Gymnastics team returns four seniors

Like every other high school sport this winter, the Park High gymnastics program will have a much different look — a look that will be seen mostly by other competitors, a few at a time. While a limited number of spectators will be allowed at most high school sports this season, because of space considerations, gymnastics will be an exception.

This year’s guidelines state that for competitions held indoors, if 12 feet cannot be maintained between the participants in the game (athletes, coaches, student managers, timekeepers) and the spectators, participants must be included in the total capacity count. That will limit the numbers of spectators to most gymnastics meet to participants only. “We won’t be able to (have fans),” said Park varsity gymnastics coach Ali Flaata. “There may be an opportunity for some spectators at travel meets.”

Gymnasts will also be required to wear masks unless they are tumbling, flying, or competing on other apparatuses due to the chance of choking. Despite the obstacles, Flaata is looking forward to another successful season with a number of talented gymnasts set to show their stuff.

Leading the returners for Park is junior Leah Smith, who should do well in the all-around. “Leah is strong in all events,” said Flaata. “Her top events are probably bars and floor, which is good because those are two of the weaker events for us. She’s had a weird last two seasons but she’s probably a state qualifier. She’s more than ready to make some waves.”

Sophomore Ashley Lentz qualified for state last season in the vault and will compete in the all around. “She’s very consistent, very clean,” said Flaata.

Senior Kennedy Blaschko should also do well in all events. “She’s steady,” said Flaata. “She’s pretty consistent.”

Emily Dahlstrom and Annelise Salctti are two new gymnasts to Park coming up from the Mega program, both with good skills sets, the coach said.

Overall, Park’s best events should be vault and beam, “depending on if we can stay on it,” Flaata said. Bars is going to be the most challenging event.

Park will be a young team with four seniors and seven freshmen.

Park has four home meets to start the season, beginning with White Bear Lake at home Thursday, Jan. 28.