Gymnasts ready for sophomore season

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Woodland sophomore Stephanie Poynton, pictured, and her twin sister, Kristina Poynton, are preparing for their second season representing the Hawks as a team of one in gymnastics. –CONTRIBUTED

BEACON FALLS — Coming off an accomplished first season, Woodland sophomores and twin sisters Stephanie and Kristina Poynton are ready to represent the Hawks once again on the mat.

The Poynton sisters are representing the Hawks as a team of one for gymnastics. The sisters practice and compete alongside Pomperaug’s gymnastic team, since Woodland doesn’t offer a varsity gymnastics program.

As a team of one, the only postseason meet the Poyntons are able to compete in is the state open. The top 40 gymnasts in an event — beam, vault, uneven bars and floor exercise — qualify for this competition.

Kristina finished just shy of the top 40 last season in her events, but still ended her season in the top 20 percent in the state.

“For my first year as a freshman I was successful,” said Kristina, who is recovering from a back injury. “But, I can do better.”

Stephanie placed 13th in vault and 13th in the floor exercise out of 68 competitors at the state open last year.

The girls have increased their focus coming into this season, mastering even more challenging skills and spending numerous hours practicing in order to improve from their freshman year.

The twins each have their own unique skills they are looking to perfect. Stephanie is looking forward to competing in floor routines because she enjoys the dance piece of it, and Kristina has been working on a new vault routine.

The twins, who also compete at the club level with USA Gymnastics, practice nearly every day for about two to three hours to prepare for competitions.

Woodland sophomore Kristina Poynton, pictured, and her twin sister, Stephanie Poynton, are preparing for their second season representing the Hawks as a team of one in gymnastics. –CONTRIBUTED

With their first high school season in the books, the sisters’ confidence has greatly increased. However, Stephanie pointed out that it is always difficult to evaluate the competition before the season starts, making practice and preparation even more important.

“The people competing this year will be different so there’s no telling how I will do this season,” Stephanie said.

As they prepare to begin a new season, the duo isn’t putting too much pressure on themselves. They believe it is important to practice hard, but also to enjoy the sport and the time with their friends.

“We don’t have to stress out about how we do because we’re just doing this for fun and to spend more time with our friends,” Kristina said.

The first meet of the season is Jan. 7 at Pomperaug High School.