On Friday, the Superior High School gymnastics team hosted its final meet of the regular season. The Spartans set a new team high score for the season with 126.85 points, but Ashland won the team title with 141.70 points.
"The team really has challenged themselves to beat (the season record) every meet and it's a win for them every time it happens," said Lynda Ritsche, SHS gymnastics co-coach. "So we can hopefully bring that determination to their WIAA sectionals this Saturday in Rice Lake at noon."
Friday's meet in Superior also marked Senior Night and Parents' Night for the Spartan girls. Seniors recognized were: Whitney Podgorak, four-year gymnast; Stephanie Caldwell, three years; Laura Schwartz, two years; Haley Johnson, one year.
Individually in Friday's meet, Spartan freshman Jessica Engstrom continued to receive high marks in her first year with the varsity team. She placed third on the bars, beam and all-around.
Three varsity gymnasts exceeded their personal best scores in the meet. Carissa Welch set high marks on the bars, floor and all-around; Laura Schwartz topped her high score on the beam and all-around; and Engstrom set a new personal record on the floor.
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On the junior varsity team, Stephanie Caldwell and Ronnie Markley both medaled for the Spartans. Caldwell was third on the beam and also tied Markley for third on the vault. Abbie Bronson set personal best marks on the beam and floor.
The regular season is now over for the Spartans, but the gymnasts will continue training to compete in the upcoming sectional tournament Saturday.
When asked what was their favorite part of this past season, they Superior girls all felt the same. They said they loved the feel of Spartan team and how the gymnasts all connected well together.
"We had amazing support for each other and motivation to help each other improve," Ritsche said. "When someone accomplished a new skill, our team would go crazy. We became family and don't want to see our season end, because we will have withdrawals."
Coaches George Deppa and Ritsche both said they were very proud of all the girls for what they accomplished, both as a team and individually.
"Each gymnast has accomplished so many personal goals," Ritsche said. "They were a great group of gals to work this season and we're very proud of the sportsmanship they had for their teammates and school."
Varsity Results
Flr. Beam Bars Vlt. All
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Carissa Welch 7.70 5.85 6.45 7.80 27.80
Whitney Podgorak 8.00 6.90 6.25 7.85 29.00
Laura Schwartz 7.75 8.30 7.20 8.65 31.90
Jessica Engstrom 8.60 8.55 8.50 8.70 34.35
Shana Soul 8.30 8.30 x 8.55 x
Junior Varsity Results
Flr. Beam Bars Vlt.
Stephaine Caldwell 4.85 6.80 x 7.50
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Abbie Bronson 5.00 5.80 x 6.10
Ronnie Markley x 4.45 x 7.50
Haley Johnson 4.40 3.10 x x
