This past weekend the Waterville YMCA gymnastics team hosted the Maine USA Junior Olympic State Championships. Seven teams from around the state (Biddeford, Kennebunk, Rockport, Fairfield, Ellsworth, Rumford, Waterville/Augusta and Lincoln County) traveled to the Alfond Youth Center over two days to compete for Maine’s top honors after a five month competitive season.

Meet Highlights: Along with the 1st place championship honors came the news that Maddy Russ, level 7, was selected as a member of the Super 7 Team. She will represent Maine at the USAG Regional Meet this spring. Emma Markowitz is the level 4 floor exercise champion for Maine. Kadence Rogers had a strong meet finishing 5th all around at level 4.

Level 7, Age 12: Maddy Russ of Damariscotta came in 1st on vault with a 9.35; 1st on bars with a 9.425; 2nd on beam with an 8.575, came in 2nd with a 9.3 on floor exercise. All around awards had Maddy Russ in 1st place. The Waterville Gymnastics Level 7 Team came in 2nd place.

Level 4, Age 9: Kadence Rogers of Nobleboro came in 5th on bars with an 8.925 and came in 5th on floor exercise with an 8.85. Kadence placed 5th all around out of 11 gymnsts.

Level 4, Age 11: Emma Markowitz of Barters Island, Boothbay, came in 7th on vault with an 8.4; came in 5th on bars with an 8.925; came in 7th on beam with an 8.675; came in 1st on floor exercise with a 9.325. Emma placed 3rd all around in the state.

Level 7 gymnast Reed Gulden and Xcel platinum gymnast Katie Colomb were unable to compete due to illness and Emma Hall is still out with a back injury.