Gurnee gymnasts achieve success

The Trampoline and Tumbling Team from Ultimate Gymnastics of Gurnee is bringing its successful season to a close with a number of athletes gearing up to compete at the national level.

In addition, the team has added five state champions to its impressive list of achievements.

The successes began at the recent USTA Illinois State Championships, held in Joliet. Twelve members of the team were in action, competing for spots in the top 10 in each level and age group. This achievement would mean qualification for the upcoming national championships.

The Ultimate athletes who placed in the top 10 were Iszabelle Winston, Zitelli Bracamontes, Lydia Schwarz, Holly Merlock, Grace Ambrose, Alexandra Samonds, Paul Coleman, Mackenzie Fontana, Madeline Rajski, Gina Bernardini, Sarah Balwierczak, Amanda Stautz and Karis Kovacs. They were set to compete at nationals in Charleston, W.V., in June.

In addition, the Ultimate team also traveled to Chatham, Ill, at the end of May for the AAU Regional State Meet. About 600 athletes from the region were competing for the chance to go to the Junior Olympics to be held in New Orleans, La., at the end of July. The successful team members were Holly Merlock, Amanda Stautz, Lucy Tarcha, Karis Kovacs, Gina Bernardini, Shannon McDermott and Paul Coleman.

Ultimate’s five state champions are:

Ÿ Sarah Balwierczak: Trampoline

Ÿ Lucy Tarcha: Double Mini

Ÿ Amanda Stautz: Trampoline

Ÿ Gina Bernardini: Trampoline

Ÿ Karis Kovacs: Trampoline and Double Mini

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