Viking gymnasts getting united or season
Published 2:00 pm Wednesday, November 26, 2003
POULSBO — Junior Jenne Jones was the only Viking gymnast who went to state last season. But there is a sense among the team that Jones won’t go it alone this time around.
“We had a pretty good season last year,” said Vikes’ assistant coach Sheila Moore. “We sent only one to state last year, but I have a feeling this year we can send more than one.”
The Viking gymnasts have a 16-member squad for its upcoming season; down from the 25 of last year, but with a players-to-coaches ratio of about four to one, this year’s team has a tremendous edge in face-time.
“A few less girls this year means more one on one time,” Moore said. “We also have an extra helper (in Rachel Walters),” she said.
Walters, an Olympic College student who competed on the team last year, is helping out coaching this year. She, too, is also optimistic about the team’s chances.
“I believe this team has more potential than any other team I’ve seen,” Walters said. “A lot of the girls have more focus and are a lot stronger.”
And the team is younger and more athletic, too.
“We look really good, and really young,” said Kris Goodfellow, head gymnastics coach. “A lot of them are new to gymnastics but they’re not new athletes.”
Unity is a word that many Vikes’ gymnasts mentioned they believe will be an asset throughout the season as well.
“I think it’ll be a lot of fun this year,” said senior Kim Lyles. “We lost a lot of good people last year. But there will be less drama on the team (than last year) and we’ll be more laid back and all that good stuff.”
“Last year, we were really cliquey,” Jones said. “This year, we’re more of one as as team.”
“I think we have amazing potential and that we seem a lot closer,” said junior Sierra Lowery.
There are a few veterans helping lead the way; Jones returns in her third year on the team. The junior has gone to state twice before; as a freshman, in the vault and floor competitions, and as a sophomore, in the vault and beam competitions.
“I expect to be as good as I was (last year), and possibly go on all three (events to state),” said Jones. “I have to put in more energy and effort as a junior as my opportunities become less.”
The team also welcomes experienced freshman Kai Marrow, who works at Trek Gymnastics where the team practices.
