Salem Observer : Salem, gymnastics

Salem’s deep gymnastics team takes another state title by big margin

Salem Editor — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:14:00 GMT

The Salem girls gymnastics team followed Pinkerton throughout the state gymnastics championship meet at Salem High on Saturday, Feb. 21. Yet ultimately, each New Hampshire team found itself in a familiar place – following the Blue Devils in search of the state title.

The hosts won their third straight crown and eighth overall with 136.2 points, and they did it handily, defeating Pinkerton, the No. 2 seed entering the meet, by nearly four points. The Astros’ total of 132.625 was precisely two points better than Central.

Pelham, which placed 12th as a team, received a fine performance from senior Chelsea I’Anson, who was seventh in the all-around among individuals and won the beam (please see the story on Page B-2).

SHS head coach Ginnie La- Vallo said the Blue Devils generally perform well on beam and dominate the floor exercise, but they struggle at times on vault and uneven bars.

Salem, paired with Pinkerton throughout the afternoon session, began its title quest on vault, then moved to bars. If the Blue Devils stumbled on either or both, the Astros and Little Green were waiting to pounce. They’re still waiting.

“The vault has always been our downfall,” said LaVallo. “But they sure came through today.”

Salem won the vault with four top-20 efforts. Junior Shireen Kirata posted a 9.025 to take fourth, and senior captain Leeann Vadala was sixth. Those two competed in the all-around for SHS and joined with senior captain Jessica Maffeo, back from mononucleosis, and freshman Jamie Maffeo to tally 34.725 points in the event.

Vadala, sporting two knee braces to stabilize her from further injury, then posted the day’s highest score, earning a 9.4 on uneven bars. Jamie Maffeo finished sixth, Kirata tied for seventh, and sophomore Geena Terino also scored as Salem won bars as well. The rout was on.

“We’re certainly going to enjoy this one because who knows what happens next year,” said LaVallo, who added that the team’s depth ensured this season’s crowning achievement.

The program loses Jessica Maffeo and Vadala, who finished second to Spaulding’s Kaitlyn O’Brien for the individual all-around title, to graduation. In addition, Windham’s high school welcomes Jamie Maffeo and fellow freshmen Christy Theriault and Giana Contrada; all contributed in Salem’s pursuit of the championship, with Theriault’s ninth-place tie on floor and 12th-place tie on beam adding to the SHS score.

Vadala was sixth on beam, and Contrada and Kirata, a strong eighth in the state among all-around competitors, pumped up the team score. Jessica Maffeo and Taylor Buatti, a junior, competed on beam as well.

Buatti joined Vadala and the young Theriault among top- 10 finishers on floor, and Jamie Maffeo, 11th, also scored. Juniors Kirata, Jess Theriault and Buatti are eligible to return for Salem, as is Terino. LaVallo, though, said her two seniors, Jessica Maffeo and Vadala, are difficult to replace.

“They have been great leaders, even role models,” said the coach. “They do their own work and find time to help others. They’re exactly what you want in a captain.”

Meet notes
Spaulding’s O’Brien also scored a 9.4 on floor to match Vadala’s tally on bars. Salem was within one-half point of sweeping each team event, taking second on beam to Pinkerton before closing the tourney with the usual strong performance on floor.

One task left: Salem High School gymnasts must defend state title at familiar venue

Salem Editor — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:59:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

The Salem High School girls gymnastics team is hoping the third time is as charmed as the first two.

After wrapping up an undefeated regular season, the Blue Devils look for a third consecutive state championship and 15th overall on Saturday, Feb. 21, an event that takes place at Salem High School.

Ginnie LaVallo said the team came into the season with an improved attitude from last year, a scary prospect for Blue Devil opponents in the state meet.

“The girls really started with a different attitude this year and came out strong,” said the head coach. “They’re working harder, putting in new moves and cleaning up routines. We would really like to three-peat.”

On Thursday, Feb. 5, the Blue Devils defeated Pinkerton, Central and Keene to improve to 14-0 before defeating Dover and Pinkerton on Monday, Feb. 9, to conclude the regular season. SHS may prove even stronger at the title meet; captain Jess Maffeo should return after missing an extended period of time battling illness.

“She’ll do what she can,” said LaVallo. “If she can just do vault, than that’s what she’ll do. We’re just excited to hopefully be getting her back.”

The Feb. 9 meet allowed the Blue Devils to take some risks they normally avoid during regular-season competitions and give inexperienced gymnasts the chance to participate.

LaVallo said the 12-day layoff before the state championship should help the team reach full strength.

“It’s definitely a good thing,” said LaVallo. “When you have nagging injuries, an extra week can seem like a very long time.”

During the meet on Feb. 5, captain Leean Vadala earned first place on bars, second on floor and third on beam to take second in the all-around. Shireen Kirata placed second on beam for Salem, which won the event with an overall score of 132.2.

After such a dominant regular season, LaVallo said expectations are high for the state meet.

“I think this year, with such a good meet record, it’d be disappointing (not to win the state title), but not the only time it’s happened,” she said. “It’s just one day, and anything can happen.” LaVallo also said the team also enjoys the comfort of hosting the state meet.

“Having (won the last two titles) gives us a lot of experience,” said LaVallo. “Having the meet on our own equipment is nice too.”

Without captain, Salem High stages fine performance

Salem Editor — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:27:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Preparation wasn’t an option for the Salem High School boys gymnastics team.

Heading into its only scheduled home meet of the season on Thursday, Jan. 22, the Blue Devils received word late in the afternoon that team captain Sean Fallon would miss the competition because of illness.

Despite missing one of its top competitors, Salem eked out a 138.1-137.65 win over Andover, Mass., and cruised past Lowell, Mass., which scored 128.6 points.

Head coach Steve Needham said the Blue Devils improvised leading up to the meet, and several SHS athletes competed in events they had no experience in.

“If we didn’t have up to four competitors on the routines, we would have taken zeros. Nobody complained. They just did the best they could,” he said. “It was definitely hectic. There was a lot of running around. I was pretty nervous. I was surprised we could keep it that close and stay ahead.”

The team’s star, junior Nick Miles, stepped up, earning first place in every event that evening, which served as the team’s Senior Night.

Needham said having Miles on the team is especially important because of the amount of experience he brings to a sport that is a mystery to many male athletes.

“It always helps to have a kid on a high school team that’s been involved in gymnastics since they were young. He’s used to that,” said Needham. “A lot of the time he’ll leave (after our) practice and go to the gym for another practice. It’s nice to have a kid like that on the team.”

In the absence of Fallon, Dan Raymond stepped in to take part in the all-around competition, earning three second-place finishes and third place in the allaround competition.

Since Salem is the lone boys team in New Hampshire, the Blue Devils only compete against out-of-state foes, and they usually travel to do so. Still, Needham said he spoke with opposing coaches who expressed interest in setting up another meet in Salem.

“It’s difficult to be the only team in the state, because they don’t have a chance to go to a state meet or any end-of-the-year event like that,” said Needham. “But competition is competition, so we can’t complain about that.”

Needham is in the first year coaching the boys team, and said he plans on returning. “I think there is a future for the team, and I think it’s a lot of fun. I think gymnastics is misunderstood.

It’s a great sport, it gets you in great shape, and I think you have to be a special athlete to compete,” said Needham. “The girls team has a big tradition, and I’m just trying to keep up.”

Earning a win without one of its top competitors was not easy for the Blue Devils, but Needham said it was satisfying.

“Coming off this last meet, it says a lot about the team we have. We can go out and be competitive at any of our meets,” said Needham. “There isn’t any meet you can say we’re counting out. I’ll be excited to see what happens the rest of the year.”

Strong Salem gymnastics team seeks state title … again

Salem Editor — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:28:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Most high schools in New Hampshire would be happy to hang one or two championship banners from the gymnasium rafters. Salem, which has gobbled up Granite State glory in volleyball, basketball, field hockey and softball, may find it difficult to place its next banner.

Odds are good it’ll arrive courtesy of the Salem girls gymnastics team, which at 8-0 looks on track to add its third title in as many seasons – and eighth in the last 19. That fact won’t be lost on the competition.

The state championship annually takes place under those banner- laden rafters inside Salem’s Davis Gymnasium. This year is no exception.

“We lost five seniors, but we definitely still have the potential to do it again. We’ve had teams go undefeated and just have a bad day at the state championship in the past, and we’ve had other teams have their best day, so it just all depends on how we hit when it counts most,” said head coach Ginnie LaVallo. “Last year, we were at 135 (at the championship). The first meet this year we hit 133, so I think we’re not that far off. All the girls are working on adding difficulty to their routine, so if we can stay healthy, we definitely have a real chance to get back there.”

Yet health is a big “if.” Senior Leeann Vadala leads the current squad, but the effects of a dislocated knee suffered at last year’s state competition linger. Still, she’s already tallied a personal best on vault, tied her record on bars and scores 33 to 35 points each time out.

Vadala’s classmate and fellow captain, Jess Maffeo, has similar ability but is currently out with an illness and remains a question mark for the big meet on Feb. 21. LaVallo said both girls, when healthy, are among the state’s best in all four events – floor, vault, beam and uneven bars – and each can compete for the all-around crown.

Juniors Shireen Kirata and Taylor Buatti and freshmen Giana Contrada and Jaimie Maffeo also have the talent to garner individual accolades in each of the events.

“We have five or six girls who can each score over 30 points in the all-around, where a lot of teams don’t have any girls that can do that,” said LaVallo, who added sophomore Geena Terino has 30-point ability too. “Floor and beam are our strongest events. I don’t think you’re going to find too many teams that can beat us in those two events, but we do still have room to improve in bars and vault.”

Juniors Jess Theriault and Brittany Fetzner are likely to be factors this season, while freshmen Brittany Burke and Christy Theriault have already proven their ability to handle the pressure of high school gymnastics.

Two other ninth-graders, Natasia Dimario and Anna Kennelly, as well as sophomore Brianna Collins, may also contribute and should garner larger roles next year.

LaVallo said she and assistant coach Marianne Bemister have their hands full grooming the future of the program.

“We don’t cut, and this year we have 27 girls. That’s a big team,” said Lavallo. “A lot of these girls are pretty much newcomers to the sport, so we’re working hard on developing strength and basic skills.

“The varsity girls are really selfmotivated and hard working without having to be pushed. They’re really a very good example showing the younger kids what it takes to get to this level,” she continued. “We’re definitely losing some of our leaders, and especially with Windham High School (opening this fall and taking many wouldbe SHS student-athletes), we’re really looking for some of these girls to be ready to step right in next year.”

Team’s small roster yields big results for SHS

Salem Editor — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:19:00 GMT

By Ryan O’connor

Those formulating the rules must have had Nick Miles in mind when they put pen to paper.

At the annual Salem Invitational boys gymnastics tournament, which took place Saturday, Jan. 26, those competing in the all-around are not eligible to place in individual events.

“It’s to give everyone a shot,” said Salem coach Nate Hicks, a former standout gymnast for the Blue Devils. “They don’t want one person to run away with everything.”

Indeed, Miles would have sprinted out the door with wins in five of six events – floor, parallel bars, high bar, pommel horse and vault – and second place on rings – had the rule not been established.

Instead, he sprung, flipped and landed on top of the winner’s podium only once, holding the all-around title high in front of an exuberant home crowd with a total score of 50.7.

His closest competitor, Andover’s Aaron Davidovits, finished more than 10 points back with a 40.2.

Miles, who earned a 9.3 on vault, an 8.8 on pommel horse, an 8.7 on floor, an 8.6 on parallel bars, a 7.8 on high bar and a 7.5 on rings, was also named Outstanding Gymnast, an award presented to the athlete who exhibits the most impressive individual performance while showing team pride, team spirit and camaraderie among teammates and opposing gymnasts.

In the process, he led Salem to a third-place team finish with 153.8 points, behind Burlington’s 159.6 and Braintree’s 159.2.

What’s most impressive, said Miles, is Salem finished ahead of teams – Lowell and Attleboro, among others – with two, three and, in some cases, almost five times as many athletes.

Salem, for example, has nine gymnasts. Lowell has nearly 50.

“Everybody participated, and we had a lot of guys winning awards, and everyone out there participated in our finish,” said the sophomore.

Just as important as winning with fewer athletes, said Hicks, is representing New Hampshire as the Granite State’s lone boys high school gymnastics program.

“This is kind of like our States because obviously it’s here in Salem, whereas we usually have to go to Massachusetts to compete,” he said. “I wish there were more New Hampshire teams, but it’s really great to see our kids go out there and compete so well against some of the best Massachusetts has to offer.”

Sean Fallon, who didn’t compete for the all-around title at the Salem Invitational, despite participating in each event, earned a second-place 8.3 on floor and a second-place 8.4 on vault, ahead of teammate Danny Raymond, who finished third in the event with a 7.9.

Earlier in the week, the Blue Devils extended their dual-meet record to 2-1 by slaying Revere, 152.1-138.7.

Miles won the all-around with a 50.9.

He took first place in each event with a 9.4 on floor, a 9.2 on vault, a 9.0 on pommel horse, an 8.5 on parallel bars, a 7.6 on high bar and a 7.2 on rings.

Fallon finished second overall with a 39.9, placing second on vault with an 8.6; second on floor with a 9.2; second on high bar with a 6.7; and third on parallel bars with a 6.8.

Raymond earned third on vault with an 8.1 and took fourth on high bar and rings with a 5.0 and 4.8, respectively.

Foes floored

Salem Editor — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 14:48:00 GMT

BY SAPNA PATHAK

As another Salem High athletics program proved it’s the best in the state, a pleasant dilemma continues to grow for Blue Devils athletics director, Chris Bergeron: where can the school fit another championship banner inside Davis Gym?

Bergeron has some time to find a spot before the latest arrival, courtesy of the girls of Salem gymnastics.

The title came Saturday, Feb. 10, when Salem hosted the NHIAA Girls Gymnastics State Championship meet.

The Blue Devils upended last year’s champion, Pinkerton, with a final score of 135.050 points.

Entering the meet seeded second, behind top-ranked Concord, Salem’s senior captains said they were confident knowing they’d beaten Concord twice during the regular season.

“I felt like we had a good chance to win the whole thing, but we also knew we weren’t the best, according to the standings,” said senior Stephanie Belair. “Being in our home gym makes me more comfortable with the equipment, but it doesn’t take away the nerves. We put everything we can into the routines; we do the most for this one.”

Hosting 15 teams and more than 30 individuals from the Granite State, the meet was split into two sessions, morning and afternoon. Higher-seeded teams, including Salem, and individuals competed in the second session.

Salem sophomore Leeann Vadala and junior Jolina Diefendorf competed in the all-around, performing in all four events: vault, balance beam, bars and floor exercise.

“I was half-nervous and half-excited,” said Vadala of her first time as an all-around competitor. “I know if I did well, we’d do well. But if I didn’t, then we could lose, and I’d probably blame myself.”

Vadala placed 11th with 34.475 points, while Diefendorf finished 16th with 33.675 points.

As a team, the Blue Devils scored 33.625 on the vault, 32.325 on the bars, 34.350 on the balance beam and 34.750 on the floor exercise.

Freshman Shireen Kirata scored an 8.350 on the balance beam and 8.550 on the floor exercise. Jessica Mafeo finished with an 8.600 on the vault and 7.450 on the bars, while Taylor Buatti scored an 8.200 and 8.300 on the balance beam and floor exercise, respectively.

Vadala had team-high scores in each event, finishing with an 8.275 on the vault, 8.100 on the bars, 9.100 on the beam and 9.000 on the floor exercise. Diefendorf scored an 8.400 on the vault and 8.675 on the bars, while senior Allie Collins scored an 8.350, 8.100 and 8.700 on the vault, bars and beam, respectively.

“We needed to hit all our routines,” said Collins. “We try to think of it as just another meet, but the nerves really add up, and I get really nervous before each event. I just try not to show it because I don’t want the other girls seeing me that way and have it rub off on them. That would be the worst – if the whole team was a nervous wreck during the state championship.”

• • •
Competing in the morning session was Pelham, which finished ninth overall with 119.900 points.

Senior Brandee Peglow scored an 8.825 on the vault, 8.625 on the bars, 8.275 on the beam and 9.100 on the floor exercise. Her all-around score of 34.825 was good for ninth individually.

Julie Loosigian finished with 8.400 on the vault, 7.550 on the bars, 8.350 on the balance beam and 8.550 on the floor exercise. She was 26th in the all-around with 32.850 points.

Sophomore Shaunna Legatos scored 6.850 on the floor exercise, while teammate Emily Cover scored 5.100 on both the vault and balance beam. Stacey Chattwick scored 6.700 on the floor exercise, Kally Riddigner scored 5.000 on the bars and Chelsea I’Anson scored 8.250, 7.050 and 8.175 on the vault, bars and beam, respectively.

All-around in the family – Sisters share success, experience with others and each other

Salem Editor — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 18:40:00 GMT

BY SAPNA PATHAK

Perhaps it’s because she’s been a gymnast since she was 3. Maybe it’s because her mother and father were collegiate gymnasts. But it’s probably because she’s had three personal coaches who’ve attended to her since day one.

Leeann Vadala has three coaches who critique, compliment and offer unique perspectives, making her one of the best gymnasts on this year’s Salem High roster.

Those three mentors are also her older sisters.

Now that they’ve all left Salem High, Leeann has been busy trying to step out from Kristen, Tracy and Jenna’s shadows as she enters her second year on the Blue Devils girls gymnastics squad.

“It’s weird,” said Leeann. “I’m always ‘the little Vadala,’ but I deal with it because I’ve always been known as that. It’s harder being the youngest because you have to live up to their reputations. It’s easier because they’re always there to advise and help me.”

Kristen is 9 years older than her, so Leeann shared a roster spot only with Jenna, who graduated SHS last year. While Jenna, a freshman at the University of New Hampshire, has traded time on the mats for practice on the softball diamond, both Kristen and Tracy have continued their involvement in gymnastics.

“It just wasn’t the love of my life,” said Jenna. “It’s kind of weird being the only one not in it, but I still go out and see my sisters coach or Leeann compete. Leeann will come to visit me sometime soon, and I’m planning on taking her to see the UNH team, so that should be fun.”

Kristen is the head coach at Andover High in Massachusetts. Younger sister Tracy serves as her assistant coach, helping balance Kristen Vadala’s competitive nature.

“It’s funny because Leeann and I are competitors,” said Kristen. “But Jenna and Tracy are really laid back. They have other sports they did, and it was more of one thing they did along with a bunch of others.”

Having won the individual state title her senior year, Kristen said her experience being on a high school team helped her understand how to coach at that level.

While all four sisters trained privately at Interstate Gymnastics and Dance in Salem, Leeann’s resume most resembles Kristen’s. Tracy, who graduated Salem High in 2003, two years after Kristen, agreed, saying Leeann is on pace to surpass Kristen’s accomplishments.

“I like to think that me, Kristen and Jenna have helped develop Leeann,” said Tracy. “Leeann can do gymnastics. I mean really do it. She’s so similar to Kristen in that they both have that drive, that motivation.”

Now a senior in college, Tracy’s time is split between coaching at Interstate and setting a structured system with her older sister.

Using the discipline learned in private gyms and tactics from Ginny Lavallo, who coached all four sisters in high school, Tracy and Kristen have revamped Andover’s program.

Though each sister has found a way to stay connected with the sport, the last Vadala receives support on Saturday, Feb. 10, when she competes in the NHIAA state gymnastics finals on her home mats.

And, she’ll do it in front of her three biggest fans.

All-around effort – SHS finishes third in what could be its last meet as host

Salem Editor — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 18:40:00 GMT

BY SAPNA PATHAK

They’re nimble, lithe, limber and agile. They have contortion capabilities most yoga instructors would envy. They spend hours training at school and private facilities, building strength and flexibility.

They’re also the most athletic and, probably, strongest guys roaming the halls of Salem High.

The Blue Devils showed off their skills when they hosted this year’s Salem Invitational Boys Gymnastics meet, welcoming six Bay State squads on Saturday, Jan. 20; the hosts finished third with 155.1 points.

The meet serves as Salem’s only home meet because SHS has the only boys gymnastics team in the Granite State.

“This is for my guys who work so much all year,” said Salem head coach Steve Ring. “It’s our way to open our gym to others, and I’m proud of this meet. But I mostly take pride in it for the guys.”

Though the meet, according to Ring, was most likely his last as head coach, there were plenty of surprises during the six-event competition to make him question his decision.

The first came when the gym doors opened to a crowd much larger than anything Ring had anticipated. Then the Blue Devils, led by captains Jordan Kusch and Dave Bosch, took the floor.

Freshman Nick Miles provided Ring with another reason to smile, earning fourth in the all-around with 48.5 points.

In his first year away from a private gym as part of a school team, Miles is shaping up as the team’s next leader.

He scored an 8.6 on the floor exercise, 7.0 on the pommel horse, 8.1 on the high bar, 8.5 on the parallel bar, 7.0 on the still rings and a 9.0 on the vault.

“Today was huge, especially because my freshman took fourth all-around and he was someone I’d never known about until this year,” Ring said. “He’s [Miles] a tough gymnast to leave. So is Sean Fallon. It’ll be hard to walk away from guys with that kind of potential.”

Fallon, a sophomore, scored 39.4 points, 5.3 shy of a sixth-place finish. He finished in fourth place on the floor exercise, posting a score of 8.1. He scored an 8.4 on the vault, 7.0 on the high bar and parallel bars, 5.7 on the still rings and 3.4 on the pommel horse.

But it was the act of sportsmanship before the meet that had Ring bragging about his gymnasts.

“Jordan [Kusch] would’ve done the all-around, but he stepped down to let Sean compete,” said Ring.

“There was no ‘I’m a senior, I’m a captain,’ about it. He just said he’d do five events and wanted Sean to try for all-around.”

Kusch scored an 8.0 on the vault, good for fifth place. He added a 6.2 on the floor exercise, 5.5 on the parallel bars, 4.8 on the high bar and 4.4 on the pommel horse.

Pleasant surprises aside, Ring’s real challenge comes from finding time to keep Salem’s boys gymnastics program going. A lack of funding and interest in the sport, plus trying to find a dedicated replacement, account for most of Ring’s concerns.

“This year was our first being invited to the Massachusetts Coaches Invitational,” said Ring. “I’m afraid the program will go under if I leave. It’s a lot of work and effort, not just from me, but the team as well. Hopefully it continues and we see many more of these meets in Salem.”