Fourteen level 2-8 gymnasts from Foothills Gymnastics Academy competed in the Aloha Meet in Mt. Airy, N.C., on April 9. Being consistent with this season’s performances, Foothills once again dominated the podium in the all-around and event awards.

There were two level 2 gymnasts competing, both making their competition debuts. Madison Geddings, daughter of Jay and Lori Geddings of Tryon, earned her spot as the top-finisher, scoring a combined 37.900. Geddings also placed second on vault (9.7), third on bars (9.3), third on beam (9.5) and first on floor (9.4).

Amelia Nespeca, daughter of Mindy Weiner of Landrum and John Nespeca of Charlotte, scored 36.150 in the all-around. Nespeca earned a 9.5 on vault, 8.4 on bars, 9.2 on beam, and won fourth on floor with a 9.050.

There were also two level 3 gymnasts competing, Julia Griffin and Elsie-Marrah Padgett. Griffin, daughter of Ken and Tangela Griffin of Tryon, scored a 34.650 in the all-around. Griffin earned second place honors on the vault with a 9.4, scored an 8.3 on bars, 8.250 on beam and 8.7 on floor.

Padgett, daughter of Edwin and Ashley Padgett of Tryon, scored a 33.3 in the all-around. Padgett also scored 8.6 on vault, 8.5 on bars, 8.7 on beam, and 7.5 on floor.

The level 4 competition had Foothills earning the first, second, third and fourth place all-around awards. Jenna McInerney competed in her first meet of the season placing first (36.450). McInerney scored a 9.2 on vault, won first on bars (9.5), first on beam (9.3), and scored an 8.450 on floor. McInerney is the daughter of Tara McInerney of Landrum.

Placing second in the all-around (35.850) was Kate Padgett, daughter of Edwin and Ashley Padgett of Tryon. Padgett scored a 9.3 on vault, won second on bars (9.450), scored 8.6 on beam, and 8.5 on floor.

Lily Nelson, daughter of Rich and Kim Nelson of Tryon, finished third in the all-around (35.8). Nelson won second on vault (9.4), third on bars (9.3), scored 8.4 on beam, and finished third on floor (8.7).

Leah Bulleit, daughter of Steve and Sandy Bulleit of Columbus, also competed in level 4 but in an advanced bracket based on her prior scores. Bulleit earned a 36.600 in the all-around, placing fourth. She earned a 9.3 on vault, an 8.7 on bars, placed second on beam with a 9.250, and won second on floor with a 9.350.

Level 5 gymnasts Julianna Robbins and Sydney Waldman once again swept the awards podium. Waldman, daughter of Ethan and Renae Waldman of Tryon, won first place all-around with a 35.400. Waldman also earned honors placing second on vault (8.2), first on bars (9.150), second on beam (9.050) and first on floor (9.0).

Julianna Robbins, daughter of Arthur and Joy Robbins of Columbus, won second place all-around with a 34.700. Robbins also earned honors placing third on vault (8.0), second on bars (8.8), first on beam (9.1) and second on floor (8.8).

Competing at level 6 was gymnast Colleen Burke who once again earned first place all-around honors (34.70). Burke is the daughter of Julie Burke of Tryon and Pat Burke of Landrum. Burke won third place on vault (8.6), first on bars (8.450), second on beam (8.450) and first on floor (9.2).

Making her season competition debut at level 8 was Mary Kate Christianson, daughter of Don and Lynne Christianson of Mill Spring. Miss Christianson scored a 7.9 on vault, 8.1 on bars, 8.5 on beam and an 8.150 on floor, earning a combined score of 32.650.

Also making their competition debuts for 2011 in modified optional were Julia Skellie and Savannah Robbins. Skellie, daughter of David and Caroline Skellie of Landrum, earned third place all-around scoring 35.550. Skellie scored 8.6 on vault, won second place on bars (8.3), won first place on beam (9.4) and won first place on floor (9.250).

Robbins, daughter of Arthur and Joy Robbins of Columbus, scored a 33.050 in the all-around. Robbins earned an 8.550 on vault, 8.0 on bars, 8.3 on beam and an 8.2 on floor.

Nineteen Foothills Gymnasts next compete April 30 – May 1 at the SE Regional Qualifier in Charlotte. The regional qualifier gives the gymnasts the opportunity to earn a spot on the North Carolina Team competing in the Southeast Regional to be held at Charlotte’s Bojangles Coliseum June 17 – 19.

North Carolina is the host for this year’s event with participants from other state teams from South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, to name just a few. The North Carolina Team is composed of the top six gymnasts in each level in the state for their age group.

Foothills Gymnastics is owned and operated by Coach Jana Williamson. Williamson most recently celebrated her 20-year anniversary as the owner/coach of Foothills Gymnastics Academy, located at 66 Academy Street in Tryon.