Gymnastics

Karissa has had two gymnastics meets so far. They are longer events than our family originally anticipated. With check in, warm up, march in, competition and awards, we can be at a meet for over 4 1/2 hours! Granted, if we wanted to drive separately, part of us could skip the check in and warm up parts, but for these first two meets at least, they've been over half an hour away. With the price of gas, it's just not practical. Plus, we really like to do things together as a family, if possible.

Her first meet was on January 20 at IGI in Westmont, IL. They had Levels 3, 6 and optionals (Level 7) competing at the same time. Karissa is in Level 3. For her level, every gymnast does the exact same routine on each event. So, on the floor exercise you hear the same music playing over and over. (Thankfully the Level 6 and 7 gymnasts were there as well to add variety.) It was interesting and exciting for Karissa. It was also fun to see her compete well under pressure. The awards are given by level and age. Age is determined by the age they will be at State (which is at the end of May and beginning of June). So, Karissa was Level 3, age 10. Out of eight gymnast in that level and age, she received first place. Good job Karissa. Your hard work was well-rewarded! Many of the other girls on her team also did well. There are 11 girls on her team ranging in age from 6-11.

Her second meet was on January 27 at Tri-Star Gymnastics in Forest Park, IL. They had Levels 3 and 4 competing at the same time. Level 4 has the same type of thing as Level 3 where each girl does the same routine. So, we heard two different songs over and over throughout the afternoon, depending on which team was competing on floor. There were far fewer gyms represented at this meet, but some of the gyms had a lot of gymnasts! Matt's parents were able to come down for the meet and Karissa really enjoyed having Grandpa and Grandma there to watch her. She made it to podium again. Although this time, she was the only age 10, Level 3 gymnast. So, she wasn't that impressed with it. However, based on her scores compared to those of the other gymnasts that day, she still would have done well. It was also a learning experience for her team. The judges at this particular meet scored MUCH tougher than at the meet the previous week. The same girls were getting 1-2 (or more) points lower for each event and I am not referring to tenths, but whole points. As I said, it was a learning experience, but the girls all seemed to handle it well.