Wednesday, February 11, 2004

Ultimate gymnasts win big in Las Vegas

Six Fayette County gymnasts traveled to Las Vegas recently with the Ultimate Dream Academy of McDonough to compete in the Brown’s Las Vegas Lady Luck Invitational at the Tropicana Hotel.

Ultimate’s Level 7 won the Team Award with three of the four girls from Fayette County. Shannon Escarra of East Fayette Elementary placed second on uneven parallel bars and was fifth in all-around. Erica Smith of Whitewater Middle placed second on vault and was fourth in all-around. Casey Hill of Rising Starr Middle was first on uneven parallel bars, first on beam and first in all-around.

With just enough members to compete as a team, these young gymnasts flipped, twirled and swung themselves into first place in team finals, beating well known Brown’s Las Vegas.

“I just cried with excitement,” said head coach Tara Boone. “They were awesome and proved that they are one of the best Level 7 teams in the country. It was an awesome feeling to see four gymnasts do so well.”

Three of the Level 8 gymnasts, who are also from Fayette County, competed in different age groups and against stiff competition. Anna Watson of Whitewater Middle was in the younger age group and placed fourth on vault and 12th in all-around. In the older age group, Brandi Paullin of Fayette County High tied for third on vault and was ninth in all-around. Ashley Smith of Fayette County High was seventh on vault and finished the meet 11th in all-around.

“We are very blessed to have such talent in our gym,” said owner Denise Jordan. “Our gym has only been open for 10 months and I feel that our gym has the right mix to become a national name in the future.”

The Ultimate Dream Academy follows the USA Gymnastics curriculum. Ultimate is considered a positive environment that offers structure, discipline and championship coaching.

“If you have a dream of becoming a state, regional or national champion, our program can help you reach that goal,” said Jordan. “I am so proud of the team athletes and their dedication to the program.”

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