Yorktown-Somers-John Jay Gymnastics at Section One Championships 2024

MOHEGAN LAKE, N.Y. – The combined gymnastics team representing John Jay, Somers, and Yorktown concluded their postseason run at the Section One Championships, held February 5 at Eclipse Gymnastics Center. Facing a highly competitive field, the team showcased resilience and determination as individual athletes pursued sectional honors.

John Jay senior Kayla Cambareri delivered a consistent all-around performance, achieving a total score of 34.025. Cambareri’s reliability was evident across all four events, leading the squad on vault with a score of 9.05. She followed with solid routines on floor exercise (8.8), uneven bars (8.125), and balance beam (8.05), demonstrating her well-rounded skillset on the championship stage.

Representing Yorktown, Ciara Burch competed in the all-around, posting a total of 31.375. Burch’s strongest showing came on the balance beam, where she earned an 8.7. She also contributed an 8.025 on vault, alongside performances on uneven bars and floor exercise. Her appearance at Section One followed a strong showing in Division Two, highlighting her ability to perform consistently under pressure.

While Somers did not have an individual athlete place in the Section One standings, the Tuskers’ participation in the Division Two Championships demonstrated program growth. Kaitlin Gannon’s 9.1 on floor exercise at Division Two exemplified the team’s progress and provided valuable postseason experience.

The 2026 championship season highlighted the depth of gymnastics programs across northern Westchester. With athletes from John Jay and Yorktown competing at Section One, and Somers gaining exposure at Division Two, the combined team demonstrated a commitment to development and competition.

The success of Somers, Yorktown, and John Jay builds on a strong tradition within Section One gymnastics. Somers previously achieved a three-peat in the team competition, winning their third straight Section 1 team championship with a score of 180.35 in February 2024, as a combined team with Yorktown, Pawling, John Jay-Cross River, and Hen Hud. This recent postseason performance suggests continued strength and potential for future success for the combined program.

Olivia Marricco of Lakeland/Panas/Putnam Valley has been a dominant force in Section One gymnastics in recent years. In February 2024, Marricco won the all-around title for the second time in three years with a score of 38.4, also claiming championships on the uneven bars (9.775) and balance beam (9.625). Maggie Johannsen of Somers won the vault (9.65) and Nina Mori of Somers took the floor exercise (9.75) at the same meet. Marricco’s success underscores the high level of competition within the section and provides a benchmark for athletes like Cambareri and Burch.

The Division Two Championships, held February 4, 2025, saw Lakeland/Panas score 178.35, topping Tappan Zee (174.1) and Wappingers (167.2). Olivia Marricco again led the way, scoring 9.5 on vault and 9.75 on uneven bars. These results demonstrate the competitive landscape within Section One and the dedication required to reach the highest levels of the sport.

The combined efforts of John Jay, Somers, and Yorktown reflect a growing trend of cooperative programs in high school athletics. By pooling resources and talent, these schools are able to provide more opportunities for student-athletes and compete at a higher level. This collaborative approach is likely to continue shaping the future of gymnastics in northern Westchester.

Looking ahead, the focus will be on continued development and building upon the successes of this season. With a core of experienced athletes and a commitment to teamwork, the combined program is well-positioned to contend for sectional titles in the years to come. The experience gained at the Section One and Division Two Championships will undoubtedly serve as a valuable foundation for future success.