Sparta club gymnasts excel

SPARTA — In its 2nd year, USA Gymnastics’ Xcel program has doubled in size in the state of New Jersey. New Jersey is one of the last states in the country to implement the program, and the growth in these last two years led their state championship meet from just 3 sessions last year, to 6 this year.
“I am so proud that the Xcel Program nearly doubled in its second year in NJ,” according to NJ State Advisor to Xcel and Sparta-based Giant Gymnastics co-owner and coach Jennifer Skorski. “The athletes at the state competition represented the new program well. Each year there are new improvements that demonstrate the investment both gyms and the State have in this program. I am excited for next year’s season already.”
For local gymnasts at Giant Gymnastics, there was a lot to celebrate. Their Garden Gator team not only performed well as a team, but came home with individual achievements as well. Last year’s Xcel Bronze level state champion, Fiona Postas of Franklin, came home with the coveted All Around title for Xcel Gold level this year for her age group, 9 years old. Postas also broke last year’s state records for Gold level in her All Around with a 36.10, and on Vault and Balance Beam both with a 9.1. As a team, the Gold level gymnasts scored a 108.40 and came home with a 5th place Team Award. Members of the Gold team include Audrey Biss and Meghan Smith of Sparta, Morgyn Witt of Newton, Meagan Ward and Katie Hlywa of Fredon, and Emily Rodriguez of Stillwater.
The Gators have 2 silver level gymnasts, Kate Sutphen of Sparta and Cameron Volpe of Hampton. Sutphen placed 3rd All Around with a 36.50, and Volpe took 5th All Around. With just 2 in the level, they were not able to compete for a team award.
For the Bronze level ages 11 and up, the Gators once again boast a state champion. This time, it was Sparta resident Emily Harms who won All Around with a 36.75. Lily Kucks of Franklin and Ava Dutro of Sparta took 2nd and 3rd All Around with 35.70 and 35.60 respectively. Kucks took 1st place for Balance Beam and Dutro took first for Vault. Kucks also broke the state record for Bronze, age 10, on balance beam with a 9.150. Harms broke records in her age/level for All Around, as well as Vault with a 9.6, Bars with a 9.2 and Beam with a 9.1. Ainsley Mitchell, also of Sparta, broke the record for Floor with an 8.9. “It was such a thrill to watch all their hard work come to fruition at the state meet. Breaking records and taking home medals and plaques is the result of their work,” shared Coach Margaret Witt. “They have grown so much, so quickly, and this is the foursome’s first year competing, too. We’re so proud of them, both as gymnasts and as the supportive group they have become for one another.” The Bronze Gators came home with a 3rd Place team award having a total of 109.45.
Also earning the 5th place Team Award were the Platinum level Gators, with a 104.90. Comprised of just the required 3 team members to be eligible, Reese Abrams of Sparta, Caroline Dietz of Lafayette and Kelly Cardell of Hackettstown, the team fought hard for their award. Dietz also placed 2nd All Around with a 35.60, and took 1st place on Vault with a 9.2. Abrams and Cardell both scored well to contribute to their team award, with 34.70 and 34.60. ““I am always amazed at how our gymnasts step up to the plate when it counts the most,” remarked head Xcel Coach and co-owner John Skorksi. “They have grown throughout the season and peaked at States to show their best. As a coach, nothing makes me prouder.”
The competitive season now over, Giant Gymnastics’ team begins already to train for next year, with 12 new team members promoting from their Prep team to full-fledged Gators. For more information about Giant Gymnastics’ recreational programs, special events, and the Gators, visit them online at www.GiantGymnastics.com.