Gymnastics, still thriving at the high school level despite lingering concerns about a lack of trained spotters, gets underway in earnest this week. Here are a few things worth knowing:
1 The longest commute
Roseville has long been established as one of the top programs in the country — the Raiders still own the national record for team scoring, 154.65 points in 2008 — and a big reason is continuity. Co-head coaches Mark Curley and Mike Flatten have been together for 28 years and assistant coach Julie Castellano has been with them for 20. It's so important for them to stay together that Castellano, who moved with her husband to the Boston area two years ago, still returns to help coach the team and provide a steadying hand, living with her now-grown children while here. They have plenty of talent to work with, led by the Streckers — senior Kaylee and sophomore Jessica — and senior Isis Muller.
2 Last go for Northfield?
If any team can push Roseville, it's Northfield. The Raiders are the only team other than Roseville to win a Class 2A championship since 2005, taking first in 2010 and 2011. They can boast a two-time all-around state champ in senior Bailey DuPay as well as another all-state performer in senior Christy Anderson. How much of a challenge Northfield can give Roseville might depend on senior Alexis Kiefer, who is also a Division I-caliber pole vaulter. It was reported that Kiefer would be sitting out the season to prepare for her collegiate track and field career with the Gophers, but coach Paul Bernhard still is counting on her to be an integral part of the team.
3 A bigger pursuit
Becker junior Hanna Schmidt might not be among the elite gymnasts, but she was talented enough to qualify for the Class 1A all-around and vault competitions at the state meet in February. Unlike many of her peers, however, Schmidt puts gymnastics behind caring for a sibling. Her younger brother Andrew was born with Pallister-Killian syndrome, or PKS, a rare genetic disorder. "Hannah is one amazing kid," Becker coach Jen Harmoning said. "He means everything to her, and she always places him before herself. She is top-notch in every way but is also very grounded because she realizes what is most important in life."
