TEWKSBURY — As a radiant ray of sunshine engulfed the gymnasium on Presidents’ Day, Cami Rueda felt some nerves kicking in. For the primary time in her life, she was taking part in a statewide highschool showcase, merely hoping to depart an enduring impression.
However, the senior had loads of prior expertise with gymnastics outdoors the confines of Central Catholic, and it shortly grew to become obvious for followers that Monday’s meet was not her first rodeo.
The Salem native placed on a present for the gang in attendance, and was in the end named the Massachusetts High School Gymnastics Association’s All-Around particular person meet champion for her efforts at Tewksbury Memorial High School.
“There’s still a lot of pressure,” Rueda mentioned afterward. “But it’s way easier to keep my cool and stay calm with such a great support system, coach, teammates. It’s way easier to just go out there and have fun.”
This 12 months, Rueda determined to hitch Central Catholic’s program for a season after being part of a Junior Olympic developmental program with Brestyan’s Gymnastics in Burlington. The senior went on to build up a mixed rating of 38.375 factors, besting Westwood’s Maggie Murphy for first place honors by .375 within the standings. The UNC commit recorded a 9.675 within the vault competitors, a 9.450 within the bars, and a rating of 9.425 on the beam.
However, her crowning spotlight got here throughout her ground routine, which occurred to be one of many final performances of the day. As she danced by way of the motions, a weight was lifted off the senior’s shoulders. In reality, she felt at peace, even with the person championship hanging within the stability.
Yet, it was virtually as if she hardly knew.
“Today, I actually did a different routine than I normally do,” mentioned Rueda. “I just kind of went out there to show it off, do what I do best, and I did it.”
When Rueda accomplished her routine, the gang erupted into pandemonium. The judges proceeded to award her a surprising rating of 9.825, profitable the title for the senior.
Murphy positioned second total amongst rivals for Westwood with a rating of 38.0. Andover standout Gabriella Bresnick completed third amongst rivals (37.8).
Source: www.bostonherald.com