Westfield Gymnastics Team Secures 8th Title As County Champs

The Westfield Gymnastics team came out on top during Friday’s Union County Championships for the eighth year in a row.

The Girls also accomplished the highest score of any team in the state this season and broke the county record, with 112.15 points.

Assistant Varsity Coach, Amanda Diaz, attributed the success to the dedication each girl has had to improving on their weak points, as well as team spirit.

“Aside from all the hard work at practices and staying focused throughout the competition; the competitors had the support of their teammates,” she explained. “The WHS gymnastics team demonstrates great sportsmanship, spirit, and motivation. The team was pumped up and ready to win.”

Diaz added that Westfield has a huge strength in the difficulty of each girl’s routines.

Head Varsity Coach, Melissa Greenwald, announced just a day before the tournament that she would be retiring from coaching the team.

The two main goals Diaz and Greenwald have for this season are to come in first at sectionals and place in the top 5 teams at States, Diaz added.

Sectionals are coming up in November, where all the girls are qualified to face Bishop Ahr.

“Bishop Ahr is going to be a challenge for us but every team likes a little competition,” Diaz said. “Bishop Ahr is a talented team but if our girls stay focused and hit every routine like they did in counties; the competition will be close.”

Diaz explained that until the sectionals, the girls have time to break down routines, focus on every jump and perfect every skill.

Some of the standout gymnasts on the team include, Abby Cook, Jenna Rizkalla, Mae Devin and Hannah Goldring, she added.

Congrats to the Blue Devils!