Gymnasts Find Smiles and Motivation at State

Each of Owatonna High School's state meet gymnasts had plenty of reason to be happy about participating at the state competition, but each was also quick to look ahead to next year with her hope of doing even better. Juniors Lindsay Bangs and Lucy Macius and seventh-grader Halle Theis spent three hours Saturday night at Roy Wilkins Auditorium wowing their fans.

Bangs added to her career medal haul with three trips to the podium. She placed fourth in the all-around with 38.175 which was a season-high for her. Bangs was also fourth on the uneven parallel bars with 9.55. She placed sixth on the vault with 9.65. Bangs was 10th on floor with 9.525 and 11th on beam with 9.45.

After the awards ceremony she said, "I can't be disappointed. I got my season high score...I'm hoping to come back next year and do even better." Bangs has won medals for the last four years at state.

OHS junior Lindsay Bangs

Macius led off the entire meet as the first gymnast on the balance beam. "It was super nerve-wracking but I stayed on the beam. That was my goal," she commented. Macius is already looking ahead, "Just keep working really hard and try to make it in all-around next year." She had 8.975 on beam and scored 9.2 on the vault to place 29th and 37th respectively.

OHS junior Lucy Macius

Macius last participated at state individually as an eighth-grader but has been a member of the recent state meet Huskies' teams.

Theis made her varsity debut this season and it has been quite a memorable season. She was a bit surprised to land the state berth and was happy to take part. "It was a great feeling. I just tried my best," she said afterward. Her 9.275 on the vault was good for 33rd place.

Owatonna 7th grader Halle Theis

Coach Evan Moe said, "We make them take about a month off. All those off-season coaches are raring to get with them."

OHS coach Evan Moe

Find a link to the full score sheet on the Minnesota State High School League gymnastics home page.