Eagles’ gymnasts shine at state

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — These were unchartered waters. Emotions, challenges and experiences Sauk Prairie’s girls gymnastics program had never encountered. But the Eagles have been a team that didn’t flinch all season. And they certainly weren’t about to start in their final competition of the year. At the WIAA Division 2 state meet held at Wisconsin Rapids High School last Friday, Sauk Prairie put on a show and finished in fifth place at the 10-team event. Considering it was the first time in school history the Eagles reached state as a team, they were thrilled with their performance. “I was unbelievably proud of all of the girls,” Sauk Prairie coach Justine Anderson said. “We have had (individual) trips to state in the past that don’t go according to plan — girls crumble under pressure, the emotions are high because they are seniors, or there are lots of falls or mistakes.  “However, this team was ready. And despite them being mostly seniors, they kept their emotions in check — until the very end — and put out incredible performances that both they and their coaches were proud of.” There was undoubtedly a lot to be proud of. Rice Lake won the team title with a 138.234 score, while Monona Grove (137.517) and Dodgeville’s co-op (137.050) rounded out the top three. The Eagles finished with a 136.683 score. Sauk Prairie started on the uneven bars, where its score of 32.60 was the fifth-best among the 10 teams. Claire Hartman led the Eagles with an 8.467, while McKenna Breunig survived a fall and posted an 8.217. Kylee Ballweg added an 8.017 and Lyla Annen had a 7.90. “Although McKenna had a fall, she relied on the support of her teammates and did not let it rattle her,” Anderson said. Sauk Prairie moved to the balance beam, where Breunig led the way with an 8.90. The Eagles also counted scores from Lauren Uselman (8.633), Addisyn Ranzenberger (8.567) and Hartman (8.20). Sauk Prairie’s team score of 34.30 was fifth-best again. “Addy (Ranzenberger) was first up on beam and she set the tone with a killer routine and a PR,” Anderson said. “We only had one fall out of five girls. With every hit routine, excitement built, and the energy was great.” The Eagles moved to the floor exercise, where Breunig again led the way with a 9.167. Hartman posted a 9.033, while Uselman (8.867) and Annen (8.683) also shined. Sauk Prairie’s team score of 35.750 was fourth overall. “Lyla came away with a PR and the rest of the girls hit their routines,” Anderson said. Sauk Prairie finished on the vault and set a new school record with a 34.033. Hartman led the Eagles with an 8.883, while Breunig (8.767), Annen (8.333) and Ranzenberger (8.10) also had terrific showings. “The girls really did as well as they could have done given the pressure of the day,” Anderson said. “You could tell they were all nervous, but when it was time to perform, they managed to calm their nerves and competed with poise.” A trio of Eagles performed just as well Saturday during the individual state meet. Breunig led the way with a fifth place finish in the all-around competition with a 36.283 — which was a new personal-best. Breunig was second on the uneven bars with a 9.017 and fifth on the balance beam (9.267) — earning podium finishes (top six) in both events. Breunig added an 8.90 on the vault and a 9.10 on the floor. “McKenna had more fun on floor than I have ever seen her have — and it was beautiful — and came out with a solid score,” Anderson said of Breunig. “McKenna did not have a personal event PR, but had an incredible day and came out with an all-around PR.” Hartman also competed as an individual and finished 12th on the uneven bars (8.667) and 15th on the vault (8.933). “Claire earned a PR on vault and landed both of her vaults for the first time,” Anderson said. And Uselman competed on the balance beam, where she was 12th with an 8.717. “The three individual qualifiers were much less jittery and it felt like Friday was a great practice for (Saturday),” Anderson said. “They felt more comfortable on the equipment and in the space and were ready to rock it. “Every routine that was competed by our girls scored better than Friday — and looked better. Beam was more solid for both Lauren and McKenna and it was fun to see the energy for our sectional build as beam went on.” In all, it was a two-day trip the Eagles will never forget — and a perfect ending for all of the Eagles to the best season in school history. “What a way to end some of their gymnastics careers,” Anderson said. “It was a surreal experience and I am still trying to process all the emotions that this weekend brought. “These girls are leaving big shoes to fill, in athletic ability, mental toughness, and positive attitude. There will never be any team quite like them.”