More than 2,400 gymnasts from across the nation descended on Toledo, OH for the 2018 National Gymnastics Championships. From June 27-30, gymnasts from 105 different gyms came to test their skills in what is, by far, the largest meet of the season, and the culmination of a year of tough training and commitment.

The Wilton YMCA was represented by 25 gymnasts, varying from level 3 to level 8, and brought home a total of 46 medals, 12 All Around titles, 14 top 10 All Around placements, and a Top 10 Team banner.

While in Toledo, the Wilton athletes were able to take part in several team-building activities, ranging from zip lining at the Toledo Zoo, glass blowing at a local studio, watching a Toledo Mudhens AAA baseball game–where Wilton’s very own Elly Fahey and coach Todd Bucaro got to throw out the first pitches–and dare deviling at Cedar Point. And while coach Tom Jagelka was unable to attend the event in person, the team brought him along in spirit and in heart–and face masks.

Level 3

Experiencing a National meet for the first time, the Level 3 gymnasts held their own. In the Child division, Tess D’Andraia scored 9.150 on floor. Grace Jeanes scored an impressive 9.450 on floor for 6th and finished in the top half of the division.

In the Senior division, Abigail Schmitt scored 9.050 on vault and floor.

Level 4

With the girls split into two squads competing on the competition floor at once, the level 4 gymnasts cheered on their teammates from across events and took home five All Around Titles. In the Child division, Taylor Archambeau nabbed the title of Floor Champion with an impressive 9.475, placed 3rd on bars (9.1), 9th on beam, and finished 4th AA. Cailyn Cruickshank had a fabulous meet, placing 3rd on vault, 7th on beam, and 9th on floor (9.275), with an 11th AA finish.

In the Junior division, Kaelyn Talisse finished 4th on vault, scored 9.050 on floor, and placed 10th AA. Teagan Stengrim’s steady poise led to a score of 9.10 for 7th on beam. Lauren Condon’s flowing floor routine scored 9.275 and landed her on the podium for 5th place.

In the Senior division, Jeni Von Bartheld wowed on beam with 9.125 (2nd) and bars with 9.050 (3rd) to place 5th AA. Ella Arghirescu’s strong bars routine earned a 9.0 for 5th, placed 7th on vault, scored 9.050 on floor, and finished 6th AA. First time National competitor Ella Mancuso was 4th on beam (9.125) 5th on bars (9.0), and placed 7th AA. Elly Fahey’s strength and speed earned her 4th on vault, 8th on floor (9.175), 9th on bars, and a 10th AA finish. Nina Ferrucci finished 10th on vault and beam, and Maddie Mosquera’s graceful moves earned 5th on beam (9.075) and 7th on floor (9.20).

Level 5

Alyssa Mariani’s first experience at Nationals brought success with 3rd on vault, 5th on floor (9.0), 8th on beam, and a medal for 8th AA.

Level 6

Level 6 came to win, and win they did, taking home 6 All Around Titles, and finishing 6th out of all Level 6 teams. In the Child division, Ashley Umhoefer was unstoppable, taking the titles of Beam Champion (9.550) and Vault Champion (9.250), placing 2nd on bars (9.125) and floor (9.275), and was crowned the undisputed All Around Champion.

In the Junior division, Alyssa Smeriglio was all laser focus, winning the titles of Bars Champion (9.050), Beam Champion (9.375) and Floor Champion (9.350), and finishing 2nd AA. Veteran National competitor Alyson Scheurkogel placed 4th on beam (9.275), 6th on bars, and placed 5th AA. Donna Stepnowsky brought her A game on bars, scored 9.1 on floor (8th) and 9.175 on beam (6th), and finished 9th AA. Grace Condon took home 5th place medals on beam (9.225) and floor (9.150).

In the Senior division, Kaylie Berghaus wowed the crowd with 3rd on bars, 2nd on beam (9.325), took home the title of National Floor Champion (9.275) and finished 2nd All Around. Ava Walker won the title of National Beam Champion with near flawless beam routine (9.40), placed 9th on bars, 10th on floor, and was 4th AA. Michaela Kane placed 2nd on floor with a beautiful routine (9.10), 4th on bars, and finished 7th AA.

Level 8

First timer Olivia Mannino placed 9th on bars with an 8.950, and Mia Karlehag placed 4th on vault with a difficult and newly learned Tsukahara vault.