanda and Morgan took home medals in theirs. Their overall team score of 109.70 secured the 3rd place team trophy for them.

The Level 8 Team needed their considerable skill and depth to run with Excalibur and NEGX. Kayla was her usual very impressive self on Vault, scoring a 9.50 and the gold. Shilanna took the silver with a 9.15 in the 16 yr old group. Melinda took the bronze. In the 14-15 group, Alyssa took the bronze with a 9.35. Allison took 4th with a 9.25. On Bars, Shilanna led the charge with a 9.325. Allison scored a 9.05. Kayla, LaNaya and Alyssa each scored 9.0s. On Beam, it was LaNaya's turn to lead. She took the silver in the 14-15s with a 9.15. Shilanna took the gold in the 16s with a 9.125. On Floor, the Level 8s were in good form. It was Courtney's turn to lead. She took the gold with a 9.20. Shilanna took a silver, LaNaya took a bronze, but all the girls were up for medals on Floor. In the All Around, Shilanna took 1st in the 16 yr olds. In the 14-15s, it was Alyssa, LaNaya, Kayla and Courtney taking 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th. Allison took 5th. Their team score of 110.20 took home the 3rd place trophy, but they were within a point or so of 1st. A very close contest.

A very impressive showing, all in all. Not to count any chickens, but this strength bodes well for the upcoming State Meets. Keep up the good work girls!

(BTW: We're still waiting for scores for the 9s and 10s. If you have some, send 'em in. Email us. Thanks to Mary, Fred, Al and Trish for help with the scores.)

Sectional #2 in Review

OTW's Level 4 Team is simply on fire. They all outperformed themselves at this second Spring Sectional. Once again, the 4s were in great form on Vault. Every one of them scored in the 9s. Maddy led the blitz with a 9.55, tying for 2nd. The Vault was Summer's best event too, with a 9.175. On Bars, the 9s were flying again. Emma took 1st in the 6-8 yr old group with a 9.45, but Ellie was not far behind with a 9.175. Jordan tied for 3rd in the 9-10 group with a 9.50. On Beam, it was pretty much the same picture. Maddy, Jordan and Jessica swept the platform, taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd. On Floor, Emma took 2nd with a 9.30. Maddy, Jordan and Jessica were together again on the platform, taking 2nd, 3rd, 4th. In the All Around, OTW blue was at top. Emma took 1st in the 6-8s. Ellie took 4th. In the 9-10s, it was again Jordan, Jessica and Maddy taking the top spots. Their hypothetical team score of 111.750 was even higher than last time. Sakes! What a blazin' batch of 4s!

OTW's Level 5 Team had a mixed day at this second Sectional, held at Brentwood. In some cases their scores were improved over the first Sectional. In other cases about the same. On Vault, the team showed some improvements. Hope took 1st in the 11-12 yr old group. Hanna and Madison took 2nd and 3rd in the 9-10s. On Bars, Emma turned in a very clean routine for a 9.175. Hope took 1st again in her age group. On Beam, it was Allie's turn to be the star. She took 1st with a 9.025. Sydney scored well too, taking 4th. On Floor, Hope topped the winner's platform again. Hanna took 2nd with a 9.05. Madison took 4th with a 9.00. Cassie, who showed notable improvements, scored her best on Floor. In the All-Around, it was no surprise that Hope took 1st. Emma, Hanna, Allie and Madison took 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th.

OTW's Level 6 Team showed improvements on all four events. They were stronger on Vault, compared to the first Sectional. Anne scored a 9.175. Ally took 1st in the 11-12 yr old group with a 9.00. Emily took 3rd. On Bars, all of the turned up the heat. Emily took 1st with a 9.00. Jackie took 4th. On Beam, the team's performance was pretty close to last time, though this time, Jackie took 1st with a 9.175. On Floor, their scores were overall higher. Ally scored a 9.075. Emily took 2nd. In the All Around, the blue ribbons were flying. Nicole, Anne, Ally, and Emily took 1st in their age groups. Jackie was close behind with a 3rd. Their team score improved by well over a point.

Looking good, ladies. Next stop, Maine!

OTW at Magical Classic

The Level 8 Team and OTW's Level 10s competed at this year's Magical Classic Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 23rd. They began arriving in Orlando on the 20th and 21st. The day before the meet, they gathered for some team fun in the pool and lake. The 8s competed in the Saturday morning session, the 10s in the evening. There were a lot of highly talented gymnasts from many states, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, etc. One Level 8 girl from North Carolina scored a 37.6. Her lowest score was a 9.25. Sakes! It wasn't hard too feel like the small frog in a large pond.

The meet rules required "teams" to be made up of four gymnasts. That meant OTW's 8s would be two mini-teams. With the last minute empty spot on the roster, Paul tapped Jamie to fill the gap. She had been a solid 7 and had just started working on some Level 8 skills. Our girls started out on Beam. It was still giving them some trouble. LaNaya pulled off a very clean Beam routine, however, to score a 9.15 and win the silver medal on that event. Floor went better. Allison, Alyssa, Jess and Kayla all turned in 9s on floor. Courtney took home a medal for floor too. Jamie scored a very respectable 8.80 on Floor, having put a couple B skills into her Level 7 routine. Vault was a mixed bag. Kayla shone, as usual, with her Tsuk, scoring a 9.475 and taking the silver medal for Vault. Jess, Melinda and Alyssa also had good vaults and took home medals to prove it. Jamie tried her hand at a full on Vault and scored an 8.5 Bars was being judged rather strictly, so few scores were high. Yet, Alyssa took 1st place on Bars with a 9.30. Kayla and LaNaya also took home medals for Bars. In the All-Around, Alyssa took 2nd.

The OTW team scored a 107.15 overall, which took 8th place out of 22 teams counted. This means they brought home a Tinkerbell trophy! The scoring was pretty close. 3rd place through 8th place were all in the 107s. 1st and 2nd in the 108s. Hats off to the whole Level 8 Team for their efforts and especially Jamie for her willingness to compete as 8-for-a-day.

The Level 10 session, Saturday evening, featured some amazing gymnasts doing incredible things. OTW's own Bri and Becca were right in there with them. Both had outstanding Vaults. Bri scored a 9.30, tying for 2nd place. Becca scored a 9.40, taking 3rd in her age group. On Bars, they both placed 6th. On Beam, Becca scored a 9.125, tying her for 5th. Bri took 7th. On Floor, the heat was on again. Bri scored a 9.075, tying for the silver. Becca scored a 9.125, taking 4th. In their respective age group All-Arounds, Bri placed 5th. Becca took 3rd, with a 36.175. Most of the Level 8 team were on hand to cheer their 10s on, and see some great gymnastics.

It was neat to see Bri and Becca holding their own amid such an obviously talented field of gymnasts. Thanks, Bri and Becca.

Everyone's return schedule differed, so it will be a little while before the whole team is back together again in NH. They're sure to have some stories to tell.

Sectional 1: All headed for States

The Level 7 Team and Level 8 Team had their first Section of the year, held at Tristar in Dover. The 7s started out on Beam and it gave them a little trouble. Nonetheless, Madison turned in a clean routine to score a 9.175, good for 2nd place. On Floor all of the 7s put in placing performances. Jamie took 1st in the 15+ age group. Amanda and Mackenzie took 1st and 2nd with a 9.20 and 9.175. Madison took 1st in the 12-yr-old group with a 9.25, Morgan took 3rd. The OTW 7s owned the Vault. They took 1st in every age group. Highlights include Amanda's 9.50, Madison's 9.35 and Mackenzie's 9.30. By the time Bars came around, the team was getting tired, but they still had some kick left. Morgan took 1st place with a 9.175. Jamie took 1st too, with a 9.15. Mackenzie and Madison both took 2nds. In the All Around, all the 7s placed highly. Madison, Mackenzie and Jamie took 1st in their age groups. Morgan and Amanda were beside them in 2nd and 3rd.
All five of them qualified for States. Their hypothetical team score of 109.550 suggests that they'll be a team to watch at States.

The Level 8 Team was having a mixed day, but overall keeping up the high mark they'd set for themselves at the recent invitationals. On Vault, all of the 8s were up for ribbons. In the 13-14 age group, OTW dominated the winner's platform. Kayla took 1st, Allison and Alyssa tied for 2nd. Courtney took 5th. In the 15+ group, Jess took 1st, LaNaya and Melinda tied for 4th. On Bars, OTW was again at the top of the platform. Alyssa took 1st, Allison 2nd, Kayla 3rd and Courtney 4th. In the 15+, LaNaya took 1st, Melinda 3rd, Jess 5th. On Beam, Allison took 1st with a 9.325. Alyssa 2nd with a 9.275. LaNaya took 4th. Floor wasn't quite the powerplay it usually has been, but Alyssa took 2nd with a 9.30, Kayla 3rd with a 9.225. Jess took 3rd with a 9.075. In the All Around, OTW blue & white filled the platform (yet again). Alyssa took 1st, Allison 2nd, Kayla 3rd, Courtney 6th. In the 15+ group, LaNaya took 1st, Jess 3rd. All the 8s present qualified for States!
Despite being short one of their strong team mates, Shilanna, their hypothetical team score of 108.875 was only a little off their previous totals. If they keep this up, the OTW 8s could be contenders for a strong showing at States.

Compulsories getting sharper

OTW's Level 5 Team was having a good day at the local qualifier held at Granite State in Bow. Scores looked a little low on Vault overall, but Hanna took 2nd with an 8.70, Emma 3rd with an 8.60. Hope took 1st in the 11-12 yr old group with an 8.65. On Bars, the team had some struggles, but some excellent routines too. Hanna took 1st with a 9.35, Emma took 3rd with a 9.20. Hope took 1st with a 9.40. On Beam, they got even stronger. In the 9-10 yr old group, they swept the top three slots. Allie took 1st with a 9.35, Emma 2nd and Hanna 3rd. Cassie turned in her score of the meet on Beam too. On Floor, they swept again, but shuffled positions. Hanna 1st, Emma 2nd, Allie 3rd, Sydney 5th. An OTW girl topped the podium in both age groups. Hanna took 1st, Emma 2nd, in the 9-10s. Hope took 1st in the 11-12s. These three also scored All Arounds in the 36s. Impressive performance 5s. You're looking like contenders for a high finish at States.
OTW's Level 6 Team was gathering quite a harvest of blue ribbons themselves. Nicole took home a blue ribbon on all four events, most notable being her 9.40 on Beam. In the 9-10 age group, Emily took 1st on Vault and Bars (9.15), 3rd and 2nd on Beam and Floor, 1st in the All Around. Jackie took 3rd on Vault, 1st on Beam wit ha 9.50(!) and 3rd on Floor, to secure 2nd in the All Around. In the 11-12 group, Ally took 3rd on Bars, 1st on Beam with a 9.20 and 1st on Floor. She took 1st in her All Around. Anne took 2nd in the 13+ group on Vault, Bars and 3rd on Floor. She placed 3rd in the All Around. The Level 6 Team is a good mix of skills on the four events. Looking good 6s!

Watching UNH at Fox Run

Many of the OTW team girls went to watch the Fox Run Invitational on Saturday night. There was Wild E. Cat, of course, who wanted "five". Talented gymnasts were on hand from UNH, Penn State, William and Mary and Yale. There were many amazing moves to watch, many of which elicited, "Oh cool," or "Whoa, did you see that!?" sorts of comments from the girls.

In the first rotation, UNH had some very good Vault scores. Penn State was having a good run on Beam. Yale was plagued by falls on Bars. William & Mary was having some difficulties on Floor. After the first rotation, Penn State and UNH were virtually tied for the lead. In the second rotation, UNH had a pretty good day on Bars, but Penn State was having just a little bit better day on Floor. At the end of Rotation 2, Penn State was ahead by .9 points. In the third rotation, Penn State was looking very good on Vault. UNH was doing well on Beam, but a few wobbles kept their scores just a bit behind Penn's. At the end of Rotation 3, Penn State had pulled ahead by almost a point and a half. That was a pretty wide gap to make up on just one event. In the last rotation, Penn State was looking solid on Bars, but lacked the flair which UNH had shown. Meanwhile, UNH was having a very strong showing on Floor. In the end, UNH had closed the gap to only a point, but Penn State took 1st with 195.275. UNH took 2nd with 194.225.

In the individual awards, UNH's Helena Diodati took 1st on Vault with a 9.9. Kelsey Alwin tied for 2nd on Bars. Taryn LaFontain tied for 3rd on Beam with a 9.775 and tied for 1st on Floor with a 9.875. It was a great night of some great gymnastics.

First Sectional Highlights

OTW's compulsory teams had their first Sectional of the Spring '08 season this weekend at Granite State in Bow. After a couple of out-of-state invitationals, this was the girls' chance to get focused on the state competition again.
The Level 4 Team were quite the tigers. All of them easily qualified for States, but went above and beyond that. Maddy took 1st on Vault. Jordan scored a 9.25. On Bars, Jordan scored another 9.25, taking 1st. Maddy and Summer shared 2nd. On Beam, the whole team was hot -- all of them scoring in the 9s. Ellie, 9.00, Summer 9.025, Maddy a 9.20, Emma a 9.35 and Jordan a 9.475. Sakes! On Floor, the team put up some more impressive scores. Maddy took 1st with a 9.425. Emma racked up a 9.50. In the 9-10 age group, the OTW girls swept the platform with Jordan, Maddy and Summer taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Emma took 1st in the younger group.
The Level 5 Team also took home many ribbons. On Beam, Hope placed 1st, Emma tied for 3rd, Hanna took 4th. On Vault, it was Hanna's turn to take the blue ribbon, Hope took 2nd in her age group. Emma took 3rd. On Beam, Allie wowed the judges, taking 1st with a whopping 9.50. Hope again took 1st in her age group. Emma took 3rd with a 9.025. It was on Floor that the whole Level 5 Team hit their stride. Everyone placed. Hope took 1st (again). Hanna took 2nd with a 9.15. Emma and Madison tied for 4th with a 9.05. Allie took 3rd with a 9.075. Sydney took 6th.
The Level 6 Team had its ups and downs but also brought home a harvest of ribbons, many of them blue. Ann took 1st on all events in her age group. On Vault, Allie tied for 1st. Emily took 6th. On Bars, Allie took 2nd, Emily 7th. On Beam, Nicole took 1st in her age group, Jackie 5th, Allie 1st (with a 9.20). On Floor, Jackie took 1st with a 9.125, Allie took 2nd. Both Ann and Allie took 1st in their All Arounds. Nicole and Jackie took 2nds in theirs.

Good work girls.

(Thanks to Fred, Pat and Mary for the scores and placings. Thanks to Pat for the photo)

Vermont: Level 5 Wins 1st!

This was a terrific meet for OTW's Level 5 Team. They took on eight other teams and pushed their way to the top! They finished a full point higher than their nearest rivals, and took home the very tall 1st place trophy.

The 5s were solid on Vault. Hope took 1st in the senior division with a 9.145. Maddie took 1st in the junior-B group. The team was also hot on Bars. Emma took 1st with a 9.3. Hope took 2nd with a 9.2. Hanna also took 2nd in her age group with a 9.025. Cassie scored her best of the meet on Bars.

On Beam, the competition was toughest. Hanna tied for 2nd with a 9.1. Allie tied for 3rd in her age group. Hope took 2nd. Ah, but on Floor, the OTW 5s ruled. Hanna took 1st in her group with a beautifully clean routine, scoring a 9.6! Allie tied for 1st with a 9.2. Emma took 3rd with a 9.075. Hope also took 3rd in her group.

Red hot Hanna took 1st in the All Around. Hope took 2nd in her age group. Emma and Maddie shared 3rd in junior-B. Allie took 4th. Amid all these highlights, Cassie qualified for Sectionals.

Great going, girls. A well deserved victory.

(photo from Vermont Gymnastics)

Vermont: Level 8 Takes 1st

OTW's Level 8 Team got off to a bit of a rocky start at the Green Mountain Invitational. The 8s were the first session of the meet, and OTW was the first up on Floor. Technical trouble with the music took its toll, (much as it had in Hartford), but the OTW 8s didn't let a little adversity throw them off. They went on to win (quite handily) the 1st place trophy.

In the child division, Alyssa and Allison were regular fixtures on the winners' platform. They took 1st and 2nd on Vault, as well as 1st and 2nd on Bars, with 9.325 and 9.275. Beam posed a bit of a problem, but on Floor, they were back for 2nd and 3rd with 9.15 and 9.275. Naturally, the pair of Aces took 1st and 2nd in the All Around.

In the junior division, it was Kayla and Courtney going up for medals. Between them, they took 1st in all four events. Kayla took 1st on Vault and Bars. Courtney took 1st on Beam with a 9.175. Kayla took 1st on Floor with a 9.30. In the All Around, they were 1 and 2 again.

In the senior division, it was Shilanna's day to shine. Her Bars routine was great, winning her 1st with a 9.375. Her Beam routine was even better, scoring a 9.45 (1st) Jess added to the team score with her 9.175, 2nd place on Floor. LaNaya took 2nd on Bars with a 9.175. Melinda was strongest on Bars too, and took 4th. The four of them took 1st, 2nd, 4th and 7th in the All Around.

The Level 8 Team's depth really helped them keep up a high team score. In this case, almost 4 points ahead of the 2nd place team. Good show, ladies.

Vermont: Level 7 Takes 2nd

The Level 7 Team took home the 2nd place team trophy from this year's Green Mountain Invitational amid a crowd of 11 teams. The 7s were solid in all four events, though the Beam was giving them just a bit less satisfaction than usual.

In the junior-A division, Morgan and Madison took turns at the top of the podium. Madison took 1st on Vault with a 9.25. Morgan took 1st on Bars with a 9.225. On Beam, they took 3rd and 4th. On Floor, it was Morgan in 1st again with a 9.50 (Sakes!) and Madison with a 9.25.

In the junior-B division, Amanda took the bronze wit ha 9.20. Jamie scored a 9.25. On Beam, Jamie took the gold with 9.15. On Floor it was Mackenzie's turn at the top with a 9.275. The trio took 3rd, 4th and 5th in the All Around.

Their team score of 109.775 is impressive. Atlantic might have won 1st, but they'd better keep sharp. OTW's 7s are a force to be reckoned with.