Published Saturday, February 21, 2009

Newnan opens title defense with win at home gym

The Times-Herald

Newnan High School's gymnastics team opened the season Friday night with a win at their home gym at Newnan School of Gymnastics.

The 2009 GymCats began defense of last year's GHSA State Championship with a score of 103.45, with East Coweta finishing second overall with a 90.65. Also competing in the meet were gymnasts from LaGrange and county-newcomer, Northgate. To produce a team score, each team must enter three gymnasts per event.

The night's top all-arounder with a 36.05 was Newnan sophomore Paige Pirie. Northgate senior, Zuri Hudson, was impressive with a second place finish of 35.55 in her first high school meet. Finishing third was East Coweta senior Hannah Antley with 34.9.

All three Coweta County high schools were represented for the first time in high school gymnastics and were well-received by the host crowd.

In individual events, Hudson was first on the vault with a 9.1 followed by Pirie's 8.6 and Chandler Ferguson of LaGrange with 8.3.

The uneven bar competition produced 9.0 or better scores among the top finishers, led by Pirie's impressive routine, which scored a 9.6. Newnan freshman, Samantha Mizzell, finished second with 9.1, followed by Hudson's 9.05.

A tie for first place on the balance beam went to Antley and Ferguson who put up 8.8. scores. Pirie finished third with 8.5.

Strong tumbling in the floor exercise competition was a Friday night crowd pleaser. Hudson's powerful double-back garnered a 9.5 from the judges for first place. Pirie's 9.3, good enough for second, showed flair and grace. Antley's third place finish of 9.05 roused the Indian crowd.

All three local teams will travel to the Kell Invitational on March 6 before the three county schools will host another meet on March 20.