MOULTRIE — The Moultrie YMCA recently competed at the Wheel of Champions Invitational held in Macon.

The host team was called The Gym Nest. The gymnasts got to earn “TGN” money from the judges if they stuck their dismounts. It was play money used to buy prizes after the competition.

“It made it fun for the girls, adding another element to make their routines better. It was a challenge that our team enjoyed,” said Coach Pat Murphy.

This meet was much more competitive than the first one, with teams from all over Georgia.

“Our parents and gymnasts got to see how tight the private gymnasts perform and we set some goals to improve at our next competition in Tifton at the end of the month,” Murphy said.

The AAU level 4 team finished second to the Gymnastics Gold Club of Martinez, Ga., scoring a 102.975.

The team leader was Anna Hartley earning a 34.65 all around for 1st place in the 12-year-old age group.

“Anna really surprised me competing; she performed well on all events. Anna’s floor was stretched and polished which was awarded our team’s highest score of the weekend, 9.225. It was great,” Murphy said.

This was her first meet at this new level and she placed first on all of her events. Hartley scored an 8.9525 on vault, 8.7 on bars and 7.8 on beam.

Leah Grace Wiggins the other gymnast who scored a 9.1 for the second meet in a row on floor.

“Leah Grace has lots of style and knows how to tumble,” said Murphy.

Wiggins placed first on floor, second on beam 7.05 and AA 31.175 in the 8 year old age group.

Savana Robertson in the 9-year-old placed fourth on bars 8.0, beam 8.35 and fifth on vault 8.8, AA 33.5.

“Savana looked a lot better in this meet, gaining her confidence. She earned a personal best on four events,” said Murphy.

In the same age division was Rachel Sasine who placed fourth on floor with an 8.6 and she counted for the team score on beam 8.05. It was Sasine’s first meet at this level.

The team’s next best competitor was Kelsey Phillips, counting on three events for the team.

Phillips placed first on beam 8.15, second on bars 8.4, floor 8.65 and AA 33.1 in the 10-year-old age group.

Kristina Scott placed second on vault 8.625, fourth on beam 7.25.

Scott improved all four of her events from the last meet.

In the 11-year-old division was Janna Tucker in her first meet, placing first on beam with a 7.8, second on floor 8.45 and third AA 30.825.

Aubrey Snyder placed third on bars 7.9 and fourth on vault 8.4, beam, AA 30.7.

Timia Fowler led the level 5 team by scoring a 32.875. Her score on bars 8.55, earned fourth place in which she tied our team record.

“Timia looked really tight on that event. Her connections were better,” said Murphy.

Fowler also finished second on vault 8.475.

Sidney Cokely’s best event was the balance beam, placing third and earning an 8.05, a personal best.

It was the first meet for Amber Kling, who scored a 29.175.

“Amber performed her kip on bars, a move she has been struggling on for months. I was so proud,” said Murphy.

Jordan Yates improved her beam routine at this meet and placed fourth on the bars with a 7.9.

“Both level 7s had a tough meet, watching top-notch second-year competitors,” Murphy said. “They realized they have a lot to learn to be competitive at optional. This is their first season.”

Susannah Harvell place third on vault, 8.375, fourth on bars, 8.05, beam 7.8, floor 8.25 and AA 32.475.

Betsy Booth placed second on beam 8.55 and sixth AA 32.1.

“They plan to work on their form for our home meet, the Sunbelt Shindig on Nov. 3,” said Murphy.