What an experience!  The National Judges Cup in Houston was an amazing trip.  An opportunity to see some outstanding talent.  Our Alabama team members were Maci Warren, Lyndsey Webb, Sydney Fritz, Jamie Fisher, Lauren Gross, and Casey Laing.  These young ladies came together as a real team.  Their support for each other started the first day they met together for practice.

             There were gymnasts there from Northern California, who finished first with a 189.40 team score; Texas, finished second with a team score of 188.625; Washington was third with a 186.975: Oklahoma was fourth with a 185.45: Kansas was fifth with a 183.525; Mississippi was sixth with a 182.85; Missouri was seventh with a 180.65; New Mexico was eighth with a 180.325; Louisiana, ninth with a 178.15; Alabama was tenth with a 177.65; Idaho was eleventh with a 172.55; ;and Maine was twelfth with a 161.00.

             The physical shape of these athletics was unbelievable.  Their pose and strength demonstrated their commitment to this sport.  It was a real joy to watch and learn from the coaches and athletes.

             Alabama had positive representation for this event.  Maci Warren finished 10th on bars, 4th on floor and 11th all-around.  Lyndsey Webb finished 8th on vault and 13th all-around.  Sydney Fritz finished 18th all-around.  Jamie Fisher finished 10th on bars and 17th all-around.  Lauren Gross finished 5th on beam and 14th all-around.  Casey Laing finished 9th on beam, 10th on floor, and 15th all-around.

             The hotel facilities were fabulous.  The arena for the competition was attached to the Hilton Hotel.  It was extremely nice with lots of seating for the parents and a very positive atmosphere for the gymnasts.

             This experience provided for by our Alabama Judges was fantastic.  The Judges provided some beautiful, dynamic leotards.  This set the stage for an exciting experience  Phillip Acton provided matching Alabama Team tee shirts for the girls to wear.  It was very obvious that each of the individual girls were “team” players.  Congratulations to each of them and thank you to all of our judges!