Seven teams competed in the gymnastics Union County Tournament on Thursday, Oct. 17, including hosts Scotch Plains-Fanwood. Looking to be crowned champions for the sixth straight year, the team did just that in a decisive win by a slim margin of 0.545 points.
“During close meets, [the] captains try to make sure that the entire team puts all their energy into securing [the] win,” junior Moe Whitney told The Fanscotian. “We make sure we don’t let our setbacks bring us down.”
The closely contested meet between rival towns of Summit, Westfield and Cranford challenged the mental and physical endurance of the Raiders gymnasts. All season long, the team has outperformed their opponents, which is proved through the unbeaten record of 7-0 and being ranked No. 6 in the state.
“Our team has electric energy, and I can feel it every time I compete,” Whitney said. “We all build each other up, and have become a family. The people on this team are like no other, and being part of it has taught me lessons that I will cherish my entire life.”
Less than one point determined the outcome of more history being written for the preeminent gymnastics program. Top results on Thursday included a third place finish in the beam event by Nicole Perez with a score of 9.15, a second place finish in the floor exercise by Moe Whitney with a score of 9.3 and a fourth place finish by MK Hoffman in the vault event with a score of 9.
Whitney individually secured fifth overall, recording 35.175 points. Along with clinching second in the floor exercise, she tied for fourth in the bars competition with a result of 8.6.
“Even though I did not have my best meet, I was able to push through and keep fighting for the chance to place individually,” Whitney said. “To me, being able to complete that goal was gratifying, as placing is proof of all the hard work I have put into this sport for my entire life.”
Since taking over as head coach in 2020 for Lisa Cerchio who had been the coach for 16 seasons, Marissa DiBella has lifted the program up to being one of the best in the state. DiBella carried the past success into her first year, only losing to Westfield. From 2020 to 2024, she has led the program to extend the county win streak and cement themselves as one of several dynasties within SPF.
