Sports
Wayzata Gymnasts Gear Up For Challenging Season
Can the Trojans earn another trip to state? This year's redrawn section lines might make it more difficult.
Wayzata gymnastics coach Julia Berg was realistic about her team’s prospects this winter. To replicate last year’s success won’t be easy.
Still, the Trojans have the talent and put in the offseason work to succeed in 2011-12. Will it end in another state berth? That’s to be seen.
But Wayzata is ready for the journey.
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“It’s definitely a goal of ours for sure,” Berg said. “We know it’s going to be really hard.”
The Trojans lost a slew of talented seniors from last year, including Maddie Berglund, Kaylee Carpenter, Katie Leppla and Britta Swanson. In addition, Eden Prairie—a bitter conference rival who took fifth at state last year—is joining Wayzata in Section 6AA. Only one of the two teams can make state this winter.
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The Trojans, who learned of the move last year, have spent the offseason preparing. The Eagles now stand in the way of the conference and section titles.
“I think its’s a good challenge for our girls,” Berg said. “They all look really good coming into the season, so I think that was a motivating factor for them.”
Having lost four strong seniors, the Trojans look to replace that talent with 11 new incoming gymnasts.
Leading the way is senior captain Georgi Crummer, who took 18th place at state in the beam a year ago. Senior Hannah Roth also took 18th in the floor at state, and she will be a pivotal member of this year’s squad.
Of their new girls, senior Sally Hesby is joining from the Twin City Twisters gymnastics program. Sophomore Brenna Ruegg transferred from Pine Island, Maddie Aaron is returning from an elbow injury.
“The early part of the season might be a little shaky,” Berg said. “But as long as we’re there by sections, that’s all that counts.”
It begins with a trip through the Lake Conference. All four Lake opponents are in Section 6AA this year. Eden Prairie and Minnetonka should rival for both titles.
They’ll get their first test early, facing the Eagles on Dec. 8.
“We won’t be at full force, but it will still be a good meet,” Berg said. “It will be a good chance to gauge who they have on their team this year and their skill level, and what we’ll be going against in February.”
