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Published Thursday, April 10, 2008 in Sports

Special

Newnan High School GymCats

GymCats, ECHS close out regular season, prepare for state qualifier

By News Staff

The Times-Herald

Newnan High School's gymnastics team closed out the regular season on Friday night to remain undefeated with a win over Oconee County and East Coweta. The win, on Senior Night, was highlighted by a season-high team score of 111.675.

In team competition East Coweta finished with 95.6. Oconee was not eligible for a team score since it competed with only two gymnasts. National Federation of High School rules state three scores must be presented.

All three squads competed together and rotated in Olympic order beginning with vault. Newnan posted a 27.70 team score on the event, counting scores of 9.375 by Chelsea Glory, 9.175 by Maureen Kookogey, and a 9.15 by Paige Pirie while finishing 1-2-3 in the event.

East Coweta's squad of Hannah Antley, Kaitlyn Glory, and Allison Osterle combined for a team score of 23.675 on the event. Oconee County sent two gymnasts to the table with Lindsey Cheek scoring 9.1 and teammate Taylor Jungman with an 8.6.

The uneven bars competition was a thriller and saw each team perform some over-the-top release moves. Kaitlyn Glory was ECHS's high scorer with a routine which netted a 9.075. Both Oconee County gymnasts wowed the crowd with solid routines earning 9.1 for Jungman and 9.525 for Cheek.

Newnan again posted three scores over nine with Kookogey's 9.175 and Chelsea Glory's 9.275. Glory's score was good enough for a third-place finish. Pirie took home top honors for the meet with an impressive 9.625, giving the GymCats their highest team total on an event for the night with 28.125.

Although both Oconee County girls fell on the balance beam, each was rewarded for the difficulty in their routines, with Cheek earning 8.95 and Jungman 9.1. Antley nailed a front tuck mount and received a 9.15 for her efforts for East Coweta finishing third in the individual competition on the event.

Two Newnan gymnasts had solid performances on beam with Pirie's 9.45 and Elizabeth Davis' 9.425 good enough for first and second place on the night.

Scores at nine or above were abundant on floor. Antley was the high scorer for the Indians with a 9.0 routine. Oconee's Cheek withdrew from the floor competition with a sore back, but teammate Jungman was impressive with great height and power in tumbling skills and scored 9.35.

Newnan sent six competitors to the event and each gymnast scored 9.0 or better. Kristen Pirie and Haley Pilgreen's 9.275 was good enough for a two-way tie for third place. Jungman and Paige Pirie also tied for second with 9.35. The night's floor exercise champion was Davis with a 9.45.

In All-Around competition, Paige Pirie captured first with a season-high personal best of 37.575. Jungman finished with 36.15 and Chelsea Glory took third with 36.05.

Seniors Elizabeth Davis, Chelsea Glory, Maureen Kookogey, and Kristen Pirie were recognized at the beginning of the meet. The NHS senior credentials represent participation in several club and academic activities as well as All-State honors. The seniors were applauded for their vision of establishing the team in the 2006 season and putting the squad in the top four at two state championships. The girls represent the first graduating class and do so with each gymnast graduating with honors. This is in addition to training eighteen-plus hours a week .

The meet was taped by Newnan Utilities cable. Commentators for the meet are Level 10 gymnast and Northgate student Zuri Hudson and club coach Aaron Cantor. Lyudmila Sorokina, Newnan School of Gymnastics coach and choreographer, provided color commentary.

Next up for all the squads is the state qualifier to be held on April 26 at Lovett. The top six teams and the top twelve individuals will advance to the state championship to be held on May 2 at Westminster.

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