The Harrisburg Gymnastics Team has grown by leaps and bounds in the past three seasons. In the 2016 inaugural season, the team was largely made up of girls new to the sport. Unlike other sports, gymnastics is very hard to jump into because many of the skills needed to compete at a high school level take time to develop. Despite being the newest team in AA high school gymnastics, the team won a third-place title at State with a gymnast placing first in the all-around last season. With continued hard work and dedication, the team is determined to make their mark again this year.
Stephanie Kroger, the head coach, says, “This is our fourth season, and we had a four-year goal to win State. This was a fun little goal when we started not really knowing where this program would be in 4 years.” If the girls improve from meet to meet, this year’s team has great potential to meet their goal.
Emma Maeschen, the team captain, set a few goals for herself this season. She explains her own goal: “Staying healthy so I can compete all-around at State gymnastics. The last two years were not very good for me, personally. I was hurt the last two State meets, so getting to compete all-around again this year would be great.” Focusing on her own goals and setting a good example for the younger gymnasts, Emma, who has competed on the team since 2017, is poised for a successful season. Kiah Boetel, who is a sophomore and team captain, established goals as well. Boetel hopes to keep up with her skills from last year; however, she would like to gain new ones, as well. Landing a double back off bars is Kiah’s top skill goal. Earning a spot to compete in the All-Around at State together, these sophomores will certainly play a role in the team’s overall goal.
Currently, the Tigers are three meets into this year’s season. Coach Kroger adds, “The first meet was average, new rules and things to comply with as far as a warmup, so that has been tough to get figured out. The second meet, not amazing, but they stayed within five points of Watertown, which is fabulous! This last meet against Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Washington, the Tigers were AMAZING! We had a blast, our skills came together, and we just worked as a team all the way through the meet.” It looks like the Tigers hard work, skill set, and positive attitude have the team on track to meet their four-year goal.