Local Gymnasts Shine on the Big Stage

GOFFSTOWN, NH — Several area athletes had outstanding performances in early July at the YMCA National Gymnastics Championships held in Long Beach, CA, according to a press statement. Representing the YMCA Allard Center at the completion - which featured 2,000 athletes from more than 100 YMCAs across the United States - were Emily Connors (Derry), Jennie Ess (Bow), Carabeth Norklun (Goffstown), Hannah Pilloni (Goffstown), Isabella Scarpetti (Manchester), Annie Schulmann (Bedford) and Catherine Tilton (Goffstown).

“All of the team performed very well in a high profile event,” said Meg Norklun, coach of the YMCA’s Gymnastics Team and Director of Gymnastics at the YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown. “They faced top competitors from across the country and did a wonderful job of representing themselves and our program.”

Despite the cross-country travel and the size and scope of the event, the team placed well in the level 8 event, said Norklun.

Among the standouts were Connors, who placed 1st on the Vault, 3rd on the Bars and 5th on the Floor Exercises; Scarpetti, who placed 3rd on the Beam; Pilloni who placed 5th on the Beam and 12th on the Vault and Ess, who placed 11thon the Floor Exercises.

“This sport takes a tremendous amount of dedication and this team personified that,” said Norklun. “We’re all so very proud of them.”

Norklun, who directs the Gymnastics Program at the YMCA, has been part of the association for more than 20 years as a coach and mentor. She says that while success on the gymnastics mat is one measure, the value of collaboration and team work are equally important at the YMCA.

“Our core values focus on strengthening bodies and minds,” she noted. “This team- and our other teams at the YMCA- are shining examples of that important connection.”

One of the largest in the state, the Gymnastics Program at the YMCA Allard Center serves members as young as six months old through adult and seniors. Earlier this year, the program also hosted a regional championship held at St. Anselm College which drew competitors from throughout the Northeast.

“Interest in the sport is growing, particularly given that this in an Olympic year,” said Norklun. “Our program is open to all from beginner to expert, there truly is something for anyone who wants to get involved with this wonderful sport.”

For information about the offerings at the YMCA, visit graniteymca.org or contact Norklun at 603-232.8661 or via email at megnorklun@graniteymca.org.

Caption: Coach Meg Norklun, Catherine Tilton (Goffstown), Annie Schulman (Bedford), Carabeth Norklun (Goffstown), Jennie Ess (Bow), Hannah Pilloni (Goffstown), Isabella Scarpetti (Manchester), Emily Connors (Derry)

Submitted by Chris Dugan.