Gymnastics Team Takes Section One Title and sends Three to the States

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On Thursday February 8, the combined gymnastics teams of Somers, Yorktown, John Jay, Ossining, Hen Hud and Pawling went to Eclipse Gym in Mahopac and competed in the sectionals. Undefeated in the regular season, the girls kept the winning going.

“We’re section one champions,” said Kaitlin Gannon. “It’s really important to us, because we worked so hard and it paid off.”

No trip to Buffalo on March 2 for the Somers vaulter, she still cherishes the time with her team and handed off to Kayla Cambareri, whose morning began by taking it moment by moment. “I knew I had to get through the day, focus and perform well,” said the John Jay Wolf.

School giving way, she continued the even keel. “I tried to perform the same as I did in the divisions, because I did really well,” said the sophomore.

The order was taller than last year’s tournament, though. This time it was more competitive,” she said, and by the end of the night, she earned a state berth in the vault with a fourth place finish.

Of course, the team victory was also on her mind. “It shows we all worked really hard,” said the sophomore.

Among them was Amelia Carozza, and 6th place on the beams has her shuffling off for the states too. “I made my connections,” the Yorktown Husker assured.

Of course, she knows the drill when it comes to the interim period leading up. “I’m going to make sure I practice well,” Carozza asserted.

Her second trip to the state’s, again the familiar ground will be a boost. “I know not to be worried,” she said. “It’s supposed to be fun.”

Maggie Johannsen definitely agrees. So much so that the team member from Hen Hud medaled in all four categories and the all around, while winning the sectionals in the vault and the beam.

All it takes is practice five nights a week, for three hours a night, and the fact that the season never really ends is no bother. “It’s actually a fun sport,” she said. “It’s nice and competitive. I like knowing that I get to compete and do my best.”

The team obviously benefited in the final tally, but she didn’t leave anyone out. “Winning first is a really nice feeling, because we really worked hard together as a team," said the Sailor.

Nina Mori helped with the tally too, and was humbled by collusion and the collegiality “I’m honored to be part of such a good team,” said the Ossining student.

A sentiment that went both ways. This especially with her 3rd place finishes in the bars, the beam and all around, which she attributed to the strong head on her shoulders. “Over the years, my confidence has improved, and that showed in my routines,” said Mori.

One last piece, Rebecca Smith will be making the trek. A six place finish on the bars, she refused to be intimidated as lift off stood before her. “I knew that I did all I could to get where I am, and I just had to do my best,” said the Pawling Tiger, who also finished 6th all around.

Alongside, the team had a cheering section that made themselves heard, and Arianna Gulli gave voice to the role of the girls who didn’t qualify. “It proud that I’m here to support and watch them do their best,” the Husker concluded.