Teamwork, Talent, Triumph: Inside Aquinas gymnastics’ state sectional glory

The impressive numbers tell just part of the story of the St. Thomas Aquinas High School gymnastics team’s remarkable success in the 2023 season: an undefeated record in regular competition, its 22nd Greater Middlesex County Championship, and its second-in-a-row State Sectional Championship. But teamwork, unity, and determination to improve are the x-factors that have gotten the Edison-based team to where it is and propelled its consistent victories over difficult opponents.

The team set the bar high from the beginning, scoring 108.125 in its opening match against Old Bridge High School. As the season progressed and the competition heated up, the team continued to improve, solidifying its position as the nj.com #1-ranked team in the state.

“Our season was extremely positive,” noted head coach Brant Lutska. “We were undefeated and won our division, GMC Championships, the State Qualifying sectional, and placed second overall in the state. These great accomplishments resulted from all the girls working together as a team to achieve their goals.”

At the Greater Middlesex County tournament, the team displayed its talent and teamwork, earning a repeat championship, the 22nd in team history and Coach Lutska’s 17th. Sophomore Supriyha Moore earned double gold medals on vault and floor, and senior Nina Sangiuliano earned gold on bars. “This season was a great learning experience for the team. We put in our best efforts individually and as a group,” commented Sangiuliano. “We have a great group of girls with much talent, and I’m excited to see what they do in the next few years.”

Throughout the course of the season, the team was able to qualify an astounding 16 out of 20 gymnasts for the State Sectional Tournament, a true testament to the team’s depth of talent and dedication. The gymnasts displayed their most impressive performances of the season on their way to claiming the trophy as state sectional champions with a season-high score of 111.45. Three gymnasts claimed first-place medals: junior Olivia Donato on vault, senior Nina Sangiuliano on bars, and junior Jenna Cerchio on floor. Of further note, sophomore Supriyha Moore, senior Allie Pompliano, and sophomore Shelby Reno all placed in the top six of their events.

The 2023 season was defined by the Aquinas gymnastics team’s commitment to excellence and unity, setting a high standard for success. The team looks forward to the future and is determined to continue its impressive journey in gymnastics.

Mike Kowalczyk serves as St. Thomas Aquinas High School director of Communications.