Chester resident JacAlan Cecchini put together an exceptional performance during his gymnastics season this year, earning multiple first-place finishes at some big-time championship meets. Cecchini, 14, is a Level 8 gymnast who will be attending Valley Regional High School as a freshman later this year. He trains at Patti Dunne’s School of Gymnastics under the tutelage of his coach Matt Dunne.

Cecchini competed in the 2022 Men’s Gymnastics State Championships in Suffield on March 5. Cecchini finished in first place for the rings, parallel bars, vault, pommel horse, and floor on his way to taking first overall in the all-around at the meet. He also took second place on the high bars.

Cecchini went on to participate in the Region 6 Men’s Gymnastics Championships at Springfield College on April 9. Cecchini delivered another stellar showing at the regional competition by once again earning top honors in the all-around on the strength of first-place finishes on the floor, pommel horse, rings, and parallel bars. Cecchini also finished second for the vault at regionals. Cecchini’s all-around total of 70.5 marked one of his best scores of the year.

Cecchini then competed at the Men’s Eastern National Championships that was held in Battle Creek, Michigan from April 29 to May 1. Cecchini was one of approximately 100 Level 8 competitors who took part in the meet. Cecchini finished second on floor, took fourth place for the pommel horse, and finished in fifth place on the vault at nationals.

Between the state, regional, and national meets, Cecchini’s best scores for his events were a 12.6 on floor, a 12.6 the pommel horse, a 12.1 on vault, a 12.0 on rings, an 11.9 on parrel bars, and a 10.5 on high bars.

—Chris Piccirillo