May 16, 2011
LONG BEACH, Calif. - two future Wildcat Gymnasts placed in the 2011 Junior Olympic National Gymnastics Championships held over May 14th and May 15th at the Long Beach Sports Arena. The two-day event featured nearly 450 of the USA's best Level 10 gymnasts, who compete on the highest level in the Junior Olympic program that is just under the elite level.
The competition features eight age divisions (Junior A, Junior B, Junior C, Junior D, Senior A, Senior B, Senior C and Senior D), which are determined by age and birth date.
Future Wildcat Allison Flores competed in the Senior D division, tying for first place overall with an all-around score of 38.300. She also took second place in the nation on bars with a score of 9.600, and fourth place on beam with a 9.550. On vault and floor she earned scores of 9.500 and 9.650 respectively.
"Allison had a great meet. Very consistent. It's really gratifying for her, because after we had committed to her last year she broke her foot and was unable to compete. She definitely wanted to make this year something special, and what better way to finish out your club career other than winning Nationals?" Ryden said.
Also placing was Amber Wobma, who tied for 12th in the nation in the Senior C division. Posting an all-around score of 37.700, Wobma took fourth place on floor with a 9.700. She also earned a 9.575 on vault, a 9.150 on bars, and a 9.275 on beam.
"Amber also had a really great meet. We originally started being interested in her when she was a camper, and she has made a concerted effort to become a complete, four event, gymnast. She's still on the front side of her career, and the growth she has ahead of her will make her a great team member this upcoming season," Ryden said.
Both girls are expected to join the team in August, along with Canadian National Team member Kristin Klarenbach and California native Danielle Buchanan.
"I feel like these girls will help us in so many ways. We're losing three routines and gaining 16. Over the years we've felt the sting of lack of depth, and not only will these girls be adding depth but they will be major players. It will bring up the intensity of the team and the competition in the gym, and will be pushing the program in the direction I want it to go," Ryden said.
