Girls varsity gymnastics takes third at Sectionals

Though+many+of+the+Red+Devils+did+not+advance+to+State%2C+their+season+was+full+of+accomplishments%2C+including+third+place+at+Regionals.

Courtesy of Jaci Dynis

Though many of the Red Devils did not advance to State, their season was full of accomplishments, including third place at Regionals.

The varsity girls gymnastics team competed at the IHSA Sectionals meet on Monday, Feb. 5 at Sandburg High School. The Red Devils got a total number of 136.45 points and placed third in the meet as a team.

Courtesy of Jaci Dynis
Amanda Leon, senior, competes on the beam at the varsity Regionals meet.

Sectionals is the meet that determines whether or not the team will advance to the State meet. Kiara Harrast, freshman, will be the only Red Devil advancing to the State meet after finishing in fifth place on both bars and beam.

“I competed on vault and beam. Vault went well for me; I got a 9.175, and on beam I got a 7.6,” said Kylie Torsberg, junior and varsity team member. “When I was out for my shin injury, it made me really sad just to sit and watch and not be able to contribute. The main thing that motivated me and helped me to keep my energy up is just my love for gymnastics.”

Four members of the team were injured toward the end of the season, with several girls out for concussions and sprains. However, the girls had other adversities to overcome.

“I think the hardest part of gymnastics would be preparing mentally for meets; it’s a mental game, and it’s important not to let yourself get in your head too much,” said Amanda Leon, senior and varsity team member.

In order to compete at the meet, the Red Devils had to leave early from school to make it in time to warm up for their events. The team also has several traditions that they continue every year during Sectionals.

“We all get cornrows on the side of our head, and we decorate each other’s lockers. We also had a team brunch Sunday,” said Lily Jones, senior and varsity team captain. “The meet was super exciting but also super nerve-racking because all of the teams were so good.”

This marks an end to the girls gymnastics season, except for Harrast. She will compete at the State meet on Friday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, Feb. 22. The boys gymnastics season will begin soon in the spring, with their first meet on Friday, March 2.