The FTHS Gymnastics team competed in the Shore Conference Championships last week.  The team didn’t place, but they represented the school with pride and passion.  The Patriot Press talked to Coach St. Angelo about the season.

Overall, how did the gymnastics team do this year, compared to other seasons?

Compared to our past 4 years, we have done amazingly! We ended the season 10-5, but 4 of our losses were to teams in the top ten in N.J,, including Red Bank Catholic who are number one and Saint John Vianney who are number two!

When picking athletes at tryouts, what do you look for?

We look for skill level and dedication. Strength and agility are essential, as is determination, especially if a girl’s skill level is not as high as others’. That girl would need to keep at it to compete and we would need to see that shine through during tryouts. Bottom line: they must be able to perform full routines and keep on improving those routines.

How does it feel to know that your team is able to compete with a high state-ranked team like Marlboro and others?

That is a wonderful feeling! We actually had our second highest team score ever in a regular season meet this year versus Marlboro. Had we stuck beam we would have been able to defeat them!

How long have you been coaching gymnastics? What inspired you to do so?

I have been our coach for ten years now. I always loved watching the sport and I had been a gymnast for ten years as a kid.

What advise can you give to people who are looking to get involved, whether it is with gymnastics or another sport or club?

Work on improving constantly. You cannot be satisfied unless you worked your tail off nor can you assume that improvement is not possible. Even elite professional athletes will stagnate and be surpassed by more motivated and possibly less talented athletes.

Do you have any other advice or comments to give?

Don’t listen to Mr. DiGiuseppe in any way regarding anything! [Editor’s Note: Mr. DiGiuseppe has a nice, full head of hair, unlike some other people.]