Springfield gymnastics team headed to state

2/28/2013

It’s been a season of firsts for the Springfield gymnastics team — a Northern Lakes League championship, a district runner-up finish, and a trip to the state tournament.

“I think it’s a big accomplishment, and I’m really excited,” Springfield coach Jessie Reitz said.

The state tournament, which includes 12 teams, will be held Friday (team competition) and Saturday (individual events) at Hilliard Bradley near Columbus.

Junior Jacey Gray and sophomore Cassie Frantz lead the Blue Devils.

Seniors Brianna Laney and Bryn Langenderfer, sophomores Caeli Barnes and Jennie Chang, and freshman Breanna Johnson complete the roster. Springfield finished second behind Findlay at the district meet.

Gray led the way to the NLL title by finishing first in the all-around competition.

“She’s a very consistent gymnast,” Reitz said. “She’s been a very good leader for the team.”

Reitz said she expects the Blue Devils to go out and do what they’ve done all season.

”I just want the girls to have fun in their first experience at state,” she said. ”I want them to go out there and hit their routines and stay consistent.”

Findlay advanced to state with seniors Erin Rauschenberg and Alexa Settlemire, junior Tiffany Crawford, sophomores Maranda Butler and Tori Cox, and freshmen Leah Thomas, Bridget Dunn, and Lacey Thomas.

Notre Dame’s Kyra Schell (beam) and Kelsie Steinmetz (beam), Archbold’s Kinsey Smith (bars, floor), Northview’s Megan Matrisciano (vault, floor), Clay’s Ashley O’Neal (beam), and Liberty Center’s Cheyenne Rentschler (vault) also qualified for state.