Westfield sophomore gymnast Taryn Hamel on the beam. (File photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
GYMNASTICS WEST SECTIONAL
WESTFIELD – The red, black, and white colors that adorn the Westfield High School gymnastics’ team may as well be that of a bull’s-eye.
Westfield enters the west sectional a heavy, heavy favorite having won four straight championships and fielding a roster of as many top gymnasts as all of the competing teams combined.
And if that weren’t enough, the Whip City is host to tonight’s championship meet. The event begins inside the Westfield High gymnasium at 6 p.m.
“Being home will definitely be an advantage,” said Westfield coach Joanne Hewins, who still admits being nervous despite a 57-0 win streak. “I’m very proud of the record. I’d like to continue the streak.”
Sophomore Taryn Hamel will be expected to perform beyond her high school years, and could challenge for the all-around title with the likes of Gateway’s Sammy Dame and Minnechaug’s Emily Murphy.
“She’s consistent,” Hewins said of Hamel. “When she goes up, I know she’s going to do a good job.”
Hewins said senior Ashley Bates, a big meet performer, and floor experts Brendan Whitman and Nick Burrage, who is also strong on vault, combined with Hamel’s score and other Bombers, should give Westfield the upper hand this evening.
Come out and cheer on these superstar high school athletes. It should be a dynastic time.
