Rough Start for Gymnasts

This year’s gymnastics team began with a rough start. Of last year’s state team only two members returned, Jenny Covers and Heather Kill, who suffered an ACL tear. On top of that, only 10 girls joined the team, 2 of who quit part way through the season.

The eight girls remaining were left scrambling to become a team worthy of a state title. Their hard work did not go unrewarded, but things weren’t as good as the girls had hoped.

Early season meets had few highlights, including Danielle Drya first on bars, Colleen Bransley first on floor, Sarah Kramer first in all around, and Nikki Novak first in all around. When finally things were looking up, all-arounder Danielle Drya injured her ankle competing on the vault at the Lake Forest competiton.

The team’s goal of making state was beginning to seem more unlikely by the minute.

Although prospects look grim, the girls have worked hard and pulled together in hopes of achieving their goal. In the recent Nequea Valley Invite the team took 2nd place overall with Jenny Covers winning first on Floor, Vault, Bars and All Around; Brittany Potts taking second on vault and Sarah Kramer taking 5th on bars. Things finally started looking up at the Barrington meet, where Heather Kill was finally able to compete for the first time this season on bars, Jenny Covers took first on vault, Nikki Novak took second on beam, and the team scored their high for the season of a 142.85.

“In the beginning it was upsetting to see such few numbers on the team,” describes junior Brittany Potts “but we have come a long way. I’m excited to see where we end up in the next couple of weeks.” The girls are still trying to gather five consistent scores for each event, but everyone is working hard to be a threat at the state series.

Even with a rough start the girls have pushed through. ”All these girls have been working very hard. With all the given circumstances I’m very proud of them,” expresses team captain Jenny Covers.

This has been an awesome year for the girls and they hope to make it to state. I’m sure all of District 155 wishes the Prarie Ridge Co-Op Team good luck on their journey.