Trib HSSN rewind: A look back at the 2018-19 girls gymnastics season

By: Greg Macafee
Friday, July 5, 2019 | 5:50 PM

Just like most of the gymnasts performing their routines, the 2018-19 gymnastics season had a lot of twists and turns that ultimately made it an extraordinary campaign.

For the first time in the short history of its program, Thomas Jefferson captured a WPIAL championship. After losing to Moon by a tenth of a point last year, the Jaguars edged the defending champs 146.375 to 144.883 this season, and Pine Richland finished third with a total team score of 144.265.

Congratulations to our Gymnastics Team, WPIAL Champs! #WErTJ #WPIAL

— TJHSJaguars (@TJHSJaguars) February 16, 2019

Thomas Jefferson claims 1st #WPIAL gymnastics title #TribHSSN @TJHSJaguars https://t.co/RO3vz54Nh6

— TribLive HSSN (@TribLiveHSSN) February 16, 2019

Not only did the Jaguars capture the WPIAL title, but they claimed the state title at the PA Classic competition a week later. They won the Gold Division championship by edging both Moon and Altoona. South Side claimed the Silver Division state title, as well.

Thomas Jefferson wins state gymnastics team championship https://t.co/PMfMwbAb6x #WPIAL #TribHSSN @wjhsd

— TribLive HSSN (@TribLiveHSSN) February 25, 2018

The Jaguars’ first WPIAL title capped off three straight years of section championships, and that was just the start of their accomplishments. Junior Natalia Galioto captured the all-around advanced division with a final score of 38.525. She outlasted North Allegheny freshman Reyna Garvey (38.3), teammate Natalie Moore (38.017) and West Allegheny’s Jordan Frasier (38.0).

Thomas Jefferson, Galioto celebrate WPIAL gymnastics titles #WPIAL #TribHSSN @TJHSJaguars https://t.co/pr9sFj6Kgx

— TribLive HSSN (@TribLiveHSSN) February 23, 2019

While Galioto took first in both floor exercise and the bars, Garvey took home the beam, and Moore ended up winning the vault with a score of 9.8.

With several young gymnasts battling for the top spots this year, the stage is set for a bright future in WPIAL gymnastics.

Greg Macafee is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Greg by email at gmacafee@triblive.com or via Twitter .

Tags: Thomas Jefferson