Cobra gymnasts compete (with cautions)

After five months of closure and 12 months without a competition, the Cobra Gymnastics team was thrilled to participate in their 9th annual Cobra gymnastics meet on Sunday, March 28. Masked and socially-distanced, 40 girls performed their routines, competing to earn a spot on the state team.

“This season, we chose to host only the USA Gymnastics Xcel program, as there is less pressure inside of the scoring system and special requirements,” said owner and head coach, Shelby Collett. “We had to cut down training hours for some levels as our gym occupancy was restricted due to Covid regulations. We are seeing positive results with the decision. Until recently, we weren’t sure they would be allowed to compete, so we were happy to host this traditional meet and then move on to the state championships in a couple of weeks,” said Collett.

This year the team is hosted five levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. All levels have different requirements, progressively getting more difficult from bronze to diamond levels.

Cobra’s bronze team is made up of 14 girls ranging from 7-11 years old.

The Bronze top scoring girls included Amelia Gibbs (scoring 9.5 on vault, 9.6 on beam, 9.4 for floor, and 37.8 all-around), London Febbie (scoring 9.55 on bars, 9.4 on beam, 9.7 in a record-setting floor routine, and 37.5 all-around), Nora Woods (scoring 9.5 on bars, and 37.2 a all-around), Alexa Kojak (scoring 9.65 on bars), Jess Poczobut (scoring 9.7 on bars), Hazel Mabey (scoring 9.4 on vault) and Catja Kojak (scoring 9.4 on bars).

The Silver Team hosts 10 members ranging from 8-14 years old. Silver standouts included Romi Buckley (scoring 9.4 on vault, 9.5 on bars, 9.45 on beam, 9.4 on floor and 37.75 all-around), Lexi Juarez (scoring 9.55 on bars, 9.5 on beam, 9.7 in a record-setting floor routine and 37.35 all-around) and Ryah Whitehorne (scoring 9.4 on bars).

The Gold Team has just six members this season ranging from 10-14 years old. Sadie White stood out scoring a 9.5 floor routine, while Eliza Dopkins earned a 9.4 on vault and Phoebe Tashjian claimed a well-earned 9.3 on bars.

The Platinum Team has five members ranging from 11-16 years old. Standouts included Karena Kuehl with a spectacular Yamashita vault scoring 9.5, Nadia Tarbell scoring 9.45 on vault, 9.5 on floor and 37.15 all-around and Iris Tucker with a 9.4 on floor.

The Diamond Team consists of four of the longest standing members of the Cobra team and face the most difficult requirements. Ranging in age from 11-14 years old, top scores include Jada Hughes (scoring 9.5 on bars and 9.5 on floor), Maleah Jones (scoring 9.65 on floor), Robin Tashjian (scoring 9.6 on floor) and Lissa King (scoring 9.4 on floor).

All girls will be traveling to Essex for the state championships during the weekend of April 10-11. Each gym will compete separately as to not come into contact with athletes from other gyms. The same judging panel will reside the entire weekend and the scores will be tallied and announced by Sunday evening.

“While it is certainly the strangest season the girls have ever participated in, they are excited to have the opportunity to train and compete,” Collett said.