Gymnasts from Elkins, Belington, Beverly, Buckhannon, Coalton, Harman, Philippi, Burnsville, Huttonsville, and Valley Head showcased not only their technical skill but also the growth and confidence that MGA has cultivated throughout the season.

In the Xcel Diamond division, Lily Hayes of Elkins delivered one of the meet’s most dominant performances. She captured first place on beam, floor, and in the All-Around, while adding second place on vault and third on bars. Lily’s All-Around score of 37.25 was the highest among all Diamonds at the meet. Her teammate Kenadi Carte, also of Elkins, had an excellent showing in the Senior division, finishing second on both vault and floor and taking third in the All-Around. Mckenzie Phillips of Philippi joined the medal count with a first-place vault and a third-place finish on floor. Despite entering only 3 Diamond gymnasts, these girls brought home a 4th Place Team banner.

MGA’s Xcel Platinum athletes were similarly impressive. Emersyn Biller of Elkins won the vault title and finished second on floor in the Junior division. Claire Kniffen of Beverly , competing alongside her, earned second place on vault and third place on both bars and the All-Around. In the Senior division, Kaelyn Kirkpatrick of Elkins secured second place on floor and third on beam, continuing MGA’s strong standing in the upper levels.

At the Xcel Gold level, Kaylee Long of Elkins dominated the Senior division with first-place finishes on both beam and floor, along with a third-place All-Around. Kinsley Ricottilli of Belington won the vault title while also claiming third place on floor. Ava Graham of Coalton took first place on bars.

Lily Hayes

Rounding out the Gold level medalists, Lizzy Dale of Elkins earned second place on both vault and floor.

The Xcel Silver team also posted several podium finishes. Lilly Bosely of Belington led the Silver group with second place on floor and third place on bars and the All-Around in the Junior division. Everly Casto of Elkins added a third-place finish on bars in the Senior division, while Ella Shifflett of Harman captured third place on floor.

In the Xcel Bronze level, MGA athletes continued the medal streak. Claire Hunt of Elkins delivered a standout performance in the Senior division with a first-place finish on bars and a third-place finish on floor. Ivy Smith of Burnsville earned second place on floor, while teammate Tezzy McCann of Huttonsville scored third on both beam and floor.

Reflecting on the team’s success, Gail Hayes, owner of Mountain Gymnastics Academy , said, “I’m incredibly proud of every athlete who competed this weekend. These results show the dedication, hard work, and passion our gymnasts bring to the sport every day. Whether they stood on the podium or achieved a personal best score, each one represented MGA with heart, pride, and sportsmanship.”

With numerous top-three finishes and multiple event titles, MGA’s athletes continue to establish themselves as rising stars in West Virginia gymnastics. The team now turns its attention to upcoming competitions as they build on the momentum from Charleston’s Big Dog Invitational.

Kenadi Carte, Mckenzie Phillips and Lily Hayes

Mountain Gymnastics Academy offers gymnastics and tumbling training for boys and girls ages 18 months to 18 years and all skill levels from Randolph and surrounding counties. Contact MGA at 681-298-5077, at www.mgarocks.com or on Facebook.

Claire Kniffen and Emersyn Biller

Claire Hunt

Kinsley Ricottilli and Ava Graham