The build-up throughout the season has finally reached its max; the FHC gymnastics team has made it to states after a hard-fought season. The girls surely didn’t disappoint at regionals.

Last Sunday night, the gymnastics squad participated in a moment it has been preparing for all year. After every meet throughout the year, it has had one thing on its mind; MHSAA Regionals.

Throughout the tough competitions this year, so many talented gymnasts on the team have recorded qualifying scores, and they were finally able to show why they deserved to make it this far.

To start off the long list of highlights for the night, Alyssa Wierenga placed third in vault with a score of 9.05 and eighth in floor exercises with a score of 9.175. Right beside her was junior Abby Cumings placing fourth in vault by scoring an 8.75. Abby didn’t stop there, though, and she ended the night placing fourth in uneven bars, fourth in balance beam, sixth in floor exercises, and fifth overall.

Rachael Yeager placed sixth on the balance beam with a score of 8.15 and fourth in floor exercise with a 9.175. Rachael, a sophomore, was one of the youngest competitors that night and was still able to make an impressive impact in the meet. Another big imprint made by the team came from Claire Worth, who placed eighth in vault with a score of 8.35

Bronwen Smith–who has been a leader on the team throughout the season–placed sixth in vault, scoring 8.65. She also placed third in both balance beam and floor exercise. Most impressive, however, was her placing first overall in uneven bars and third in the competition.

The girls placed third overall as a team with a score of 137.65, which has them headed to Lakeland High School for the state meet; five of the girls are headed to the individual competition on Saturday.

“This was a tough competition, and I’m so proud of the 12 girls who competed to represent our team. We fought hard and brought all we had to the floor,” head coach Lauren Suzio said. “We are very excited to have earned a spot in the state finals, and can’t wait to get one last competition in for the year.”