Last week the panthers traveled to their final 2 meets of the regular season. Their first stop was East Lansing, where not only did they win, but they had several regional qualifying scores and personal bests!
Next they traveled not too far to compete with the Jackson Area Gymnastics team as they honored all of the Jackson County Gymnast alumni in attendance. Several familiar faces attended and were those who helped to build the high school gymnastics programs in the area. Some of those included:
-Katie Bunting (WHS and now coaches in East lansing and has served as a Judge for over a decade)
-Kara Beer (Napoleon alum and coach of Jackson High School 2000-2010)
-Kendra Sharp (NW and also coached for several years)
-Erika Rickman (JHS)
-Jenna Bradley (LC 2023)
-Alyssa Budd (Napoleon 2023)
-Aubrey Alford (GL 2023)
-Kate Johnson (JHS 2019)
-Nora Nash (WHS 2023)
-April Kurzy (JHS 2013)
-Makayla LeDuc (Hanover 2021)
-Kenzie Hiler (WHS 2022)
It was an uplifting night filled with reminiscing and hopefulness. The gymnasts on both teams worked hard to honor the he integrity of the programs in which the alumni helped build.
For the gymnasts of Western High School, the meet brought opportunity. A chance for a few more gymnasts to obtain regional qualifying scores. Their performance did not disappoint and they now have 9 gymnasts qualified for the regional competition on Saturday March 2nd. Those gymnasts are:
Kara Boyer-All Around
Taylor Paquin-All Around
Sophie Robinson-All Around
Kasyn Saari- All Around
Hannah Whiting- All Around
Anna Brewer- Vault, Bars
Zoe Ruiz- Vault, Floor
Lillian Coppernoll- Vault, Floor
Jayna Zenker-Vault
These gymnasts are working on upgrades and focusing on building on their strengths. Their journey and success is made possible by the support of the community, their teachers and administrators, and most importantly each other. They lift each other up and are making gains because of their support for one another. Wish them luck as they make “HERstory” for the pantHERs this weekend at regionals in Kenowa Hills.