Written by Sports Writing Student Ethan Kalmes '24

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Gustavus gymnastics team closed out its season at Hamline on Saturday, placing seventh as a team at the WIAC Championships with a score of 186.300.

Aryn DeGrood highlighted the award winners for the Gusties, being named WIAC Co-Coach of the Year with UW-Oshkosh's Lauren Karnitz. 

The Gusties kicked off the competition on floor with a 9.525 from anchor Olivia Jahnke and a 9.500 from Marley Michaud. The Gusties found themselves in fifth place after the first event.
 
Rotating in Olympic order the Gusties made their way to vault. The dynamic duo of Lili Guy and Lily Horsch, brought forth the team's two best scores on the event. Guy stuck her landing giving her a 9.600 and Horsch, with a huge Yurchenko Full, scored a 9.525. Marley Michaud was first in the all-around following the second rotation.
 
The Gusties then put on their grips, and began to get into the swing of things on the uneven bars. Kendra Smaby with a clean piked Jaeger produced the top score for the Gusties with a 9.625.
 
Closing out the competition on balance beam the Gusties top three performances came from Maddox Lee with a 9.575, Olivia Jahnke with a 9.525, and Katy Cash with a 9.450. 
 
The seventh place finish in the WIAC Championship wraps up the competition season for Gustavus gymnastics. Maddox Lee finished fifth place all-around with a score of 37.125 just in front of her teammate Marley Michaud who placed sixth all-around, with a score of 36.350. The Gusties look to build on their performances next season and return to the WIAC podium.