The North Suburban YMCA Gymnastics Team competed in the 2012 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship Meet in Milwaukee, WI on June 29-July 1, and came home with an array of honors across age groups and levels.  The Opening Ceremony for the National Meet was held at the Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee, beginning with a parade of gymnasts through the grounds.  25 states were in attendance with over 1500 gymnasts competing over the course of the weekend.  Representing the NSYMCA were Level 4 gymnasts Carly Anderson, Tess Benson and Molly Fraser; and Level 5 gymnasts Bridget Billig, Liat Berkowitz, Riley McCarthy and Shea McCarthy. 

The level 4 girls competed in Session 2-Junior Division on June 30. Carly Anderson won the All-Around National Champion Title with a score of 37.275, as well as being crowned Bars (9.55) and Floor (9.625) National Champion.  Tess Benson was awarded Vault National Champion with a 9.75, a second place finish on Floor (9.535), and 5^th place All-Around with a 36.250.  Molly Fraser joined her teammates on the awards podium with an 8^th place finish on Floor.

On July 1, the Y’s Level 5 gymnasts competed in three different age divisions.  In the child division, Bridget Billig and Shea McCarthy stood on the podium with 2^nd and 3^rd places on Floor.  Bridget’s score of 9.125 earned 2^nd place, while Shea’s 9.050 was 3^rd.  They again were next to each other at the All Around awards, with Bridget coming in 9^th and Shea in 10^th place.

In the Level 5 Junior Division, Riley McCarthy placed 2nd  on Floor, 5^th on Bars, and 4^th on Vault and All Around.

In the Senior Division, Liat Berkowitz finished the meet strong as the new Ntional Champion for All Around and Beam. She also earned a 2nd place finish on Floor and 3rd place on Vault. 

The NSYMCA Gymnastics Team is coached by Carol Sassorossi, Jenna Norman, Rachel Elfant and Maggie Kopp.  Training at the Y’s facility at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, the NSYMCA Competitive Team is the culmination of the Y’s progressive developmental gymnastics program that begins with pre-school programs. Gymnasts on the team train on compulsory routines and travel to competitions in the YMCA league.

“The National Meet setting was very exciting,” commented Sassorossi. “Our girls amazed us this weekend, and we are so proud of all their hard work and determination.”

About the North Suburban YMCA

The YMCA is a not-for-profit entity and relies on donations to fund capital improvements and keep its programs available to all, including those facing financial hardship. All board members are community volunteers, who donate their time, talents and financial resources.  Located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, the YMCA has served area families in its twelve-city region for over 40 years.  The Y is about youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, providing programs and services that meet the needs of our community and are accessible to all.  For more information or to make a donation call Tara Bilby at 847-272-7250, tbilby@nsymca.org, or visit www.nsymca.org.