Greensburg Y swimmer, gymnasts capture titles in state, regional competitions

A Greensburg YMCA swimmer captured a top title at the organization’s recent Pennsylvania championship meet while Greensburg Y gymnasts placed at a regional event.

Kaitlyn Stetchock, a sixth grade student in Hempfield Area School District, claimed a state title in the 11-12-year-old division 200-meter breaststroke at the YMCA state championships held at West Virginia University.

She also won two bronze medals, with third place finishes in both the 100-meter and 50-meter breaststroke.

“It has been an amazing season for all our swimmers,” said Kim Graziano, head coach of the Greensburg Y Stingrays. “Kaitlyn surprised the coaching staff with how fast she went. We knew that she had some speed, but she exceeded our expectations.”

At the same meet, Owen Busch, in seventh grade at Hempfield, finished in the top 20 in the 11-12-year-old division in three events. He placed 11th in the 100-meter backstroke, 12th in the 100-meter individual medley and 18th in the 200-meter freestyle.

“Owen ended the meet with a great 100 back time, which we were all glad to see,” said Graziano. “We all look forward to seeing what he will do in the 13-14 age group next year.”

The Greensburg Y Aerial Gymnastics competitive team captured the Level 7 team title and eight gymnasts won individual titles at the previous YMCA Western Pennsylvania League Championships held at Allegheny College and hosted by the Meadville YMCA.

The Greensburg Y Level 3 gymnastics group placed third overall at the event.

There are eight skill levels in the Greensburg Y’s gymnastics league, with Level 3 the lowest skill level and Level 8 the highest.

All the Aerial gymnasts have qualified for the state competition, planned for April 15 and 16 at the Westmoreland County Community College gymnasium and hosted by the Greensburg Y.

Individual gymnastics gold medal winners were:

• Gemma Page of Manor, Level 3 Junior A Division — uneven bar, 9.0 score; floor exercise, 9.4; all-around champion, 36.5

• Emma Rost of Greensburg, Level 4 Junior Division — vault, 9.15; floor exercise, 9.45

• Sophia Demorest of Greensburg, Xcel Gold Senior Division — floor exercise, 9.35

• Alicia Willett of Greensburg, Level 5 — vault, 8.80; uneven bar, 7.20; floor exercise, 9.05; all-around champion, 31.75

• Caylee Kingerski of Greensburg, Level 5 — balance beam, 7.7

• Jayashree Badwe of Greensburg, Level 6 Senior Division — balance beam, 8.8

• Emma Visnick of Export, Level 7 — balance beam, 9.0

• Sophia Kunkle of Export, Level 8 — vault, 8.6; balance beam, 8.6; all-around champion, 33.60