One doesn't have to be an expert in gymnastics to know the East Brunswick High squad is setting up for a great season, and even that might not match what is coming in 2012.
East Brunswick placed fifth in the state last year. The team returns all of its top girls from that squad. None of them are a senior.
"Yeah, I'm very excited about this year," said East Brunswick Coach Kara Scefcyk. "All of my starters are back."
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Actually, East Brunswick did better than just returning all of its starters. Caitlin Selva, a junior, is back after missing all of last year with an ACL injury. She will compete in the all-around
"She is one of our top girls," Scefcyk said.
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The top returnee is Natalie Kowalik, just a sophomore.
"She was 10th in the state in the all-around last year as a freshman," Scefcyk said. "She is our big hitter."
For each gymnastics meet, each team will enter five girls in the four events. The squad's top three scorers from each event are added together to determine the team score.
Diya Uthappa, a junior, is another girl that will compete in the all-around.
"She has been working hard and has upgraded a lot," Scefcyk said.
Ashley Molyneux (junior), Nicole Razzano (junior) and Kylie Feldman (sophomore) are other returnees.
"These girls (Molyneux, Razzano, Feldman, Uthappa and Kowalik) were all a part of getting us that fifth place finish in the state," Scefcyk said. "I'm very excited to get this season started."
East Brunswick is scheduled to host Piscataway in the season opener on Sept. 15.
During the course of the season, Scefcyk will be looking for the chance to get all of the girls on her team into competitions
Lauren Sager, a sophomore, trains for the all-around. According to Scefcyk, Sager is particularly strong in the floor and balance beam.
Michelle Yam, a sophomore, trains for all four events. Her specialty is the balance beam.
Freshmen Danielle Bajorek and Chynelle M. are two other girls that should get into a few meets. Scefcyk anticipates getting Bajorek some time in the floor and vault.
This is a young team. This is a good team. The 2011 and 2012 seasons are setting up to be special ones.
"I can't wait for the season to start and neither can the girls," Scefcyk said. "They are farther along at this point than any team I ever had (Scefcyk is in her fifth year of coaching). They are all still on a high from last year. This should be a good year."
