The gymnastics team at Wayne Hills High School has recently earned the title of Passaic County Champions for the fourth year in a row! The team pulled out a surprising win against Wayne Valley High School and other competing high schools in Passaic County, and it is evident that the girls worked hard to achieve this well-deserved win.
On October 11 at West Milford High School, the gymnastics team finished with an overall score of 97.1, earning them the title of county champs. Wayne Hills was able to surpass the scores of Wayne Valley, which they previously lost to in their recent dual meet. This gymnastics team was proud as they took first place in counties for the fourth consecutive year. Each team member achieved great scores and their effort does not go unnoticed!
Senior gymnast, Mya Tsuboi scored first place in her solo event, with a score of 8.325. Junior, Miyuki Dan, contributed her all to the team, as she placed in various events. Dan achieved a score of 8.752 on the balance beam placing her at 2nd place, along with another 2nd place title in the all-around with a score of 32.475.
When asked about the win, Dan shared, “It was between us and Valley so it was surprising that we won. Our coach was so happy, she even started crying.” Being only a junior, Dan will continue to lead her gymnastics team next year! Both girls gave a huge helping hand to achieve the title of county champ.
Athletes agree that this win wouldn’t have been possible without a great coach. Ms. Peter, the coach, has prepared the girls for this meet. She explained, “After our dual meet with Wayne Valley, Hills gymnasts worked hard to improve their skills. They knew they had a chance to win if they practiced their routines and stuck their landings on the equipment.”
This win had Coach Peter in awe of her team, knowing that each girl allowed their full potential to shine through. This win is truly significant, as Coach Peter shared, “We beat Wayne Valley by a tenth of a point, which I believe is the closest margin in the county’s history.” This win not only allowed Hills gymnasts to claim their spot as county champs for the 4th year in a row but also made history in Passaic County. A bright future is surely ahead for the Wayne Hills gymnastics team.
In the future, the gymnastics team hopes to keep their reign as county champions, and even take it to the next level. Junior gymnast Emily Sorrentino shared her hopes for the rest of the 2023 season: “I am really happy about our win, but my goal is to qualify for sectionals this season”. State Sectionals will take place on November 4th at Ridgewood High School. Coach Peter agrees with Sorrentino, as she informed the school that, “The team is working hard now preparing for the league championship on October 23rd and state sectionals on November 4th.”
This win has definitely motivated the girls to give it their all at upcoming meets!
The team gives their full effort to do their best, and the school wishes them the best of luck at leagues and sectionals! Now having the title of county champions for the fourth year in a row, hopefully in 2024, the gymnastics team can increase the title to 5-time county champs!
