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Giant Gymnastics' 3rd annual Gator Bowl

| 08 Jan 2014 | 12:12
    Front Row: Shea Cina and Meghan Smith, of Sparta, Megan Ward, of Fredon, Jadyn DePaolo, of Wantage, Ciara Peselli, of Newton, Cameron Volpe, of Hampton and Katerina Hlywa, of Fredon. Second row: Tori Frisbie, of Sandyston, Dara DePaolo, of Wantage, Emily Rodriguez, of Stillwater, Marguerite Bysshe, of Sparta, Caroline Dietz, of Lafayette, Reese Abrams, of Sparta, Rebecca Rodriguez, of Stillwater. Back row: Morgyn Witt, of Newton, Audrey Biss, of Sparta, Kaitlin Peccia, of Lafayette, Gianna Macones, and Kelly Hurley, of Sparta.
    Front Row: Shea Cina and Meghan Smith, of Sparta, Megan Ward, of Fredon, Jadyn DePaolo, of Wantage, Ciara Peselli, of Newton, Cameron Volpe, of Hampton and Katerina Hlywa, of Fredon. Second row: Tori Frisbie, of Sandyston, Dara DePaolo, of Wantage, Emily Rodriguez, of Stillwater, Marguerite Bysshe, of Sparta, Caroline Dietz, of Lafayette, Reese Abrams, of Sparta, Rebecca Rodriguez, of Stillwater. Back row: Morgyn Witt, of Newton, Audrey Biss, of Sparta, Kaitlin Peccia, of Lafayette, Gianna Macones, and Kelly Hurley, of Sparta.
    Megan Ward, of Fredon, competes.
    Megan Ward, of Fredon, competes.
    Gianna Macones, of Sparta, on the balance beam.
    Gianna Macones, of Sparta, on the balance beam.

Hackettstown — Coming off the heels of the 3rd annual Gator Bowl, Giant Gymnastics’ gymnasts were hard at work while other kids were hard at play over the holiday break.

This was the third year that owners John Skorski and Jennifer Packard saw their two gym locations, Giant Gymnastics of Sparta and Hackettstown, compete with each other. Hosted by the Hackettstown Gators, the two teams competed in this important first meet that allows them to walk away with something much more important than ribbons and metals — feedback directly from the judges’ mouths.

This year, the Garden Gators of Sparta boast a team of 10 Copper-level, five Bronze-level and four Silver-level gymnasts, ranging from ages seven to 17. Though the focus of this meet for them is the knowledge they gain from the judges, they all also received their scores for the four events: uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise and vault. All totaled, the team took home 16 of the coveted scores of nine or better — 12 of which were on the vault.

Even more exciting for Skorski and Packard was the camaraderie shown between the coaches and gymnasts from both of their gyms. The week before the meet, the gymnasts were all presented with the name of a gymnast from the sister gym. The coaches and girls then took time out at practice to create cards for their person. After the two teams warmed up, the girls ran around looking for their “pen pal” to present the handmade cards wishing them a successful season. “We started the good luck exchanges to bring unity to the sister gyms," said Packard. "Even though they are from two different locations, they are all still proud Garden Gators!”

“It’s a great feeling to start the season off with positive support from all the gymnasts, no matter which gym they are from.”

For more information about upcoming meets, classes, clinics, birthday parties and special events, please visit Giant Gymnastics online at www.giantgymnastics.com or call 973-579-9400.