Crosstumblers shine in meets

The Crosstumblers' girls' gymnastics team was quite successful as it traveled around Northern California, continuing to improve and collecting medals.

The team began its season in Rancho Cordova at the High Tech Invitational on Sept. 23.

Competing for the first time at the meet as level 4 gymnasts were Kaite

Davis, Macey Creek, and Tenielle Plaut. They were joined by level 6 gymnasts Kayla Skog who placed seventh on balance beam (8.4) and Michelle McDonald who placed sixth on floor (7.925).

"Our girls always seem to start out rough," said coach Steffany Walker. "Our goal is to improve every competition. If they correct five small mistakes between each meet, then their scores will improve two full points by the next competition."

The formula seemed to work as two weeks later, the team traveled to Auburn to compete in the Gold Country Classic.

Seven year old Creek not only met the team goal, but managed to improve her scores by more than three and a half points.

McDonald also stepped up to the challenge as she improved her scores by almost two points, resulting in a first place finish on beam (8.5).

They were joined by level 4 teammates Alyssa Bradley and Shannon Brazil.

Brazil placed fourth on uneven bars (9.0) and beam (9.0). Level 5 gymnast Hayley Canfield placed sixth on beam (8.75).

The team continued its formula for success as it competed at the Gold Fever Invitational in San Andreas on Oct. 14.

Creek continued to improve to earn first place on vault (8.6) and second on beam (7.5) and floor exercise (7.7) to earn the silver medal in the all-around.

Davis also demonstrated her improvements to place first on vault (9.2), and third on bars (8.0) and floor (8.05). She also brought her all-around score up by two points to bring home the bronze medal.

Bradley's improvement of nearly two points placed her third on beam (7.25) and fifth in the all-around.

In the level 6 division, McDonald continued to improve despite some uncharacteristic mistakes to place first on bars (7.925) and third on floor (7.3). She brought home the silver medal in the all-around.

Skog placed first on vault (8.45) and floor (8.15), second on beam (8.05) and third in the all-around.

Also competing in the Gold Fever Invitational was Emma Dempsey, who earned second place on floor (8.9) in her first level 5 competition.

The team will conclude the fall season this weekend as they compete in Reno at the Goblin Games.

Crosstumblers offers gymnastics for boys and girls ages two through competitive team and dance for ages four through competitive team.

For more information, call Steffany Walker, 883-5477. Crosstumblers is located at 940 Mallory Way No. 3 in Carson City.