Level 5, 6 Greater Buffalo gymnasts excel at NYS championships

Gymnasts from the Greater Buffalo Gymnastic & Fitness Center recently traveled to United States Military Academy at West Point to compete in the New York State Men's Level 5 and 6 championships. The meet encompassed gymnasts from all across the state who were invited to participate after meeting or surpassing a predetermined score.

The Greater Buffalo level 5 team of Joseph Chearmonte (Amherst), Justin Sullivan (Tonawanda) and Elliot Wittenberg (Tonawanda) showcased talent throughout the competition. Sullivan turned in his best score of the meet on vault with an 8.950. Elliot Wittenberg's' high scores were 8.80 on vault and 8.4 on high bar. The level 5 team spotlight shined upon Joseph Chearmonte who captured two state titles and tied for a third. He received top honors on parallel bars with a score of 7.90 and tied for first place on the pommel horse with the same score. On the high bar event, he won another state title with a score of 8.60.

The Greater Buffalo level 6 team of Ian Emerick, Spencer Kieffer (East Amherst), Matt Rao, Alex Wittenberg (Tonawanda) and Dallin Wright (Clarence Center) also took part in the event and remained very competitive throughout.

Emerick scored an 8.50 on pommel horse and a high of 9.2 on vault. Kieffer received an 8.1 on pommel horse and a 9.2 on vault. Wright also had a great meet and topped off his competition with a score of 9.1 on vault. The level 6 climax focused on Wittenberg who scored 8.20 on floor, 8.50 on rings, 8.10 on high bar, 9.10 on pommel horse, 9.45 on vault and was able to edge out all other competition and bring home the gold on the parallel bars with a score of 9.40.

The level 5 team qualified to compete in the regional championships, which is comprised of seven Northeastern states. Emerick and Wittenberg also qualified for the level 6's. This meet will take place on in Allentown Penn.