May 22, 2007

Two members of the incoming 2007-08 Maryland gymnastics freshmen class, Kaitlin Joseph and Alyssa Valbert, competed in the 2007 Junior Olympic National Championships last weekend at the Wall 2 Wall Sports Complex in Mason, Ohio.

Both gymnasts represented Region 5; Joseph competed in the Senior B age group and Valbert competed in the Senior D age group.

Joseph placed thirteenth in the all-around and fifth on uneven bars with a 9.550 score. Joseph, who trains at US Airborne in Grand Rapids, Mich., is a four-time Junior Olympic National qualifier. This is the third year in a row that Joseph has placed in the top 20 in the all around and top five on the uneven bars.

Valbert endured a rough beam routine and placed 44th in the all-around. She earned a top ten finish on the uneven bars with a 9.550 score. Valbert, a three-time Junior Olympic National qualifier, trains at Arena Gymnastics in Joliet, Illinois.

2007-08 walk-on freshman Kelsey McDermid was an alternate for the Region 7 team. Additionally, incoming freshman Abbey Adams did not qualify for Nationals due to an illness suffered at state championships.