Region I has been a virtual battle zone for most of the 2009 club season.  Many of the region’s top Level 10s have been banged up with injuries.  Thankfully, most of them were able to compete at the 2009 Region I Championships.

Jake Dalton put up an incredible 90.45 to win the Level 10 (16-18) All-Around title.  Included in those numbers was an awesome 16.75 on vault.  Donothan Bailey competed for the first time this season and posted a very impressive 88.70 All-Around score.  Rounding out the top five were Alex Naddour (88.65), Yoshi Mori (87.55) and Matthew Del Junco (85.95).

Sam Mikulak, competing in all six events for the first time this season, dominated the Level 10 (14-15) division with score of 84.30.  The Level 9 competition was impressive with Timmy Wang (85.20) prevailing over 2008 JO Nationals runner-up, Allan Bower (82.25).  Finally, the Level 7 All-Around title was won by Trystan Baker (91.55) in a hard-fought battle over Casey Branin (90.05).

*** SEE ALL THE RESULTS HERE ***

The meet was hosted by the Arizona State Men’s Gymnastics Team.  Meet Director Scott Barclay’s crew ran a great meet.  The venue was located in Rawhide, just outside of Chandler, AZ.  Those attending the meet got to walk through the wild west town of Rawhide, which is an authentic looking western-themed attraction, chock full of 1880′s-style entertainment.

The nearby gymnastics venue appeared like a small airplane hangar on the outside, but on the inside was a top-notch gymnastics facility.  Many of the gymnasts, families, coaches and judges stayed at the nearby Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, whose pool and water slide was an especially big hit with the kids (and some of the coaches).

Region I’s pipeline of future optional gymnasts is deep and impressive.  StickItMedia will be following up with a story about a particular Region I gym that has an outstanding compulsory program which promises to produce a great future crop of optional gymnasts.

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