High school Gymnastics preview, 2011-2012

TOP 5 TEAMS

1. GREAT BRIDGE

It’s hard to bet against the defending Group AAA state champions – especially when so many from last year’s lineup return.

2. Kellam

The Knights have been at or near the top of the state for several years and there’s no reason to think that will change.

3. Cox

Look for the Falcons to once again challenge Kellam for Beach supremacy – especially with three performers capable of scoring 37 or more points.

4. Western Branch

The Bruins won’t have two of last year’s Level 10 performers this year, but have several incoming athletes who should keep them in contention.

5. Hickory

The Hawks for the first year won’t have long-time coach Sean Rayner at the helm. But a pair of top returners should help first-year coach Kim Kenney keep his winning tradition intact.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Home, sweet home The Group AAA team competition and Virginia Open individual competition return to Virginia Beach this season, with Salem hosting the team meet on Feb. 17 and the individual meet on Feb. 18.

Injury sidelines Pacheco Salem’s Maebelle Pacheco won’t have the chance to repeat as state all-around, vault and floor exercise champion. She tore an Achilles’ tendon in August and doctors expect her recovery to take as long as a year. Don’t look for Tallwood’s Sheriese Clark to defend her Eastern Region and Beach District titles, either. Last year’s state uneven bars champion graduated last spring.

SunDevils’ Hutt returns Salem will still have a state championship hopeful when the school hosts the meet. Jenine Hutt won the state balance beam title two years ago and will be looking to regain her title.

Can Wildcats repeat? Great Bridge should have enough fire power to be the favorite to repeat as state champ. The Wildcats have three Level 9 private-club gymnasts in senior Genna Bestercy and sophomores Courtney Adams and Ashley Lee. Unfortunately, last year’s fourth Level 9 performer, Claudia Flink, has decided against competing in high school gymnastics for her senior year.

Wildcats hosting big event Great Bridge will host what is believed to be the first Eastern Region-based preseason meet when the Wildcat Invitational is held Dec. 10. Starting at 10 a.m. The meet so far has commitments from Colonial Forge, Brooke Point, North Stafford, Western Branch, Hickory and Grassfield. The results could give some indication of how the Southeastern District race should shape up.

Bruins look strong Challenging the Wildcats for the Southeastern crown this year should be a Western Branch squad that will be without Level 10 performers Bridget Steffen and Savannah Borman – who have decided to take a year off from high school competition. Also, Level 9 performer Kasey Stone has decided to compete for the diving team because of ankle issues. Her little sister, Level 10 performer Jamie Stone, should quickly make a name for herself.

Newcomers could shine There are a couple of other Level 10 performers to keep an eye on this year – especially with Pacheco out and Clark graduated. Kaelin Cundiff is a senior at Grassfield and Roya Shirley is a freshman at Kempsville.

Hawks welcome new coach First-year coach Kim Kenney should have little trouble keeping Hickory in the district race. Freshman Level 9 performer Haley Cole will help returning star Kourtney Burgsteiner hold the fort until Cayla Boykins returns from a possible stress fracture in her back.

At Kellam, all in the family It’s always been a family affair at Kellam. Last year’s state runner-up team is coached by sisters Debi Strausbaugh and Sharon Benzel – who both graduated from the school as Kinzels. Team members Marianna Parker, Alanna Parker, Alexa Kinzel and Brenna Kinzel are nieces of the two coaches.

Beach coaching veterans Kellam’s Strausbaugh is celebrating her 30th year at the helm of the Knights. And to think she’s only second on the longevity list. Cox coach Melody Hartranft is starting her 29th year with the Falcons, but 31st overall after starting with a 2-year stint at Kempsville.

Top trio returns for Falcons Cox should be a high-scoring squad on the strength of Sara Hon, Elizabeth Mancini and Casey Vest – three all-around performers who can score 37s or higher. Toss in Jill Holwick, Megan Landis and Erinn Crespo – three who can put up 36 or higher – and you’ve got the making of a state contender.

Meet the Tigers’ new coach Former Deep Creek standout Melissa Suter is the new coach at Oscar Smith.

Burke highlights Dolphins Meaghan Burke is making a pitch for Ocean Lakes. The starter for the Dolphins’ softball team leads returning state qualifiers Victoria Easter and Micailya Mattson, and a squad that includes six new gymnasts.

Not standing Pat First Colonial continues to make strides under the coaching direction of former National Elite gymnast Katie McFarland. The Patriots have no private-club performers, yet have managed to finish in the top half of the tough Beach District in each of McFarland’s four seasons.