Rutgers Gymnastics Holds Yearly Banquet
Apr 27 | Women's Gymnastics
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (April 27, 2012) - The Rutgers University gymnastics program held its end of the year banquet on Sunday, April 22 on the Livingston Campus to honor its five departing gymnasts and the 2012 season. It was the first banquet under head coach Louis Levine.
The event started with the distribution of letterwinner gifts to the 20 members of the team, which included four freshmen, five sophomores, six juniors, four seniors and one graduate student. Next, the members of the All-EAGL Team were recognized in front of the crowd of about 80, as they previously received their awards at the East Atlantic Gymnastics League Banquet on March 23 in Pittsburgh.
Levine followed with the revealing of the yearly team awards that was highlighted by the first-ever Chrystal Chollet-Norton Dedication Award, named after the most successful coach in RU gymnastics history who was there to bestow the honor.
Captains Award: Jenna Zito, Nicole Romano, Alexandra Belvis
9.9 Award: Danielle D'Elia, Alexis Gunzelman
The Chrystal Chollet-Norton Dedication Award: Alexandra Belvis
MVP Award: Alexis Gunzelman
Most Improved Award: Leigh Heinbaugh, Alexis Gunzelman
Coaches Appreciation Award: Melanie Brother
Scholar-Athlete Award: Emma-Rose Trentacosti, Melanie Brother
The junior class then stepped up to the podium and gave heartfelt remarks to each of the upcoming graduates; Alexandra Belvis (Hinsdale, Ill.), Melanie Brother (Crofton, Md.), Leigh Heinbaugh (Sicklerville, N.J.), Danae Johnson (Silver Spring, Md.) and Nicole Schwartz (Somerset, N.J.). The group then took the microphone one-by-one and spoke to their time at Rutgers, sharing memories and their gratitude for their years "On the Banks."
The Scarlet Knights also recognized their success in the classroom once again, with 15 student-athletes earning a spot on the EAGL Academic Team.
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