Every gymnastics team is different, but all have strengths and weaknesses. Hempfield Area’s Gymnastics Team showcases their drive and spirit as they successfully work towards a WPIAL Championships.
In these past years, gymnasts like Ava Hickman and Bell Orczeck competed as independents. Today, the team consists of these two members and freshmen Laila Borgo, Ellie Dildine, and Paige Hill.
The decision to seek a team designation came after a meeting last February. All of the gymnasts were able to compete in the WPIAL Championships, as the current rules only permit one independent gymnast per district in each level. Nicole Hickman, Ava’s mother, stated, “I don’t see any challenges becoming a team;” it’s clear that their unity has bread success.
The gymnastics team is led by coaches Renee Ruggeri, owner of Ultimate Gymnastics, who is coaching Ava, Bell, and Laila, and Amy White, from the Greensburg YMCA who coaches both Paige and Ellie. Ruggeri, who has been involved in WPIAL gymnastics for years, bringing knowledge with her. This year, she serves as the Director for WPIAL Gymnastics, which strengthens the team and the likeliness they have to succeed.
On February 6th through the 8th, our girls competed in the WPIAL individual championships. On Thursday, Hill and Dildine competed in the bronze division. On Saturday morning, Orczeck competed in the silver division. Finally, on Saturday afternoon, teammates Hickman and Borgo competed, with Hickman placing 3rd all around in the gold division.
While the roster may be small, this group of young talented gymnasts seem ready to add gymnastics to the long list of successful girls sports here at Hempfield Area High School.
