Young gymnasts flip over winning

The Monarchs National Gymnastics Training Center's Rhythmic Team recently won honors at a competition in San Diego.

Brigita Budginas, 8, of Agoura Hills went on to represent Monarchs Gymnastics and Region 1 at the Level 4 and 5 National Competition in Boston, May 25 to 27.

Lily Kobabe, 11, of Oak Park, won second-place in the Level 6 division and was chosen to compete at the Junior Olympic Championships June 8 to 10 in Ohio.

Jacqueline Buckley, 10, of Calabasas and Claire Daly, 9, of Agoura Hills both qualified as Level 6 individual competitors at the National Classic.

Level 4 competitor Natalie McGiffert won the title "Gymnast of the Year" for receiving first-place out of 79 athletes in her level. This also earned coach Marina Kukhta a "Coach of the Year" plaque.

Level 4 competitors also included Amy Zafman, 10, of Calabasas and Hailey Preston, 8, of Oak Park.

Level 5 competitors were Kyla Carter, Brigita Budginas and Claire Daly.

Level 6 competitors were Gina Rettig, 10, of Thousand Oaks and Corinne Kentor, 12, of Bell Canyon.

Monarchs National Gymnastics Training Center LLC has facilities at 5331 Derry Ave., Agoura Hills, (818) 889-3634, and 3599 Old Conejo Road, Newbury Park, (805) 375-4663.