Local Gymnast Crowned State Champion

Champions Academy Level 5 and 6 gymnasts recently wrapped up their compulsory competitive season with a spectacular finish, including one gymnast becoming the State Champion.

Shiina Suarez had another fantastic meet, and finished on top with a 36.80 All-Around at the Level 5 State Championships held in Visalia last weekend. Her first place All-Around finish also earned her the honor of being named to the All-State Team. In addition to the All-Around title, she also added the titles of Bars champion, Beam champion and Floor Exercise champion. Suarez’s consistency and training really paid off for her as she stood proudly atop the podium.

Teammate Meghan Connolly also rose to the occasion, narrowly missing the top spot in the All-Around in the junior division by just .3. She scored a 36.10 in the All-Around, putting her in 2^nd place overall. She also had beautiful routines, taking 2^nd place on Vault, 3^rd place on Floor, and 4^th place on Beam. Rounding out the level 5 competition for Champions Academy was Caitie Shannon, who took home a bronze medal on the Uneven Bars.

The Level 6 girls again faced tough competition at the state meet, and performed well. Although there were a few mistakes, each girl fought through the wobbles and balance checks, and still placed well. Rachel Hart placed 12^th All-Around, Maddie Miller placed 14^th All-Around, and Haley Romero placed 17^th All-Around.

Champions Academy finishes off the girl’s compulsory season the weekend of December 1^st, having qualified two gymnasts to the state championship meet in Sacramento. However, training never stops for these gymnasts. The compulsory girls will continue to train on new skills as they prepare for another compulsory season, and the Boys compulsory and optional team as well as the Girl’s optional team will kick off their season with meets beginning in January.