The Murkerson Gymnast-A-Cats began their competition season this year in September. Coach Melynda Murkerson has extensive years of experience training gymnasts. Her gymnasts compete in both AAU and USA leagues. This gives the gymnasts more of a variety for competitions. The AAU is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, sports organizations in the United States. As a multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs. USA leagues compete professionally and on collegiate levels. This sport is year round with routine practices up to three times a week depending on the girls’ individual level.

At the Sunbelt Shindig in Moultrie on 9/29/18, twelve out of the fifteen Bainbridge gymnasts scored in top three of their all-around divisions. Level one gymnasts placed with all around medalists Jayla Florence 1st, Sarah Lewis 1st, Sage Russell 2nd, Jasmine Cruz 2nd, Carrington Smith 3rd, and Anna Carnes 5th. Level three gymnasts placed with all around medalists Emily Engram 1st, Kaylee Klesko 2nd, Kara Overman 2nd, Aubry Phillips 4th, Ava Godwin 6th. Level six gymnasts placed with all around medalists Anniston Brown 1st, Bansi Patel 2nd, Bailey Nunnery 3rd, and Dhara Patel 4th.

The Macon meets are always good competition due to its location. Gymnasts are able to come from all over the state. This gives the gymnast a wide variety of teams to challenge themselves against. There was an average of 250 gymnasts at the Macon meet with Team Scores in top 5 at both meets. At the Macon Wheel of Champs on 10/28/18, all around results were level one: Jaskie Cruz 1st, Sage Russell 1st, Jaylah Florence 2nd, Sarah Lewis 2nd, Carrington Smith 3rd, and Anna Carnes 4th. The level three all around results were Emily Engram 1st, Kaylee Klesko 6th, Aubry Phillips 7th, and Kara Overman 7th.

In November the Gymnast-a-cats competed in the Judges Cup in Roswell Georgia where they won over 75 medals and 1st place Team Award.

In January the team traveled to Macon Georgia for the second time of the season winning 1st place trophies in levels 1 and 7.

January 2nd and 3rd, the team competed in Thomasville Georgia where once again they were outstanding, placing 2nd in three different levels (Xcel Bronze, Xcel Silver, and level 7 USA).