Season Finale Fling

This year's annual banquet, hosted by the OTW Boosters, was a great time for the whole team. There was more food than even a swarm of hungry gymnasts could eat (hard to believe, but true!). Michele prepared an excellent multimedia show recapping this championship year. The crowd was riveted to the screen through the whole show. Paul spoke, giving much due praise to all his talented gymnasts. He reported that OTW girls took 351 first places during this year! 12 girls were state or regional champions. Coach Paul had a lot to be proud of.

There were gifts for the girls, including the ever-popular yearbooks. The chaos of yearbook signing took awhile. After that, it was time to dance. There were the usual favorites, such as Cotton Eye Joe and the Macarena. You might think that after such a strenuous competitive season, the girls might be a little tired. You couldn't tell it from how hyper they were. There was also the traditional Limbo contest. Congrats to LimboQueen Bri! The dancing continued right up until quitting time at the Vic Geary Center. It was a great party, celebrating a great year by an outstanding team of gymnasts.

Thanks to Gail for all her hard work setting up the hall, the plaques, the DJ and organizing everything. Thanks to Michele for the terrific slide show. Thanks to Pat for handling the Coach Tammy Relief Fund. Thanks to Lori for the great yearbooks. Thanks to all the parents who brought in so much great food that we just couldn't eat it all (though not for lack of trying) :-)

There are some more photos on the OTW Pix page.

Congratulations girls, on a thrilling year. We'll see you at the summer camp weeks, getting ready for next year.

Fun Meet '07

This year's annual Fun Meet for the rec classes was a good day to be indoors. That's where the action was anyway. The OTW Team girls, who have spent all season performing before the sharp eye of USAG-NH judges, took their turn as judges. The rules for the Fun Meet were a bit more relaxed, but you couldn't tell from the little gymnasts' faces. It was very serious business for them. The gym parents who staffed the head table had that look of serious business too.

At awards time, the serious looks were replaced by bright smiles, even if they weren't sure which way to face. This was their first taste of a gymnastics meet. Excited little gymnasts ran from the winners platform to show mom and dad their ribbons and trophies.

The second session featured classes of 1st through 4th graders. Many were more accustomed to the Fun Meet. More specific skills were expected from these young gymnasts and they were judged accordingly. Several of them showed solid skills and promise.

At the second session's awards time, the gymnasts knew which way to face, but the smiles were just as wide. There could be some future competitive team members among these gymnasts.

Becca and Bri at Nationals

Becca and Bri return to New Hampshire, having competed with the best gymnasts in the eastern half of the country. Their state and their home gym can be very proud of them. The field of competitors was even tougher than at Regionals, naturally. Only the best of the best even get to Nationals. Bri scored a 9.40 on Floor, to take 9th place in the Senior A division. Becca took 4th on Beam in the Senior C division with a 9.25. Her 9.375 on Floor tied her for 6th.

All in all, an impressive showing for Off the Wall. Congratulations Bri and Becca!

Alyssa Solid at Regionals

The Level 8 Regionals, by nature, is the collection of all the best Level 8 gymnasts in the seven states. "There was a lot of tough competition," reported Boosters chairperson Gail. Yet, in such a crowd of talent, Alyssa fit right in. Her bars routine was very clean, earning her a score of 9.425. This took 7th place in the Intermediate group. Her All-Around of 35.85 was a very respectable showing for her first trip to Regionals.

The New York team took first, handily. Massachusetts narrowly took 2nd over Connecticut. NH was only a few points behind them for 4th. It was interesting to note that Alyssa was the second-highest scoring gymnast on the NH Intermediate team. She certainly represented her state well.

Good job, Alyssa!

Tag Day a big success

This "Tag Day" was such a big success that we needed an armored car to hold all the funds the girls raised. ...okay, not really, but almost.

We can't report a final total yet, as some of the last cans won't be turned in until Monday. But even at this first counting, the girls collected far above the figure we were shooting for.

Many thanks to you girls who stood outside the doors and spoke with the people of Plaistow. You did a great job. Some of you are clearly going to become excellent public speakers and sales managers. Thanks, too, to all you parents who helped with the chaperon duties and driving the girls to their posts. Together, girls and parents, the booster club had a very successful fundraising event. It's been a great year.