Giant Gymnastics Xcel teams power through first meet

EDISON — Shortly before Thanksgiving, eager gymnasts assembled in the gym of Bishop Ahr High School in Edison, NJ to compete. Some were competing for the first time ever, others were competing at new levels, and all were competing for the first time this year. The meet season began with excitement, and all the USA Gymnastics Xcel teams from Giant Gymnastics of Sparta placed in the top 3 for team awards, with the Platinum and Silver levels each taking 1st place. This was the very first meet for the Bronze level gymnasts, who, despite their nerves, made quite a showing for the gym. “Our newest gymnasts promoted from our Prep Team in June, and it’s been amazing to watch them grow,” shared Coach Margaret Witt. “All of our gymnasts work hard, but the look in their eyes as a new team gymnast finishes their first event at their first meet? That’s hard to top.” Milly Dobbs, of Sparta, took 4th place All Around for the 7 & 8 year old Bronze level, Emma Hamilton, of Sparta; Hannah Lounsbury of Milford, PA, Victoria Ciliberti of Sparta, and Lillian Sauchelli of Newton NJ took places 4-7, respectively for the 9 years and up All Around Bronze level gymnasts. For the Silver 10 & 11 year old level, Giant’s gymnasts Kate Sutphen of Sparta, Lily Kucks of Franklin, and Kacy Biddiscombe of Byram secured places 1-3 in the All Around. In the 12 & up age group for Silver, Emily Harms of Sparta took the top All Around spot. The Platinum level team, Emily Rodriguez of Stillwater, Morgyn Witt of Newton, and Audrey Biss of Sparta also all placed.
For more information about Giant Gymnastics competitive teams, recreational classes or special events, visit them online at www.GiantGymnastics.com or call 973-579-9400.
Xcel Bronze (7 - 8 yrs)
Milly Dobbs of Sparta - 3rd on Vault and Uneven Bars, 4th for Balance Beam, Floor Exercises, and All Around.
Xcel Bronze (9 & up)
Emma Hamilton of Sparta - 3rd on Floor Exercises, 5th on Vault, 4th on Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, and All Around.
Hannah Lounsbury of Milford, PA - 2nd on Uneven Bars, 3rd on Vault, 6th on Balance Beam, and 5th for both Floor Exercises, and All Around.
Xcel Silver (10 to 11 yrs)
Kate Sutphen of Sparta - 5th on Vault, 4th on Balance Beam and 1 for Uneven Bars, Floor Exercises, and All Around.
Lily Kucks of Franklin - 5th on Floor Exercises, 4th on Vault, and 2nd for Uneven Bars, and All Around, and 1st place for Balance Beam
Kacy Biddiscombe of Byram - 6th place on Vault, 5th on Balance Beam, 4th on Uneven Bars, 2nd on Floor Exercises, and 3rd All Around.
Karen Massbach of Sparta - 5th place on Uneven Bars.
Ave Dutro - 1st place on Vault.
Xcel Silver (12 and up)
Emily Harms of Sparta - 4th place in Balance Beam and Floor Exercises, 1st place on Vault, Uneven Bars, and All Around.
Danielle Bruce of Vernon - 4th on Vault and All Around, 3rd on Balance Beam, and 2nd place on Uneven Bars.
Melissa Towey of Sparta - 4th on Uneven Bars, and 3rd on Floor Exercises.