From starting so low to coming so high, the Forest Hills gymnastics team has worked so hard to become a strong team. Starting the season off with many unfortunate losses, the girls still pushed through and put their all into their season. 

This Wednesday, February 15, the girls went up against multiple opponents at Rockford High, competing for the conference title; despite the title being just out of reach, the girls secured an overall score of 132.475, putting them in third place in the conference. 

The team did great at its meet. Most of the competition was for the girls to work on their skills, practice their routines, and mentally and physically prepare for regionals. 

“I think this meet went very well. I am super proud of how everyone competed; we had some very solid routines and improved our team score,” said senior captain Charlotte Stephan, “Despite knowing we were not going to win, this meet was crucial because it gave us an idea of how we would do at regionals.”

With each gymnast producing the best effort possible, there were many significant accomplishments for each girl at the meet. Senior Megan Wilson got her last qualifying score on vault, and Rachael “Jo” Yeager placed fourth on the floor. Both senior captain Abby cummings and Lauren Wolffis attained all-conference honorable mentions, while senior Maddy Bachert earned all-conference. 

“I am incredibly proud of how everyone did, especially Maddy because she earned that title,” exclaimed Charlotte. “She has worked so hard over the past three years to improve all of her routines and skills, and I am so glad to see that her hard work paid off and she was recognized for it.”

Combined with these great titles and achievements, the girls put up some great numbers.

Some of the highest scores consisted of sophomore Claire Worth with an 8.625 on vault, Abby with an 8.325 on bars, and an 8.525 on beam. Rachael earned an outstanding score of 9.15 on the floor.

This meet was pretty good for the ladies regarding their hopes of a victory were nowhere to be found. With that feeling in the air, everything that happened was for sure something to be pleased with.

“I am so proud of the outcome of this meet. I am also extremely proud of all the girls on my team, for we have all worked very hard and watched it pay off,” said Lauren. 

Taking it all flip by flip, the girls will spend endless amounts of time in the gym, practicing for regionals. For them to compete at their best, they will need to feel great physically and mentally. Not only will they need to work on their balance in their skills, but also the balance in their minds.  

“For regionals, we will add several upgrades to our routines at every chance we get. We will work on different techniques we can use to correct and perfect our routines,” said Claire. “The team as a whole will work on mentality and bringing good energy. ”

Regionals will be on March 4, at 10:00 a.m. The ladies will be traveling to Kenowa Hills High school to compete against multiple teams for the regional title.