Crosstumblers shine at state meet

Kayla Skog took first in the vault to lead a strong effort by Crosstumblers Gymnastics at the Nevada State Championships held in Reno on Nov. 19 and 20.

"The girls did extremely well on their best events," coach Steffany Walker said. "Now we just have to convince them that they can do just as well on their worst events."

Saturday's competition featured the top level 5 gymnasts from throughout Nevada, including four of the top teams from Las Vegas. Crosstumblers gymnasts Skog and Hayley Canfield held their own against the stiff competition.

Skog's score of 8.75 on vault earned her the top score and the title of state vault champion. No less impressive was her score of 9.0 on balance beam which earned her third and an all-around score of 33.40 to place sixth. Skog is now preparing to compete as a Level 6 in the spring.

Canfield also had solid performances on all events in her first state championships. Her all around score of 31.025 received eighth place as well as qualifying her for Level 6 which she will begin training to compete next fall.

Sunday's competition featured the top level 4 and level 6 gymnasts in the state.

In the level 4 division, 12 year old, Emma Dempsey took top honors, placing fourth overall in the junior division with a combined score of 34.825 and taking second on beam (8.925) and third on the uneven bars (9.0).

Madison Foley also did well in her first season of competition taking third on vault with a score of 9.0 and eighth in the all-around with a 34.25.

Also competing as a Level 4 was Shannon Brazil, whose improve performances earned her ninth in the all-around with a score of 31.10.

In the level 6 division, 12 year old Michelle McDonald earned her career best score on the beam, where her score of 9.225 was the second highest score in her age group.

"Michelle has always worked hard in the gym, but nerves affected her at competitions," Walker said. "It is nice to see the hard work start paying off on the awards stand."

McDonald had qualified to level 7 at an earlier competition; however she has opted to

wait until next year to move up levels.

The Crosstumblers team will not compete again until January. The girls work out between five and 12 hours a week.

Crosstumblers is located at 940 Mallory Way No. 3 in Carson City and offers classes for children ages 3 through 18. For more information, call 883-5477.

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Attatched photo is Hayley Canfield who qualified for level 6 at the Nevada

State Gymnastics Championships.