Firecrackers Recognized at the 2014 Gym Rat Challenge
The Gym Rat Challenge has become a fixture on the schedule for the Maine Firecrackers over the past 5 years. Team success has varied year to year, but the one thing you can count on is good competition. Given the size of the event, it is a great tune up for July events including National Tournaments (AAU and USJN). The Firecrackers have earned a reputation for having strong teams and individuals and due to this we get everyone’s best shot.
This year (2014) we sent three teams to participate in up-state New York.
16U – Clement (2-1 Pool Play – didn’t advance)
15U – Nelson (0-3 Pool Play – didn’t advance)
14U – Briggs (3-0 Pool Play – lost 1st round)
The results don’t specifically tell the story as each of the teams are dealing with injuries and scheduling conflicts. Due to this, we had three 7th grade players join the 15U team (Anna DeWolfe, Weslee Littlefield, and Faith Blethen) while Sierra Tapley and Kelsey Shaw moved up from the 15U team to play with Coach Clement’s 16U squad. The 14U team was down 2 players as well. The 7th grade players stood out as they jumped right in and made big contributions. Needless to say, we certainly aspire to better outcomes, but the quality of competition and games were excellent, we had coaches at our games, and provided an opportunity for some player movement among our teams for much needed experience and exposure.
The three High School teams are back in action in July as follows:
16U: Lone Wolf (VT), Battle in the Boro (TN), and USJN (DC)
15U: Lone Wolf (VT)
14U: AAU Nationals (Boston, MA)
Please join me in congratulating the following players who were selected to the All Gym Rat team for their respective age groups:
- Ashley Storey – 16U
- Victoria Lux – 16U
- Sarah Clement – 16U
- Kelsey Shaw – 15U
- Lish Aube – 14U
- Emily Esposito – 14U