Vermont: Level 10 Action

Becca and Bri, our Level 10s, competed in the same session on Saturday as the 8s and 9s. This made it a bit of a three-ring-circus for OTW fans. There was plenty to see too. Becca was in her high-scoring mode, which is great to watch. She scored a 9.30 on Vault, taking 2nd. She took 2nd on Bars too. Her 9.15 on Beam was yet another silver medal, as was her 9.225 on Floor. Little surprise that she took 2nd in the All Around with an impressive 36.175.

Bri was the only one in her age group, but also turned in some fine routines. Her Beam routine scored a 9.025. Her Floor routine was as excellent as usual, scoring a 9.375.

Quite impressive, Bri and Becca.

Hartford: 7s Take First!

The OTW Level 7 Team brought home the 1st place eagle from this year's Northeast Invitational. Where other teams were finding scores in the 8s common, and 9s rare, everyone on the Level 7 team scored at least one 9. The team struggled a little on Beam, but stole the show on Floor.

Amanda was the team's hot ticket. She took the gold medal in three of the four events with a 9.25 on Vault, a 9.50 on Bars and a 9.35 on Floor. Mackenzie took the gold on Beam with a 9.20 and the silver on Floor with a 9.15. Jamie took silver on Vault and Bars with a 9.20 and 9.15. In the All Around for 14 year olds, these three swept the podium. Amanda 1st, Mackenzie 2nd, Jamie 3rd.

In the 12-13 year old group, Madison took home the gold on Floor with a 9.225 and the silver on Vault with a 9.15. Morgan took the bronze on Floor with a 9.15 and the bronze on Bars too. In the All Around, Madison took 2nd, Morgan 6th.

All these 9-something scores racked up their team total, winning them the 1st place team trophy. Last year, OTW's Level 7 Team won 1st place too. Okay, it's premature to be talking of dynasties, but either way, Paul's going to need some bigger trophy cases. Excellent job, ladies. Simply excellent!

Hartford: 5s Stay Tough

The OTW Level 5 Team faced a double threat of this year's Northeast Invitational -- 10 skilled teams (some of the rather large teams) from around the northeast AND there was very tough judging. Scores for almost everyone were typically in the 8s. Scores in the 7s were not uncommon. 9s were rare for any of the teams.

Despite the tough environment, the Level 5 team kept their competitive focus. They pulled together to cheer each other on. Several girls showed personal improvement -- even if the scores didn't show it.

Hanna was especially hot in Hartford. She took 1st place on Vault, Bars (with a 9.00) and Floor (with a 9.35). She took home the 2nd place trophy in the All Around. Allie took home medals in all four events, including the silver on Vault. Emma was sticking her routines well and took home three medals. Cassie looked her best on Floor, as did Madison. Hope took home a collection of medals, including the silver on Vault. Sydney, who is quickly getting up to speed on the Level 5 skills, also looked her best on Floor.

Good job, girls. Your team spirit is impressive.

Hartford: 6s Hold Their Own

The OTW Level 6 Team took their turn Saturday afternoon facing the tough going of this year's Northeast Invitational. 82 gymnasts from 21 gyms all around the northeast. There was a lot of skill in the building. Add to that, the tough (but consistent) judging and it was clear the 6s would see very few 9s this time around. Did they let it get them down? No. They just got to work and did their best.

At awards time, their effort was rewarded. Every one of them went home jingling with multiple medals. Nicole was a hot ticket on Floor. She scored a 9.20 and took the silver medal. Jackie was equally hot on Beam, scoring a 9.175. She took the silver on Vault and Bars, as well as the 2nd place trophy in the All Around. Ally's collection of medals included the bronze for Bars. Emily's medals included a 4th place finish on Bars.

Nice going 6s. You really shine under pressure.

Hartford: 8s' Good Bad Day

OTW's Level 8 Team took 2nd place eagle trophy in this year's Northeast Invitational, only narrowly edged out of 1st by the New Jersey team. This came as a bit of a surprise as the team was not having a particularly good day. The Beam, especially, was problematic. Almost everyone had a fall or serious wobble. It was not a good day on Beam. Clean landings on Vault were also proving elusive. Compounding this, the judging had been fairly strict too, so there were precious few 9s flashed. Given the overall lower scores and troubles, few expected to take home a team trophy of any size. During awards, it became apparent that things were not quite as bleak as it seemed.

In the Junior B group, Allison and Alyssa were often on the winners' platform beside each other. Allison tied for 4th on Vault. Alyssa took 3rd on Bars. Allison took the silver on Beam. Alyssa took the bronze on Floor. Alyssa took 3rd in the All Around, Allison 4th. In an evening of few 9s, Alyssa scored two: a 9.05 on Bars and a 9.00 on Floor.

In the Senior A group, it was Kayla and Courtney's turn, heading to the platform for every event. Kayla took the gold on Vault with a 9.05. She took the gold again on Bars. Courtney took the bronze on Beam. On floor, they took 6th and 8th. In the All Around, they stood beside each other: Kayla taking 2nd and Courtney the 4th place trophy.

In the Senior B group, Jess, Shilanna, LaNaya and Melinda took their turn. Shilanna took the gold medals in Vault and Bars (9.10 on Bars). Melinda took the bronze on Bars. Jess took home a gold, a silver and a bronze on Floor, Vault and Beam. LaNaya took the gold on Beam with a 9.20 and the silver on Bars. In the All Around, it was an OTW sweep of the top three -- LaNaya, Jess and Shilanna. Melinda took home an All Around trophy too.

After the individual awards, in which every girl won multiple medals and took home a trophy, they seemed to have done rather well for having a bad day. Still, it took them (and the parents) a bit off guard when they were called up as the 2nd place team. Way to go 8s! You're still good even on bad days.