Gymnasts have great expectations

Justine Anderson knows that if Rome wasn’t built in a day, then turning Sauk Prairie’s girls gymnastics program into a force will take time. But Anderson — the Eagles’ head coach — knows her team is making the necessary strides. And that’s what has her so fired up about the 2020-21 campaign. The Eagles bring back a gifted nucleus from a year ago and welcome in some talented newcomers. That combination could have Sauk Prairie poised for an impressive season. “We are absolutely making strides, as each year girls come in with more and more experience,” said Anderson, who has two young children and is coaching virtually this season. “Expectations for ability and strength are increasing a little each year, though we always welcome girls that are completely new — as they can come a long way in four years.  “I do have expectations for increased team and individual scores this year, as there is a lot more raw talent this year. I’m hoping to maybe break a school record, but trying not to get too excited yet until I see how they handle their first competition.” Junior Ava Putnam tops the list of returnees. Putnam is a captain who competed as an all-arounder last season. “Ava will hopefully continue to be a top scorer for varsity all around on each event,” Anderson said. “She works very hard, is coachable, and gets along with the girls really well.” Senior Carina Meixelsperger is another all-arounder who had her season stopped short due to an elbow injury last year. Senior captain Kylie Wilson is a standout vaulter who has taken on a greater leadership role this offseason. “The girls look up to (Kylie),” Anderson said. “She has been extremely helpful this year, stepping up to help out with things I am unable to do this year while virtual.” Senior captain Rachel Endthoff is another captain looking to set the tone at practice and carve out a niche on the varsity team. Anderson is extremely excited about a group of newcomers that includes freshmen Shannon Tierney and Sara Nehring, along with sophomore Lexi Hellenbrand. “We have quite a few talented newcomers this season that will keep our veterans on their toes,” Anderson said. “Shannon, Lexi, and Sara will already easily have a spot on the varsity team even though this is their first year. “I think it will be good to continue to push the other girls to keep working and cleaning up routines. Having a larger group of girls that can score well will definitely help boost our team score as well as provide some depth to the team, which will be crucial during this season of COVID.” There have certainly been challenges due to COVID-19. Practices have been shortened to an hour a day. Practices have also been split due to social distancing. And Anderson is trying to teach from afar. While those trials are certainly tricky, Anderson is also thrilled her team has been given the chance to compete. “We have so many girls that have all the right pieces to score well this year, as they have significantly more experience than we have had in the past,” she said. “However, I am concerned that they will not have enough time to put all the pieces together.  “But I strongly believe it will teach them to be okay with imperfections. As a gymnast, you always want to put out a perfect performance, but that requires lots of practice, and mistakes still happen. I think it will be great for these girls to learn to go with the flow a little more, as they do not really have an option this year.” “I very strongly feel that everyone seems to be embracing the challenges and every day we get in the gym is a good day! Both athletes and parents have been extremely understanding of the ever-changing competition schedule and seem to be taking one day at a time. They are all just happy to have any opportunity they can have right now!”     GYMNASTICS      ROSTER Seniors: Rachel Endthoff, Carina Meixelsperger, Kylie Wilson. Juniors: Emma Bockhop, Ava Putnam, Annalise Ramaker, Pietra Vieira. Sophomores: Savannah Breunig, Kelsey Brodnicki, Isabella Enge, Alexis Hellenbrand, Gabrielle Kolmorgen, Olivia Wilson. Freshmen: Kaya Howard, Kelsey Krayer, Sara Nehring, Jade Reeves, Shannin Tierney, Ella Weigel, Olivia Wilkinson.