Watts set to complete great career

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

By: Rudy Brandl
   FLEMINGTON — When Hillsborough High senior Lauren Watts competes in the NJSIAA Gymnastics Championships on the Livingston College campus of Rutgers University Saturday, it will mark the end of the greatest four-year gymnastics career in school history.
   Watts, the school record holder in the all-around (38.1) and balance beam (9.675), added another great chapter to her fine scholastic resume in last weekend’s Central 2 Sectional Championships at Hunterdon Central. Watts won the uneven bars title (9.55), tied for second on the floor exercise (9.65) and finished third in the all-around (37.325).
   The HHS senior advanced to the state finals for the fourth straight year as a team competitor and qualified as an individual all-arounder for the third consecutive season. She missed the required 36.0 cut by fractions of a point as a freshman.
   Watts, who has won a Skyland Conference individual all-around title and posted a fourth-place state finish on floor during her scholastic career, is the Hillsborough Beacon Athlete of the Week.
   Hillsborough head coach Beth Murrin has enjoyed watching Watts mature and develop into one of the state’s best in the past four years. Despite all her individual accolades, Watts isn’t concerned about personal victories. She’s always been the consummate team player.
   "She’s the epitome of a team gymnast," Murrin said. "She’s grown a lot as a gymnast. She pushes herself more at practice and she does everything. She’s always so excited for her teammates, even when they beat her on something. She knows that just makes our team better."
   Watts was thrilled to finish Saturday’s sectional meet with a big-time floor routine. Her flying tricks and perfect landings capped a stellar team performance on the floor after the Raiders struggled on the balance beam. Watts fell off the beam and that 0.5 deduction cost her the all-around title. She put that fall behind her and did what she does best.
   "I just tried to have fun out there," Watts said. "Your performance looks so much better if you look like you’re enjoying yourself. I didn’t feel any pressure at all. I just went out and had fun."
   Watts is looking forward to her final state meet, where she hopes to lead the Raiders to a state team title. How would she like to exit the scholastic gymnastics stage?
   "I just want to actually hit all my events on the same day," Watts said.
   If she does, look for Watts somewhere on the champions’ podium.