Silver State Gymnasts shine

Ciara Maradiaga's all-around title was among the highlights for Carson City's Silver State Gymnastics Academy competitive team as it participated in its first competition of the year in Reno at the Festival of Stars meet.

Maradiaga had previously competed in only two level 4 meets last year. She was entered in the morning session as a level 5 and was hoping to receive at least a 31.00 All-Around score (USA Gymnastics minimum score required to move to the next level) so that she could then become a level 6. Not only did she qualify, she won first place on vault and bars, finished third on beam, and placed a solid second on floor exercise.

That was not only enough to qualify for level 6, but she also won the level 5 All-Around title for the 12-year-old division.

Maradiaga then came back to compete in her first level 6 meet that afternoon. Once again she showed she was up to the task. She finished third on vault and bars, second on beam, and walked away with second place honors for level 6 All-Around in the 12-year-old division.

Also at level 6 was Samantha Cobb who placed second on bars, third on beam, and second All-Around in the 13 and over division. Hannah Winder also put in a solid performance in her first level 6 meet.

At level 4 there were some newcomers who also showed they were made of the right stuff. Katie Welton won first place on vault and floor, third on bars and beam, and took home third place All-Around 12 and over honors. Louisa Lopez placed second on bars, third on beam, and fourth place All-Around in the 9-year-old division. Mikayla Story rounded out the first timers with a gritty performance worthy of a future champion.