Emotional trip to state fuels 4th-place Rosemount gymnasts

Rosemount gymnastics coach Jason Passeri finally has his program at an elite level.

The Irish competed in their first state meet in 21 years this past weekend. They finished fourth in the Class 2A field at the University of Minnesota Sports Pavilion.

"This was a great season for us," Passeri said. "We have been ranked in the top 10 in the state 10 of the past 11 years. So this trip to state was very special and emotional for a lot of us."

Rosemount's previous state appearances were in 1987 and 1993, before Passeri became coach. He has been a mentor for the Irish the past 16 years.

Eighth-grader Josie Schlie took 19th place in the all-around competition with a mark of 36.875 during the individual portion of the state meet. Eight finishers in front of her are seniors. Classmate Shannon McCoy also finished 19th, on the balance beam. Sophomore Meghan Creese came away with a 10th-place finish on the vault.

"Hopefully, all this success will motivate the girls for next season," Passeri said. "The state meet was a great experience for us."

The Farmington boys' basketball program had its first winning season since 2008-09, posting an overall record of 18-7. Unfortunately, it enters Class 4A, Section 1 play shorthanded.

"Obviously, it's a very disappointing circumstance for Zach and our team," Tigers coach Shane Wyandt said. "He was really having an excellent year overall, and was a huge part of what we have accomplished so far."

Speikers averaged 19.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He had six games with more than 30 points.

"Now we adjust," Wyandt said. "We cannot replace Zach with one guy, but we do think we have a couple guys who were coming off the bench who can step up and carry more of the load."

Farmington opens section tournament play Wednesday against that same Northfield squad. Farmington won both regular-season meetings.

• Eastview junior George Farmah won the 126-pound weight class in the Class 3A, Section 3 wrestling tournament. Farmah defeated Apple Valley freshman Zach Chytka 11-4 in the finals. He became the school's ninth section champion and will enter the state tournament with a 32-5 record.