Boys Win Gold at State Championships

The Bright Raven Gymnastics Boys Teams had a strong showing at the 2016 USA Gymnastics New York State Championships held at West Point Military Academy March 18-20.

In the Level 10 competition, 17-year-old Matthew Blahyj of Webster brought home three gold medals winning floor exercise, high bar and all around. In the other events, Matthew placed third on rings and second on pommel horse, vault and parallel bars. At the Championships, Matthew was awarded the Joseph Chichetti Scholarship as the highest scoring all around senior competitor.

Bright Raven’s Level 7 team took first place sweeping the top three all around titles in the 11-12 age division. Justin Ciccone of Greece earned three gold medals winning, floor exercise, rings and all around. Justin also placed second on pommel horse, vault and parallel bars. Jake Scherbyn of Gates earned gold on both parallel bars and high bar and finished second all around. Teammate Cole Pringle of Pittsford was second on floor exercise and vault and took the third place all around spot.

In the Level 8 competition for ages 15-18, Jesse Underwood of Greece took first place on pommel horse, third on vault, second on rings, parallel bars, high bar and all around. In the same division, Brian Cannon of Chili earned second place on both rings and vault. In the 11-12 age group, Ethan Rio of Avon earned third place on pommel horse.

In the 7-year-old Level 4 competition, Drew Ahlstrom of Gates earned a gold medal for is performance on pommel horse and also placed third in floor exercise and second on rings, parallel bars and all around.

In the 10-year-old Level 5 competition, Evan Gienau of Henrietta was awarded the gold for floor exercise and Gage Wheaton of Penfield placed second on high bar. In the 9-year-old age group, Connor Maguda of Henrietta was third on vault.

In the Level 6 competition for ages 12 and over, Jon LeFrois of Ogden earned third place on pommel horse.

Robbie Cavuoto of Greece competed in the Level 9 competition for ages 15-18 and finished third on both pommel horse and vault.

The following Bright Raven team members will advance to USAG Regionals next month in Maryland: Matt Blahyj, Bryce Way, Ryan Buick, Jesse Underwood, Ethan Rio, Justin Ciccone, Jake Scherbyn and Cole Pringle.