BHS Gymnast Heads for States

• Name: Laura Safford, Age: 16
• School: Brewster High School
• Accomplishment: Broke school record by scoring a 9.6 on the balance beam at a sectionals competition
• Key to Awesomeness: Daily practice, love of the sport

Since the age of 3, Safford has been developing her love of "flipping and spinning through the air" into a talent that has established her as one of the top gymnasts in Brewster High School history.

Varsity Gymnastics Coach Vinny Savastano was blown away by her success at the Feb. 10 Section 1 Championships in Carmel, where she broke a school record on the balance beam. 

"It was amazing to see her do that," Savastano said. "She has so much ability, probably the most ever in the history of our program." 

Safford, a captain of the gymnastics team, qualified for Saturday's New York State Championship in Albany, where she will compete on the beam once again. This is her second time going at the championship — she made school history as the first sophomore ever to qualify last year, when she placed ninth.

Safford, who practices with her team and individually five days a week, is known for her hard work. With that dedication, co-captain Jess Blumburg is confident she will do a great job at states.

"She puts so much in, she deserves every good thing that comes her way," Blumberg said.

With all the effort that goes into her training, Safford's simple enjoyment of the sport may be what makes her stand out most.

"I'll be doing the same routine I did at sectionals," she said, referring to the upcoming meet. "I did so well there because I decided to have as much fun as I could with it."