Gymnasts from Southern Elite Gymnastics and Cheer in Fairlea traveled to Huntington to compete in the 2015 USA Gymnastics State Championships on Mar. 21 and 22.
Southern Elite started a competitive team program this year consisting of pre-team, Level 3 and Level 4 gymnasts. The program is run by Megan Hartman, the head coach for the team.
All 10 of the Level 3 and Level 4 gymnasts qualified for the state meet this year.
Ella Colombo stole the show in her age division at Level 3. She was first place in the all-around, balance beam and vault. She finished in third place on the uneven bars. Colombo’s scores were 9.3 on floor and vault. 8.9 on the balance beam and 8.35 on the uneven bars, with a total allaround score of 35.85.
Brenna Witt participated in the Level 3 and had spectacular performance with a third place score of 8.925 on the balance beam, and a 35.325 all-around score, which gave her fifth place.
Claire Wills put in a solid performance, taking third place on the floor with a 9.3. Mollie Pack performed at a season best and placed seventh in the all-around. Madison Keeling had a disappointing start, yet finished strong for the day on the vault and floor to capture eighth place in the all-around.
Baily Caraway won the floor with a 9.3 and the bars with an 8.65 in the Level 4 competition. Ryan White took first place in the floor in her division with a 9.225. Kyle Criddle took fifth place in the all-around despite a few uncharacteristic errors. Edie McMillion scored a personal best on the floor and finished seventh in the all-around. Kaylee Wiant performed her best bar routine of the year and brought home l Or” place in the all-around.
Hartmen and fellow coaches Kristen McMillion and Kristine Kaminskas say they are proud of all of the hard work, enthusiasm and team spirit of their athletes. They stated that the team supports and encourages one another, creating a great atmosphere in the gym and pushing each other to do their best.
Southern Elite is run in conjunction with Greenbrier valley Fitness. Call 304-647-3982 to learn more about their programs.
