I think as a team we’ve just got to learn how to perfect our routines because we have all the skill. We do have the talent. It’s just consistency and perfecting because that’s where we get the high scores from.”

Senior Emily Dahlstrom

Flaata sets sights on State

Our goal always is to make it to state as a team, but I think we really, truly, have a good shot at that this year, especially looking at some of the other teams in our section and what they’re bringing back as well.”

Head Coach Ali Flaata

Is this the season a Park gymnastics team returns to state? It very well could be.

Park has been a regular participant in the state gymnastics meet, qualifying no less than 16 times since 1986. But the Wolfpack haven’t been back since 2013.

That could change this season.

“From what I’m seeing so far we’re kind of picking up where we left off which is good to see,” said head coach Ali Flaata. “So, I think we can just build on the strong finish we had last year and to continue to improve. We had six seniors that have been with our program for at least three to four years, so we have some really strong leaders. And they’re going to be able to support some of the younger girls and invite them into our team culture a little more.”

Indeed, Park welcomes back a host of veteran and talented gymnasts, including a pair of 2023 state meet qualifiers in senior Emily Dahlstrom and sophomore Ashley Davis this season.

With the exception of one senior who was injured half of the season a year ago, the entire Park team returns from a year ago. Park narrowly missed a trip to state as a team last winter, finishing second to East Ridge in the Section 3AA meet, 143.275 to 140.850.

“Our goal always is to make it to state as a team, but I think we really, truly, have a good shot at that this year, especially looking at some of the other teams in our section and what they’re bringing back as well,” said Flaata. “There’s always those variables of kids who come out that you didn’t anticipate but I think it’s looking pretty good.

“As then as far as individuals hopefully Ashley and Emily will return to state as well as Raina making an appearance back at state and we might have a couple others,” Flaata added.

Junior Rainna Jameson, Clara Opichka, Natalya Rugel and Makayla Bollman all return for the Wolfpack and will vie for section honors and possibly more.

“Clara Opichka had a really strong end to her vault season last year so she could make some splashes there,” said Flaata. “Natalya Rugel also has a really nice vault and I think Ashley Davis only went for bars last year, she should be a good all-around contender this year.”

Jameson was eighth in the all-around at sections last season, Bollman 21^st, Opichka 27^th and Rugel 37^th. Jameson was 30^that state on the uneven bars two seasons ago as a ninth grader.

Dahlstrom went to state in both the floor exercise and the all- around, while Davis qualified on the uneven bars last season. But those two are just the headliners on a loaded Park team that has talent, experience and depth.

“For our team as a whole I’m very excited for us,” said Dahlstrom. “We have a team bonding already since we were already all together last year. We only have one new girl and I’m excited for her too because it is a fun team. We do have a lot of fun. I think as a team we’ve just got to learn how to perfect our routines because we have all the skill. We do have the talent. It’s just consistency and perfecting because that’s where we get the high scores from. I think as a team, a goal should be to make it to state. We got second last year at sections. I think we can do it. We’ve just got to work hard. Put 100 percent in practice.”

In the section meet last season, Dahlstrom was third in the all-around and third on the floor. Davis was fifth in the all-around and second on bars. Jameson finished eighth in the all-around at section, Bollman was 21^st, Opichka 27^th and Rugel 37^th.

At state, Dahlstrom finished 22^nd in the 2023 Class AA state all-around, and 33^rd on the floor exercise. Davis was 34^th on the bars.

Dahlstrom scored a 35.1625 in the all-around. Her top two routines were a 9.1 in the floor exercise and a 9.075 on the balance beam. Her two vaults (8.625 and 8.5) earned her an average score of 8.6125 and her uneven beam score was an 8.3750. Dahlstrom’s balance beam score of 9.075 was the 11^th highest in the competition among 48 gymnasts. Her floor score of 9.1 ranked 33^rd.

“For myself it is my senior year, so I just want to leave it out on the floor,” said Dahlstrom. “I made it to state last year so I want to make it to state again. And I feel that’s a realistic goal for myself. I’m working hard at practice every day and still getting the skills. This year I just have to maintain my routines and keep those scores and I think it can happen.”

Davis, meanwhile, scored an 8.7750 on the uneven bars.

Park opens the season Saturday, Dec. 2, in an Invitational meet at White Bear Lake. The Wolfpack then host White Bear Lake on Dec. 15 in their home opener. Park hosts East Ridge this season in what is always a key matchup on Feb. 1.