Gold Team takes first place

The USAIGC (United States Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs) New Jersey State and Regional Championships were held May 23 and May 24, 2009 at the Wildwood Convention Center in Wildwood, New Jersey.

Gymnasts from Gymnastics Unlimited competed in the State Championships in the Gold and Silver Division, and the Regional Championships in the Platinum Division.

In the Gold Division Gymnastics Unlimited placed *First as a Team* with a 106.475. Members of the team include: Lara Haberle and Jessica Vallorosi of Flemington, Leanne Becker of Pittstown and Kara Knoop and Liza Strauch of Clinton.

*Jessica Vallorosi* competed in the 10-12 age group. She was crowned *State Champion* on *Beam*(9.525), *Vault* (8.75), and *All Around*
(36.525) She also placed 2nd on Bars (9.1) and Floor (9.15) *Lara Haberle* competed in the 13-14 age group. She was crowned *State
Champion* on *Beam* (9.3). She was also 2nd on Vault (8.6) 7th on Floor (9.0), and 2nd All Around (34.65) *Kara Knoop* competed in the 15 and over age group. She was crowned *State Champion* on *Bars* (8.95), 7th on Beam (8.9), 8th on Vault (8.3), and 3rd All Around(34.65) Also competing in the 15 and over age group was Leanne Becker and Liza Strauch. *Leanne Becker* was crowned *State Champion* on *Beam* (9.3) and 9th on floor (8.85), and *Liza Strauch* was 10th on Vault (8.3) and Beam (8.65), 13th All Around (33.375)

In the Silver Division Gymnastics Unlimited placed *3rd as a Team* with a 106.675. Members of the team include: Brooke Whalen of Flemington, Lauren Resh of Nazareth, PA, Tori Lang of Neshanic Station, and Maya Acocella of Annandale.

*Lauren Resh* competed in the 10-11 age group. She was crowned *State Champion *on* Beam *(9.45), and *All Around *(36.15). She also placed 2nd on Vault (9.3), 3rd on floor (8.7), and 4th on Bars (8.7).
*Tori Lang and Maya Acocella* competed in the 12-13 age group. *Tori* placed 3rd on Bars (8.75) and 4th on Vault (8.9). *May*a placed 2nd on Vault (9.15), 6th on Bars (8.7), and 6th All Around (34.80) *Brook Whalen *competed in the 14-15 age group. She was crowned *State Champion *on *Vault *(9.5). She was also 3rd on floor (9.0), 6th on Bars (8.6), and 2nd All Around (35.55)

In the Platinum Division Gymnastics Unlimited competed in the Regional Championships. Maria Bryant and Jackie Baker both competed in the 15 and over age group. *Maria *was crowned *Regional Champion* on Floor (9.5). She also placed 2nd on Vault (8.8), 2nd on Beam (8.4), and 2nd All Around (35.55). *Jackie* was also 2nd on Vault (8.8), 3rd on Floor (9.20), and 3rd All Around (34.65)

Congratulations to all the Girls. All eleven girls have qualified for the *National/International Championships* to be held June 25-June 30 in *Palm Springs,* *California*. There will be gymnasts from not only the United States, but from Bermuda, Canada, and South Africa as well. All of the girls are coached by Barbara Kelly-Sullivan and Kathleen Polizzio.