The Rising Stars Gymnastics Optional Levels 7-10 teams skirted the latest winter storm as they road tripped to Iowa City.  There they competed at the 2013 IGN Winter Wonderland Invitational on February 23, 2013.  

In gymnastics, each gymnast competes for her individual scores and awards.  Samantha Chang’s balance and dance shone with her high scores on Beam (9.05) and Floor (9.40).  Victoria Gardner topped off on Vault (9.375 – 3^rd Jr A), Beam (9.225 – 1^st Jr A), Floor (9.375 – 3^rd Jr A), and 2^nd All-Around (Jr A).  Lucy Gibbs shone on Beam (9.35 – 2^nd Ch) and Floor (9.375).  Maria Landherr flew high on Vault (9.35).  Lindsey Malicki went 4 for 4 on her individual events turning in high scores for each: Vault (9.50 – 1^st Ch), Bars (9.20 – 1^st Ch), Beam (9.30 – 3^rd Ch), Floor (9.575 – 1^st Ch), and 1^st on All-Around.  To top off their individual achievements, the Level 7 teammates celebrated their collective success.  With each of the Level 7 contributing an individual score to the team total, they also collected winning the 1^st Place Level 7 Team Award.     

Spectators at gymnastics meets can immediately appreciate the physical strength, balance, and coordination demonstrated by the competing athletes.  High scores are awarded for those routines that have passed the meet judges critical evaluation.   Level 8 team members earned the following high scores: Emily Dorner on Beam (9.275 – 1^st Jr 12-14) and Floor (9.475 – 1^st Jr 12-14); Isabella Frattalone on Floor (9.10 – 2^nd Jr 11-12); and Emma Golden on Floor (9.25 – 2^nd Jr 12-14).  Level 9 gymnast, Isabella Mascia, landed all 4 events without a break and turned in high scores on Vault (9.15 – 3^rd Jr), Bars (9.075 – 1^st Jr), and Floor (9.175).

The Level 10 team celebrated the following high scores: Laura Broten on Vault (9.40) and Floor (9.375 – 3rd); Jessica Chiu on Vault (9.225) and Floor (9.25); Amy Enright on Vault (9.15); Brittany Hadj Romdhane on Vault (9.525 – 3rd), Beam (9.125 – 2^nd), and Floor (9.40 – 2nd); and Mary Jane Rott on Vault (9.775 – 1st), Bars (9.55 – 1st), and Beam (9.30 – 1st).  Equally important to celebrating each success, each gymnast demonstrated her fierce determination when forced to recover from a break in her routine.  As true competitors, each refocused and finished strong to the cheers of her teammates.

The Level 7-10 Rising Stars Gymnastics team members represent the communities of Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, Oakdale, Stillwater, and Woodbury.  The team competes next at their home meet before heading to the Levels 7-10 Minnesota State Meet in late-March.  These gymnasts train under the guidance of Pavel & Elena Miligoulo (head coaches) and Tiffany Mclean, Slava Miligoulo, Cassie Moltzan, and Sang-Jin Song.  For more information, call (651) 730-4376.