By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The Aurora High School girls gymnastics team recently opened its 2022-23 season and head coach Gina Gastaldo enters with enthusiasm.

With a full team that features “more depth than we have ever had,” along with standouts Hannah Salgado, Kaitlin Zgonc and Kassidy Fry, the Greenmen have optimistic hopes.

Salgado, as a sophomore a year ago, advanced to the state championships and placed fifth overall in the All-Around competition.

“She is a fantastic athlete and is one to watch for this season,” Gastaldo said. “At the state competition last year, she was excellent, and I am hopeful for her to be even better this season.”

Zgonc has “really improved her skill level from last season,” according to Gastaldo, who was a four-time state champion on the beam — and two-time state runner-up in the all-around, at West Geauga. She continued her career at Kent State University before two knee surgeries forced her to walk away from the sport.

Fry is another all-around competitor for the Greenmen.

“She has great leadeship skills,” Gastaldo said. “She is a strong gymnast and is very consistent.”

The early season optimism is justifiable and has placed the Greenmen in a position to set lofty goals for themselves.

“I am hopeful that we qualify as a team to districts,” Gastaldo said, “and possibly a state appearance as a team and with individuals.”