YMCA of Wayne gymnasts have strong showing at state
Recently competing at the USA Gymnastics Ohio State Championship in Columbus were YMCA of Wayne County gymnasts Gabby Mullen, left, Allison Mullen, Carmela Duta, Lena Weisner, Adalyn Kiefer and Kassidy Kartisek.
In late March the Wayne County Gym Giants of the YMCA of Wayne County had six gymnasts compete in the 2024 USA Gymnastics Ohio State Championship in Columbus. The team had six gymnasts participate in the USAG competition season, with all six gymnasts qualifying for the state competition by achieving an all-around score of 32 at a prior USAG competition.
Representing WCGG in Level 7, Senior Age Group, Kassidy Kartisek finished ninth all-around with a 36.525, and her highest event placement was on vault, where she scored a 9.475 and placed fifth.
Level 8, Junior Age Group gymnasts Allison Mullen and Adalyn Kiefer both gave strong performances. Mullen was fourth all-around with a 36.425 and a 9.1 on beam and second place. Kiefer finished 11th all-around with a 35.775, and her highest event placement was on vault, where she scored a 9.4 and placed second.
Lena Weisner represented the team in the Level 8, Senior Age Group (14-year-olds). Weisner finished fourth all-around with a 35.375, and her highest event placement was on floor with a 9.150, good for fourth. Level 8, Senior Age Group (15-16 year olds) gymnasts were Carmela Duta and Gabby Mullen. Duta finished fifth all-around with a 35.900, and her highest event placement was third on bars with a 9.450. Mullen finished ninth all-around with a 34.675, and her highest event placement was on beam, where she scored an 8.825 and placed third.
The team is coached by Jess Darling, and meet participation is made possible by Meet Director Matt Darling. All WCGG gymnasts who competed in the Ohio State Championship qualified for the USAG Regional Championship by achieving a required minimum all-around score for their level.
In addition to their qualifying scores, Allison Mullen, Duta and Kartisek have been appointed to Team Ohio, where their regional performance will count toward Ohio’s overall placement.
To learn more about the YMCA of Wayne County gymnastics program for all ages and levels, visit ymcawayne.org/programs/gymnastics.