Becca at Nationals

The scores for Nationals were posted very early Sunday morning. The Senior D group (Becca's group) were the last to get posted, naturally. Becca did her usual great stuff on Vault and Floor. She scored a 9.625 on Vault, tying for 15th place. She scored a 9.30 on Floor. Apparently, she had a problem on Bars, as that score was well below her average.

It's clear that the really talented gymnasts from all over the country were on had at the Junior Olympic Nationals. The gold on Vault went to a girl from Pennsylvania who scored a 9.8! Top honors on Floor was a 9.7 by a girl from Colorado. OTW's own Becca was right in there too, among the best of the best. What a great way to round out her last year in Junior Olympics. Now to welcome home the star of the OTW competitive teams.

Alyssa & Allison at Easterns

We got to have TWO level 9 gymnasts compete at Easterns, whre the very best Level 9 gymnasts from around the eastern half of the US compete. Alyssa qualified as part of the Senior 1 group directly. Allison and Kayla both qualified to be Alternates. At the last minute, a broken ankle in one of the Junior 7 team meant that Allison moved up to competitor. That's why she and Kayla were keeping their routines sharp. In the world of high-powered gymnastics, you just never know.

Alyssa turned in a solid performance. Her scores were in line with how she's been doing this season. Her All Around of 35.625 placed her 18th. Alyssa's highest placement was 13th on Beam with an 8.925. She scored a 9.025 on Floor. Allison competed in the Junior 7 group and made a good showing. Her highest placement was on Vault, where her 9.125 put her 11th.

Surely there will be stories to tell when they return. Congratulations girls.

Regionals Wrap

This wasn't quite the day for the Level 8 Senior New Hampshire team at this year's Level 8 Regionals competition. None of the team were having their best days. The quick bottom line is that the New Hampshire team was edged out of placing by the All-State Team. The meet itself had a lack of formality which one should expect with a regional competition. A high school gym, just one set of equipment, problems with score flashing and a balky CD player, all lent an atmosphere of a small local qualifier. Not quite the venue we would have liked as the send-off meet for our two seniors, Jess and Melinda. Nonetheless, during awards, Jess and Melinda were awarded plaques in recognition of their many years in USA Gymnastics. LaNaya wasn't having her best meet ever, but still took home two medals. She placed 8th on Beam with a 9.10 and 14th on Floor with a 9.075. Haley Anderson, Atlantic's top Level 8 senior, similarly placed 8th (Vault) and 14th (Beam).