The Barronsgate Vaulting Team stunned spectators with a beautifully composed and solidly performed Kur (freestyle routine) on the last day of these AHSA selection trials in Agoura, CA. The spectators responded with a standing ovation. Coming from behind, the team’s kur routine had daring and innovative moves that provided the necessary scores to overcome their disappointing fourth place after the compulsory round. This was the Barronsgate Team’s first entry in an AHSA recognized A Team level. Devon Maitozo, who is the current Men’s World Vaulting Champion, coaches the Barronsgate Team. The 9-person team is composed of vaulters from Virginia, Washington, and Southern California.

In an emotional moment, the Woodside Vaulting Team that holds the Bronze medal from the World Equestrian Games 1998, and also represented the United States at the World Vaulting Championships in 1996, was eliminated on Sunday after it was determined that their horse was not sound. The disappointed audience could only watch as coach Isabelle Bibbler consoled her team with hugs, encouraging words, and plans for the next selection trial. The Sundance Vaulting Team from Woodside California placed second overall with their well performed compulsories and beautiful Kur. Mt. Eden Vaulters of Saratoga, California earned third place.

In the women’s individual division, Sundance’s Mari Inouye finished first with her consistent strength, style and gymnastic ability. Mari defeated 8-time National Champion and 3-time Reserve World Champion, Kerith Lemon. Lemon experienced difficulty and finished sixth in the first round compulsories. The student from University of California, Berkeley, came back strong in the second round and finished the overall individual competition in second place.

There was no surprise when current National Champion and World Champion, Devon Maitozo, finished a full point ahead of his competitors in the men’s individual division. Brent Dahlgren, also a member of the Barronsgate club, placed second. Dahlgren has been vaulting for twelve years and training with Maitozo for the last seven months. He earned his first qualifying score