Viking gymnasts look for an encore

By Mike Zummo
Posted 1/11/23

The Valley Central gymnastics team couldn’t ask for a better first season.

They were a new program in 2021-22 and finished their inaugural campaign by winning the Section 9 championship and …

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Viking gymnasts look for an encore

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The Valley Central gymnastics team couldn’t ask for a better first season.

They were a new program in 2021-22 and finished their inaugural campaign by winning the Section 9 championship and sending five gymnasts to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association championships.

Now, what will the Vikings do with their sophomore season?
They lost three athletes from last year’s team. Riley Conan and Christina Punch are gone, and while junior Kaylee Benson is still with the team, she will not compete and will serve as the team’s manager.

Leading the Vikings’ returning athletes are team captain and junior Bailey Badendyck, and freshmen Eleanor O’Neill and Reilly Benson. Isabella Ricciuto is one of the Vikings’ few seniors.

Reilly Benson was the Vikings’ only section champion last year, winning on the uneven bars.

They also have a contingent of strong eighth graders in Rilee Kinsley, Ellie Kresge, Avery McEvoy and Leigh Rieber.
“All are returning athletes who will bring their experience and improved skills will be a key for the team’s overall success this season,” Valley Central coach Kristen Kresge said.

They will be joined by several newcomers, including senior Erin Sullivan, and three seventh graders: Julia Freeman, Ella Freeman and Kaedence Bresnick.

“Each of these new athletes to our team bring their own unique style and skill set,” Kresge said.

Kresge is assisted by Suzanne Schiaffo, two coaches that have built the program together.

“Her vast knowledge of the sport is a huge asset to the team, and I could not do what I do without her help,” Kresge said.
The Vikings have about a month to build their skills, as they will compete in the February 13 Section 9 championship meet. They have their eyes set on repeating as champions and sending as many athletes as they can to the state tournament, scheduled for March 4 at Kenmore West High School in Section 6.

“I am super excited for this year’s team,” Kresge said. “We have a lot of talent and potential to do great things this season. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to coach these young ladies and help them grow in their gymnastics career.”

The Wallkill Panthers placed third at last year’s sectional championship meet, and their top gymnast, Marlee McCullough will return.

McCullough was last year’s all-around Section champion, as well as winning three of the four events (vault, balance beam, floor exercise). She finished second on the uneven bars and qualified for the state meet.

Also back are junior Liz Kellner and senior Chloe Quattrochi. Newcomer Madisyn Molloy will join the team. She’s a junior.
Wallkill coach Rachel Rivera said the team’s goal will be to have at least half the girls qualify for the state meet.

“The girls are working hard to reach that goal,” Rivera said.