Baldwin gymnastics team aiming for strong season
Baldwin coach Jodi Cummings has high hopes for the 2015-16 gymnastics season.
“We have a strong team this year,” she said. “It's nice to see our number growing. I like having a bigger team.
“Overall, I think (it) will be a good year. My team is close, and the girls have a lot of fun together. I'm excited to see what the season holds for us.”
One of the team leaders in 2015-16 will be senior Shelby Donahue, who placed third all-around in the gold division at last year's Pennsylvania Classic.
“Shelby has added a few more difficult tucks on the uneven bars and the floor exercise,” Cummings said. “It will be fun to see how her senior year turns out, I think she will do well. I'm hoping she captures a WPIAL or state title, or even both.”
Also providing senior leadership will be Alexis Cadwallader, a silver division gymnast a year ago.
Donahue and Cadwallader are joined by juniors Jordan Hoydick, Ashley Toth and Lexi Hoffman; sophomore Hanna Kalwarski; plus freshman prospects Mackenzie Sendro, Haili Cordell and Hailee Slavonic.
“All of our girls are working to be all-around gymnasts,” Cummings said.
Because of the addition of new programs at Thomas Jefferson and West Allegheny, there are two sections in WPIAL gymnastics this season.
Baldwin is a member of Section 1, along with TJ, Fox Chapel, Hampton, North Allegheny and Pine-Richland.
Section 2 consists of Central Valley, Hopewell, Moon, Montour, South Side Beaver and West Allegheny.
“We were split into two sections. Not sure yet how I feel about it,” said Baldwin's second-year head coach.
Baldwin opened the season with a nonsection meet last week against rival Moon.
“We competed against them in an exhibition (meet),” Cummings said. “Then, we will see them again at the Moon Invitational, WPIALs and states.”
The Lady Highlanders placed third at the Pennsylvania Classic last season, and fifth in the WPIAL team category.
Ray Fisher is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at 412-388-5820 or rfisher@tribweb.com.
