Howell gymnastics team is doing it all
BY TIM MORRIS
Staff Writer

Howell High School's gymnastics team has captured everyone's attention by now.

With the addition of sophomore Austyn Fobes, an elite gymnast, and freshman Brianna Ecloff, an equally strong all-arounder, Howell looked dangerous on paper.

With their 108.45-105.5 win over Colts Neck last week, the Rebels proved they weren't a paper tiger, but the real thing.

"We've gone so far beyond our expectations, it's amazing," said coach Jennifer Conway-Hartman, whose team established a new school record for team score.

The victory put Howell (4-0) in a position to capture the Shore Conference A North Division title this year, but more importantly, the score makes them a contender for the Shore Conference, Central Jersey and state championships.

But Conway-Hartman's Rebels are not thinking that far ahead. Right now, the goal is the division crown.

"It was a huge step [beating Colts Neck]," she pointed out. "The girls know it would be unbelievable and awesome to win the division title."

The Rebels still have to get by perennial state power Marlboro, in their final dual meet of the season on Oct. 21 in Howell.

Fobes and Ecloff have been a perfect match for the Rebels because in addition to bringing their talent to the team, they have reached out to the other members of the team and become role models and leaders.

"The things they are capable of, their skills and ability and sportsmanship with each other is incredible," said Conway-Hartman. "Their presence pushes the other girls to try harder."

In the win over Colts Neck, which features Lindsay Diamond, last year's state all-around runner-up and three-time state sectional winner, and state place-winner Danielle D'Elea, Fobes (37.65) and Ecloff (37.25) finished one-two in the all-around.

Fobes and Ecloff, Conway-Hartman said, always give 110 percent when they are competing.

"Austyn brings a lot of team spirit in addition to being a great gymnast," said Conway-Hartman. "She likes being part of a team. The team means more to her than individual achievement."

"Brianna is unbelievable, she's such a hard worker," she added. "She always wants to improve her score."

As good as Fobes and Ecloff are, the Rebels wouldn't be scoring 108 points in meets if they did not have support behind them. The Rebels have a deep squad. Alex DeCanio and Megan Grothues have consistently been the team's third scorers. Both compete in the all-around.

Ali Barone (balance beam and vault), Molly McNamara (beam and uneven bars) and Kristen Connolly (floor exercise) have helped take the pressure off their teammates by coming up with good scores on their specialties.

Howell was back at the 108 mark in its 108.35-95.27 win over Middletown North, as Fobes finished first on all four events and Ecloff was second on three of them