Central Ohio gymnasts ready to compete for spot at state meet
In its fifth season, the Olentangy Berlin gymnastics team will look to capture its third consecutive district title Saturday at Worthington Kilbourne.
The top two squads at district advance to the team state meet March 3 at Hilliard Bradley. The top eight finishers in each event and the all-around advance to the individual state meet the next day, also at Bradley.
With Washington Court House Miami Trace and Washington Court House moving to the Southwest District, the number of teams advancing to state from the Central District dropped from three to two.
Berlin is seeded first and Jerome is second.
“The team is looking really good,” Berlin coach Jen Hedrick said. “I’ve got a team with a lot of potential and a lot of depth. My top six girls, most of them are returnees, so they have experienced district and are prepared.”
Here are 10 gymnasts to watch (in alphabetical order) at district:
Stephanie Balthaser, Olentangy Berlin
A senior, Balthaser finished first in the all-around (37.05) in the Occ-cardinal meet. She was second on vault (9.3) and uneven bars (9.075) and third on floor exercise (9.4) and balance beam (9.275). Last season at state, she was 10th in the all-around (36.2).
Alexandra Downing, Olentangy Berlin
Downing, a junior, finished fourth in the all-around (35.4) in the Occ-cardinal meet. She was first on beam (9.425) and second on floor (9.475). Last season at state, she finished 26th in the allaround (35.05) and placed ninth on floor (9.325).
Hailee Cobb, Olentangy Liberty
Cobb, a junior, finished third in the all-around (34.025) in the Occ-buckeye meet. She was first on floor (9.2) and vault (8.875). Last season at state, she tied for 34th on floor (8.625).
Jade Gerhard, Olentangy Orange
Gerhard, a junior, finished first in the all-around (36.625) in the Occ-central meet. She was first on vault (9.325) and bars (9.2), second on floor (9.2) and tied for fifth on beam (8.9). Last season at state, she tied for 16th in the all-around (35.925).
Lilly Gibbs, Hilliard Bradley
Gibbs, a junior, finished second in the all-around (36.375) in the Occ-central meet. She was first on floor (9.275), second on vault (8.9) and bars (9.15) and third on beam (9.05). As Bradley’s lone state competitor last season, Gibbs was 20th on bars (8.925).
Quinn Hammond, Dublin Coffman
With senior Emily Yoshino lost for the season with a torn left Achilles tendon, Hammond has emerged as the top gymnast for Coffman. The junior finished fourth in the all-around (34.65) in the Occ-central meet. She was third on vault (8.85) and fourth on bars (8.15).
Molly Hayes, Dublin Jerome
Hayes, a sophomore, was fifth in the all-around (35.125) in the Occ-cardinal meet. She was third on vault (9.15) and fifth on bars (8.6). Last season at state, she tied for 18th on vault (9.2).
Abby Killilea, Hilliard Darby
Killilea, a senior, finished 12th on bars (9.05) and tied for 19th on beam (9.025) last season at state.
Carly Mckenzie, Dublin Scioto
Mckenzie, a freshman, turned in a strong effort in the Occ-buckeye meet, winning the all-around competition (34.75). She was first on bars (8.6) and second on floor (9.125).
Tayten Swain, Olentangy Berlin
A freshman, Swain finished second in the all-around (36.625) in the Occcardinal meet. She was first on floor (9.675) and vault (9.55) and second on beam (9.35). fdirenna@dispatch.com @Dispatchfrank