Gymnast-A-Cats continue to excel

Published 9:38 am Tuesday, June 5, 2012

SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE Bainbridge Gymnast-A-Cats recently competed in the Level 2 Georgia state championships. Shown are, left to right, Kennedy Jester, Marbella Rich, Emily Grace Tuten, Laney McRae and Kate McRae. Not pictured is Caitlin Shepard.

Local gymnasts from the Bainbridge Gymnast-A-Cats team continue to post solid showings in regional and state competitions. The Gymnast-A-Cats are coached by Melynda Murkerson.

Emily Perkins, competing on the Level Eight level, participated in the Southeast Regional meet in Orlando, Fla. Perkins competed against gymnasts from eight southeastern states.

Perkins finished eighth on the vault and bars, placed 11th on the beam and floor, while posting an 11th place finish all-around.

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In Sugar Hill, Ga., the Prep Optional Beginner team competed in the AAU state championship.

Annie Bridges won gold medals on the beam and the floor, finished second on the vault and the bars and won first place all-around. Laura Lynn Gordon, in her age group, won gold medals in all four exercises while winning the all-around gold medal.

Paige Stegall finished first on the vault and the bars, second on the floor, and fourth on the beam. She won the silver medal all around.

The Prep Optional Beginner team, with strong performances from these three competitors, finished second in the state as a team.

The Level Two gymnasts also competed the state championships in Sugar Hill. The team placed fifth out of 50 teams from around the state.

Lainey McRae was the all-around state champion in her age group, while Kate McRae finished third all-around. Marbella Rich finished fourth all-around in the state in her age division.

Kennedy Jester finished first in all four events while winning the all-around championship and Caitlin Shephard won the all-around silver medal. Emily Grace Tuten finished a solid 10th all-around in the state competition.