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Valley Gymnastics Qualifies for States for Sixth Consecutive Year

It's hard to compare any team to the previous ones the Valley gymnastics squad has boasted, what with the unit having taken home consecutive Class S state titles over the past three seasons. But while not comparing, it's easy to see the similarity in the fight the current team and past teams possess. Carrying a 5-2 record at end of the regular season and then placing in the Class S meet while qualifying for the sixth consecutive season, many can bet the Warriors will soon bring back another state title to Kelsey Hill.

"This was a great team effort in this rebuilding year," said Coach Carl Cavrell, who was assisted by Monica Bauer and Maureen Pokorny.

The Warriors started their season off with a 3-0 mark. After scoring 130 points during their first meet at Shoreline Gymnastics in Old Saybrook in which Valley went up against Haddam-Killingworth and Stonington, the Warriors bested their scores from the previous weeks and each gymnast boasted personal-best scores, as well. Valley then suffered its first meet loss in four years to gymnastics powerhouse Hand and followed that up with a loss to yet another veteran team in RHAM despite scoring its highest total of the season (129.6) . After earning two more wins to end the regular season, Valley then put in a solid showing at the Class S State Championship on Feb. 25 at Pomperaug, finishing fifth behind Killingly, RHAM, Nonnewaug, and Law with 123.95 total points.

It seemed that not one gymnast stood out, but that all worked hard as a team. Senior Annie Kingston proved to be a solid veteran leader for the Warriors, as did junior captain and MVP recipient Maggie Calamari, who also earned Second Team All-State recognition.

"Maggie brought great team leadership and support for all members in practice and at meets," said Cavrell.

Also contributing were freshmen Julianna Alvord (First Team All-State) and Mikayla Connor (Second Team All-State), as well as sophomore Jenna Armenia (Most Improved Award).

With just one senior graduating, the team hopes to take its success from this year and turn it into another run at the state title next year.

Said Cavrell: "We will hopefully show improvement over this year and hope to finish higher at states next year."