Pirate Gymnasts Flip for State Titles

Two Pirate gymnasts competed last weekend at the USA Gymnastics Florida State Championships. Sixth grader Annika Taylor took first on bars, beam, floor and all-around state champion for her division and the state runner-up on vault. Teammate and third grader Gradie Parker was the bars state champion and the floor and all-around state runner-up for her division.

 

Their all-around scores qualified both girls to advance to the Region 8 Championship, where they will compete against the top gymnasts from throughout the southeast.

Coach and Pirate senior Avery Critchfield said, "I've had the pleasure of coaching Gradie and Annika this season, and I am so beyond proud of all of their hard work this year that brought them so much success last weekend.  Having the Saint Edward's connection makes working with them extra special. One of the reasons that I love coaching is because it gives me an opportunity to be a role model for my gymnasts, and it's especially cool with these two, because I was once in their exact shoes being a diehard and former competitive gymnast myself."