Gymnastics preview: Ten teams to watch
December 12, 2017 at 2:47AM
Lakeville North: The defending Class 2A champs lost a good one in Anna Altermatt, who is not competing in high school this season. But the core of the Panthers — senior Delaney Gipp and sophomores Ashley Goodlund and Rachel Steiner — are good enough to lead another state championship bid.
East Ridge: New coach Caroline Urgo (formerly Hilpisch) has a lot to work with. Cassie Kahrer, Lexie Corcoran, Hannah Walker and Alyssa Chandler are veterans from last season's state meet qualifiers.
Lakeville South: The Cougars had a great season last year overshadowed by their crosstown rivals. Led by a potential all-around champion Mykaela Doornbos, they hope to correct that this season.
Maple Grove: The Crimson is the sum of its parts: No elite gymnasts, but a solid lineup throughout.
Cambridge-Isanti: Year-in and year-out, the Bluejackets are among the state's best. They have a record 27 Class 2A state meet appearances
Stillwater: State individual meet qualifiers Gretchen Sharp and Isabel Bartosh head up a veteran bunch for new coach Joan Ledson.
Anoka: The program has bounced back from having just five gymnasts less than 10 years ago to 28 this season and a realistic shot at a state tournament berth.
Park of Cottage Grove: All-arounders Mandy Hafner and Rachel Williamson pace a small but determined lineup.
Forest Lake: While East Ridge and Stillwater are the teams to beat in the Suburban East, Forest Lake will push them.
Watertown-Mayer (1A): The pieces are in place for the Royals, fifth in Class 1A last season, to move up.
Others: Wayzata, Edina, Farmington, Minnetonka, Champlin Park, Big Lake (1A).
Jim Paulsen
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