Crosstumblers qualify for state

The gymnasts of Crosstumblers once again qualified for the USAIGC State Championships in their first attempt.

In the first qualifying meet of the season held on April 15th at the Crosstumblers facility, all of the girls earned the mandatory score to compete in the State Championships to be held in June.

"We were very excited," coach Steffany Walker said. "We had three gymnasts who had never competed, and they stepped up and did a great job."

USAIGC is a separate competition format where the gymnasts have personalized or optional routines.

"It is great for us," Walker said. "After competing the national routines for most of the year we are able to relax, let the girls make up their own routines, and see how they do competing with their best skills."

The entry level for the USAIGC is the Bronze Optionals where 10 year old Hayley Canfield took top honors for the gym receiving second place in the all-around with a score of 36.10. She also placed first on balance beam (9.2), second on vault (8.8), third on floor exercise (9.1), and fourth on unven bars (9.0).

Emma Dempsey placed fourth on floor (9.0) and Madison Foley placed fourth on beam (8.6). Both Dempsey and Foley qualified for the State Championships with scores of 34.60 and 34.05 respectively.

First time competitors Stephanie Camacho, Karly Valen, and Kaite Davis also did quite well in the Bronze Optional division. Camacho placed second on beam and earned an all-around score of 31.90 to qualify for state. Valen also qualified with a score of 32.60 and Davis qualified with a score of 31.20.

In the Silver Optional division, Gina Gallo took top honors for the gym placing first on floor (9.15), second on bars (9.2), and third on vault (9.3) and beam (8.3). Her all-around score of 35.55 placed second.

Michelle McDonald showed outstanding talent as she debuted her well-done choreographed floor routine to "Objection Tango."

"Michelle is one of those gymnasts that does very well in the optional format," Walker said. "She is very flexible and has a lot of energy and stage presence which she can show on beam and floor,"

McDonald's efforts received a score of 9.1 on floor to place second. She tied with Kayla Skog for second on beam with a score of 8.3. Skog also placed third on floor despite having a broken toe. Both McDonald and Skog qualified for the State Championships with scores of 35.00 and 34.30, respectively.

The Crosstumblers will travel to Santa Rosa on May 28 to prepare for the State Championships being held in Reno on June 11-12. From there, they can qualify for the National Championships in Florida.

Crosstumblers is located at 940 Mallory Way No. 3 in Carson City. For more information on Crosstumblers Gymnastics or Dance programs, call Walker, 883-5477.