Kristin Licata takes third in all-around at CHSAA gymnastics

Although yesterday's girls individual NSCHSAA gymnastics championships was dominated by St. Francis Prep, it was St. John the Baptist's Kristin Licata who ended her Long Island high school gymnastics career in style.

The senior finished third in the all-around. She placed second on the beam, scoring a 9.075 in the competition's final event.

"She had a real good meet," St. John head coach Brianne Herr said. "Beam is her best event."

Licata also scored an 8.35 on the floor exercise.

What defines Licata, according to her coach, is her drive to better herself in the gym.

"She's a very hard worker," Herr said. "She takes gymnastics very seriously. I can't believe it's been four years."

That passion rubs off on her teammates.

"They envy her," Herr said.

St. John the Baptist had three other top 10 finishes on the beam -- Sara Seaquist, Teresa Crisci and Nicole Tessar.

St. John's wasn't the only the Long Island school to represent itself well at the year's final meet. Kellenberg junior Kaylan Grau, who posed a 9.025, placed second in floor exercise.

After winning all four events, St. Francis Prep's Khayla Martinez was awarded the all-around championship. Martinez finished with a score of 36.625, which included a 9.6 on vault. Nicole Donini of St. Francis Prep finished second in the all-around.