Level 7 Team: (L to R - back row only) Trinity Pyle, Mayu Askew, Abbie Vaughn

Level 9 Team: (L to R) Tabatha Pearson, Chloe Schuttinga, Kendal Arasmith

The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority Rome Aerials Gymnastics Team, had a successful weekend at the USA Gymnastics (USAG) Georgia State Optional Championships held in Kennesaw, Georgia. Out of 8 optional competitors, the team brought home 5 State titles and 4 Regional Qualifiers.

In the Level 9 sessions, Chloe Schuttinga had a near flawless day. She took home 1st on Vault, 1st on bars, 2nd on Floor and 1st All-Around. Tabatha Pearson defended her State title on floor taking 1st, with 3rd All-Around. Tabatha totaled her best score of the year with a 36.3. Kendall Arasmith fought her way to her best All-Around also, 36.2, taking home 4 medals and 5th All-Around. All three have qualified for Region 8 Championships to be held April 5-6 in Jackson, Mississippi.

In the Level 8 sessions, Carol Anne Dempsey became the Level 8 Beam champion. Peyton McElhone finished the year with a strong 9.00 on floor. Head Coach Matt Zollitsch said, "Peyton is such a great leader. She encourages all of our athletes everyday. We are lucky to have such a positive ACE on our team."

In the Level 7 sessions the three athletes were flawless, hitting twelve of twelve events. Trinity Pyle placed 6th All-Around scoring a season high of 36.475. Mayu Askew hit 4 of 4 events scoring a 35.700. Abbie Vaughn had her best day of the season placing: 4th on bars, 3rd on beam, 2nd on floor and 3rd All-Around. Abbie qualified to the Region 8 Level 7 Championships with a 36.900.

Matt Zollitsch stated, “These kids have worked their way to success this year. Looking at John Woodens "Pyrimid of Success", they have reached the top this year with POISE during competition. I could not have asked for a better performance at State. A big reason for their success comes from our Optional Coach, Rana Pyle. Rana has taken these girls under her wing in more ways than one."

The RFPRA Rome Aerials will host the next State Championships here in Rome, at the Forum. The event will take place over two days, May 4-5. The community is invited to attend the 2013 Spring Compulsory State Championships.