scoring more than 100 points a meet
Bishop Ahr girls fight to defend No. 1 rank
Gymnastics team
scoring more than 100 points a meet
BY SHAWN LAYTON
Staff Writer
EDISON — In a sport in which victories can be determined by a tenth of a point, the Bishop Ahr gymnastics team is dominating the competition.
Last week’s meet against the North Brunswick Raiders gave the Trojans their fifth victory in as many meets, as the girls prevailed impressively, 108.15-73.40.
In addition to an unblemished record and resting atop the Greater Middlesex Conference, the Lady Trojans are currently ranked number one in the state. Coach Brant Lutska’s team is scoring at least 108 points per meet and took first place at the Pioneer Classic held earlier this year at Somerville High School.
At the Pioneer Classic, eight teams from the state competed for top honors and the Lady Trojans beat the competition by three points.
"The team is healthy, working hard, dedicated, and willing to give their all," Lutska said. "I am sure they are going to finish the season well. This is a team that really cares about each other and really wants the best for each member. With continued work and devotion this team will be in contention for the state championship."
In the recent meet against North Brunswick, two of Lutska’s gymnasts recorded two of the highest scores in the state this season. Junior Caitlin Miller scored a 9.40 on the balance beam and senior Kristen Carroll scored a 9.45 on the floor. In addition, freshman Ashley Anne Chosney won the all-round competition with a 9.0 or better for each event.
What makes the Lady Trojans so tough to beat is their well-rounded attack.
Senior co-captain Kristin McRell has a team high score on the bars with a 9.50, senior co-captain Kristen Carroll scored a team high 9.45 on the floor, sophomore Jill Dean leads the team on the beam with a 9.45, and sophomore Robyn Douglass scored a 9.0 on the vault this year and a 9.25 on the floor.
Before the GMC Championships in which the conference champion will be determined, the Lady Trojans will meet conference rivals Piscataway and Old Bridge. The championships will take place on Oct. 23 at Old Bridge High School.
After the conference tournament, the Lady Trojans will have nearly a month to prepare for the state finals at Rutgers University on Nov. 15. At the state championships, the top 10 teams in the state compete for the ultimate prize. Last year’s team finished ninth.
"Last year we lost Kristin McRell and Jill Dean because of injuries," Lutska said. "This year with a healthy team we hope to do much better," added Coach Lutska. "This team wants to do well in the state championships. We’ve been there before and this year we are determined."
With the other top teams in the state all looking to knock off the Lady Trojans, Coach Lutska knows it isn’t time for his girls to rest on their laurels.
"Everyone must continue to push themselves to be the best that they can be. The girls must continue to set goals and attain them," Lutska said.