Crestview gymnasts advance to regionals

Aniston Conlee, Lily Reese Henley and Kendall Spellings (from left) are going to regionals in Mobile, Alabama. [Special to the News Bulletin]

Editor's Note: A version of this story appeared in the March 25-28, 2017 Crestview News Bulletin with a number of errors, including an incorrect score.

We are happy to publish the announcement with corrected scores.

CRESTVIEW — Years of hard work have paid off for three North Okaloosa residents who study at US Gold Gymnastics sites in Northwest Florida.

Aniston Conlee, Lily Reese Henley and Kendall Spellings are among nine NWF US Gold gymnasts competing in the Southern US regional competition April 21-23 in Mobile, Ala. They will perform in the floor, parallel bar, vault and beam categories, according to Crestview manager Nicolette Buddles.

Lily, 9, who attends Baker School, took first place in her age group with a score of 38.050 at state finals in Clearwater. Kendall, 12, a Davidson Middle student, took second place with a score of 37.5250. Aniston, 11, an Antioch Elementary student, scored 37.650, taking fifth place all around in her age group.

The gymnasts began training at the US Gold Gymnastics Academy in Crestview when it opened six years ago. "I started them out with preschool classes at levels one and two. At level four, they had to train at the other gym (US Gold Gymnastics Team Gym) in Miramar Beach," US Gold owner Kathy Dwyer said.

They practice about 18 hours per week at the team gym, according to Dwyer.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview gymnasts advance to regionals