Area athletes turn in quality performances during finals
John Raffel
Sports Scene
Rockford and other area athletes had top notch performances March 10 and 11 at the state gymnastics meet at Rockford.
In the team event on opening day, Farmington was first (144.75), Northville second (144.55) and Rockford third (144.45).
“We are extremely proud of our performance at the state meet,” Rockford coach Michelle Ankney said. “During the team competition, the girls came out and had the best beam and floor competition we have had all year. I was amazed at their stamina and confidence on the beam. We were in the race the whole time, and we feel just a little bit short. We did the best we could, and my personal favorite is that we are not graduating any seniors so these girls are returning for another fight next year.”
In Division 2 competition, Morgan Case placed second in the vault (9.4), while Reagan Ammon (9.250) took sixth. Rockford was 1-2 in the uneven parallel bars with Ashley Faulkner (9.050) and Ammon (8.975). The Rams were 4-5 in the balance beam with Chanel Lokers (9.3) and Morgan Case (9.25). Nicole Curtis tied for ninth (9.15). The Rams were also one-two in the floor exercise with Case (9.6) and Ashley Faulkner (9.05).
“Morgan Case had her best meet at individual finals,” Ankney said. “She went four for four on all her events. She was steady and confident. She also won floor which was one of her biggest goals for this year. Ashley Faulkner also had her best meet at individual finals. We changed her bar routine two weeks before state, and she performed it the best she ever has that night. She also upgraded her vault. She is one to keep watching over the next two years.
“Reagan Ammon was a huge asset during team finals. This team would not have done as well without her. She suffered a pretty significant injury the week of state, but she pulled it together and had her best competition at team finals. She then came back and was strong at individual finals. My favorite part about Reagan is that she is genuinely proud of everyone around her. She wants everyone to do their best.”
Chantel Lokers “has been a consistent gymnast all year long,” Ankney said. “She comes in and regularly and routinely hits four for four. Her dance is amazing, and she shows a lot of grace in her gymnastics moves. She has big dreams for her senior year, and I can’t wait to see what the next year will bring for her.”
For all-around standings, Case placed second (36.825), Ammon fifth (36.325), Faulkner sixth (36.175) and Lokers eighth (35.850). Farmington’s Elisa Bills was first in all-around (378.175).
In Division 2, East Lansing individuals did very well. Eve Petrie was third in balance beam (9.350). Olivia Fossum tied for eighth in the floor exercise (9.325); Ammon tied for 10th (9.175).
“The season itself was quite the roller coaster ride,” Ankney said. “The team is young, and there was a lot to learn. I was amazed by all 12 girls on the team. They all stepped up. They all learned new skills. They all dream big. I am glad they will get to stick together for another year.”