WHS 2016 Gymnastics Team: Season Recap

by Carolione Logozzo (16)

The Wethersfield High School gymnastics team participated in their Class M State competition on February 27th at Pomperaug High School.  Wethersfield’s final score was a 133.350 resulting in a fourth place finish.

 There were high hopes for the Wethersfield gymnastics team, for if they were in class S, there was a high chance of them placing in the top 3.  Unfortunately, the team got into Class M this year, which was a very competitive class.  Seeing that the top seven qualifying teams were all within a three-point range, the placings at states were anyone’s game.  The team was up and ready for the challenge.

Wethersfield’s goal was to walk away from the meet with medals around their neck, but they fell short of that goal.  They lost to third place by .675 points to Fairfield Ludlowe.  Regardless of not reaching their goal, they weren’t discouraged as they had a great overall season.
One of Wethersfield’s top gymnasts and State Open qualifier, Hailey Olesen, reflects back on the season, as she said, “I am also very proud of my team, we reached our goal, beat Glastonbury, and placed 4th”.  Wethersfield’s goal as a team was to reach a 136 by the end of the season, and they achieved a 136.9 against Glastonbury for the win.  Wethersfield hadn’t beaten Glastonbury in over 8 years, so it was a huge milestone for the team.

 Along with a great season, three of Wethersfield’s gymnasts qualified for the State Open competition, which was held on March 5th at New Milford High School.  Hailey Olesen, as mentioned before, and a sophomore, Abby Sullivan, qualified in all-around.  Senior Taylor Garrey qualified as well for beam.

 As a senior, that was the last time Olesen was going to compete for a high school team.  She reflects on the bitter-sweet ending as she says, “I was able to make friends with amazing people and see them all of the time, and I had an amazing coach. I am truly going to miss it.”

 Wethersfield’s head coach, Ashley Curreri, is extremely proud of her team this past season.  She said, “I thought this season went extremely well.  The team accomplished both individual and team goals allowing us to finish the season on a high note.  I couldn’t be more proud of this group of young ladies”.

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