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Health & Fitness

Co-Student Athlete of the week Alecia Sahatdjian

     When people tune in to watch the summer Olympics, one of the most anticipated events is girl’s gymnastics.  Society gets to know these young girls on a first name basis, and they achieve almost instant celebrity status.  Our reverence as a culture for gymnastics most likely comes from witnessing these girls compete in high pressure situations, and competing in events that most of us would be terrified to even attempt.  Our co-student athlete of the week Alecia Sahatdjian not only attempts these difficult and nerve rattling exercises, but excels in doing so.

     Alecia began gymnastics when she was only 4 years old, but the demanding schedule and hours saw her take a break from the sport at age 9.  Fortunately for the girl’s gymnastics team, Alecia’s passion brought her back to competing this year.  Her coach, Sarah Dugan, remarked that Alecia “has shown great strength in returning to gymnastics after several years away from the sport.  She has a strong work ethic and a positive attitude.  Her determination has contributed to her success this season.”

      While Alecia will compete in every event, her favorite and best events are the floor exercise and vault.  Alecia earned a high score of 9.05 in the floor exercise on January 22nd, and also stuck a beam routine for the first time this season the same night.  Although Alecia claims the high beams are her “scariest event,” she overcame that fear and scored an 8.0, which Dugan remarked “we were all very proud of her and she was very excited.”

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     Alecia’s favorite part of gymnastics has to be the camaraderie that comes with competing and spending so much time together.  “[Your teammates] see you at your weakest moments but are still there for you,” says Alecia.  Alecia lists the team’s goals as winning conference, regional, sectionals, and hopefully making a run at a state title.

     Academics is another area of strength for Alecia.  Her U.S. history teacher and girls track coach Steven Ideran says “Alecia is a very outgoing and personable student.  Her attitude and effort in school and sports help her be confident and composed, which are key components of good leadership.”  Ideran goes on to say “[Alecia] challenges herself, which is evident by her difficult course load and choice of extracurricular activities.  Kids who are as dedicated and hardworking as Alecia are fun to teach and coach.”

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     Alecia boasts a 3.79 cumulative G.P.A., which ranks her in the top 20 percent in her class.  Although only a sophomore, Alecia plans on attending a state school and may continue her athletic career.  Whatever path Alecia chooses, her strong work ethic and personable attitude will help her attain whatever lofty goals she sets.  Her advice to future wolves includes “be who you are and don’t forget wherever you go in life.”

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