Back row, l-r: Jenna E., Kyrene C., Michelle K., Brittnay L., Kendra S., Eliana M.. Front row, l-r: Larissa L., Maya G., Annie W., Meleah M.

They ran around, fixing their hair, giggling and chatting with excitement. Ten girls, aged 6-12, from the YMCA's Prescott Lightning Level 4 Team were scheduled to compete in Sunday's 8:30 am group at the Cosmic Blastoff Meet in Kingman, Arizona. It was the first 'real' meet away from home for many of them - indeed, the first time that some had ever put on their performance leotards. The shivery anticipation was almost more than they could bear.

The Level 4 team, coached by the very patient Launie Hone, works hard to prepare for days such as this. They practice three evenings a week, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, with an extra hour on Thursdays for a dance class. About half of the team representatives were brand new - only qualifying at the end of January or February . In order to make the team, they had to be able to perform each of the tricks without any assistance or 'spotting', according to YMCA Gymnastics Director Jon Sebastian. 

Each girl performed in all four events: Uneven Parallel Bars, Vault, Floor Exercises and Balance Beam. As the intimate crowd of mostly moms and dads watched, clapped and cheered in support of these young athletes, the girls stayed focused and concentrated on the task at hand. Sometimes they didn't do as well as they would have liked, and the frustration on their young faces was evident for all to see. But, when they nailed their routines - their smiles were brilliant enough to light the room.

In the end, each of the girls came home with armfuls of big ribbons and a trophy. This is, after all, supposed to be fun! 

Editor's Note: This is not the entire Prescott Lightning Level 4 Team, other members were unable to come or scheduled in a  different time bracket.  

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