By Sapna Pathak
Staff Writer

Neighborhood News/Bruce Preston Ashley Reade, a freshman at John Stark Regional High School, was the only gymnast competing for the Generals at the state championships on Feb. 11. Reade finished 32nd with 31.025 total points, including her highest score of 8.325 on the vault.

Neighborhood News/Bruce Preston Central’s Nicole Simoneau scored a 10.0 on the balance beam during the state gymnastics championships in Salem. The junior’s perfect score on the beam helped her to the all-around title as well.

More than 150 gymnasts representing 38 schools gathered to compete in this year's NHIAA state gymnastics championships at Salem High School.

The day-long event welcomed high school teams and individual athletes from across New Hampshire on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Blue Devils head coach Ginny Lavallo said the best part of the day was watching girls who don't have private studio training compete.

“It's their one big day,” said Lavallo. “Some of these girls go out for the team as freshmen to try something new, and this is their time to be a part of the competition and shine.”

Local teams, athletes triumph

While first place went to Pinkerton Academy of Derry with 143.5 points, Trinity of Manchester took second with 138.975 points. Salem placed third with 135.950 points and Concord finished fourth with 133.825 points. Manchester Central rounded out the top five with 132.775 points.

Central's Nicole Simoneau was expected to win the all-around. The junior met the challenge, posting an all-around score of 38.625, including a perfect 10.0 on the balance beam.

As a freshman, Simoneau won the all-around. Last year, a back injury limited Simoneau to competing on the beam only, where she broke a school record and placed first.

“I'm glad I even have the chance to compete for the allaround (this year),” said Simoneau, who, despite having more than 10 years of private lessons, won't critique her teammates because she sees herself as an equal. “Some girls don't have enough training or talent to be a competitor in the tournament, so I'm happy I have the right gymnastics background for people to think I have a chance to win.”

Meg Norklun, who coaches all three Manchester public schools, said Simoneau is one of the most modest and humble gymnasts she's ever met. Norklun also watched as Manchester Memorial placed 12th with 106.0 points, and individuals from Manchester West earned the Blue Knights 20th place with 55.075 points.

Kate Moody of Trinity placed fifth overall, with a score of 35.7. Bow's Stephanie Cormier was ninth, with 35.35 points.

Battling the butterflies

Jen Acheson represented Pembroke Academy. Acheson said she was nervous since this was her first state meet competing by herself.

Two years ago, Acheson was at the meet with her sister. Last year, a broken hand prevented Acheson from participating in the competition.

“I get very nervous before each event,” said Acheson. “The nerves won't go away until I'm doing the event. There's not a whole lot I can do to calm them beforehand. Being here by myself is also tough; any athlete thrives off her teammates' support.”

Ashley Reade was the lone gymnast from John Stark of Weare. Reade, a freshman, also dealt with a bout of the nerves.

“It's my first time here. There's so many other girls here,” said Reade. “I'm nervous, but I'll listen to music or give myself pep talks. It's easier to stay confident when you have a team with you.”

First-time gymnast Michelle Fetcheau of Hooksett competed in two events for Central. The freshman said she joined the team to meet new people and receive a solid workout.

“All these girls have so many years of training,” said Fetcheau. “I didn't even think I could measure up. But I'm in two events and I plan on being on the team next year.”

The impact of every point

Bow head coach Jim Burk said the most frustrating part of gymnastics involves the scoring system, where meets are won by tenths of a point.

The Falcons were seeded fifth behind Concord. But according to Burk, Bow knew it wouldn't finish in the top five due to the number of schools – with larger talent pools – in attendance.

Stu Goldstein coaches Concord High, a program that annually competes for top-five positioning. Goldstein said it's a pressure meet and every fraction of a point is crucial. When a squad struggles at the state championships, the impact on its score is often more damaging than any other competition during the season, he added.

“Bars have given us a problem all year,” said Goldstein. “But the judges are ridiculous; this isn't a national competition. They're judging like it's the Olympics, and losing little fractions of points is killing us.”

Bow came in eighth with 126.275 points, while several individuals representing local schools put points on the board.

Goffstown was 23rd with 49.7 points; Pembroke was 31st with 32.55 points; and John Stark was 32nd with 31.025 points. Julia Lynch earned 34th place for Hopkinton High with 25.075 points.

“It's a long day but it's worth it,” said Lavallo. “Seeing how much work these girls put in, it might put some other athletes to shame. The sport has grown so much in the past 10 years – this competition's here to stay.”