Flipping Through the Season

The New Ulm Eagles gymnastics team started off their season this year on November 10th. Since then, they’ve had a few competitions. We asked Senior Emma Gauert and Junior Kelsi Miller some questions in an interview.

According to team captain, Emma Gauert, her main goal for the team doesn’t have anything to do with record, but rather keeping positive attitudes for each gymnast. Gauert also states that she believes each gymnast has improved, which she gives credit to their offseason training.

The team is much smaller this year than it normally is in most other years. On average, the team consists of approximately 20 gymnasts, but this year that number is all the way down to 14. The team tried to merge with the gymnastics team from St. Paul’s, but that ultimately didn’t work out. Even with the numbers being down, the team is still optimistic, and have lots of faith in their younger gymnast, who have also served as leaders according to Gauert.

Even though the team is low on numbers, they have a positive attitude on the season. Junior Kelsi Miller said, “we lost two seniors but have gained some new girls to with good potential.” With the low numbers, younger girls have been brought up to compete. When asked if the younger girls have improved since last season, Miller said, “Some have improved, but some haven’t. It depends on their determination and dedication. We all have improved in some ways already even as the season has just begun.” The young girls, however, are still a good contribution.

The most important thing someone can do to get better at something is to practice. “Practices have been good. We have worked and conditioned hard to improved and gain new skills. We have a good attitude in the gym and a close team,” said Miller. One of the team’s goals this year is what Kelsi Miller described as a “Dream Beam Team.” “Which means at a meet everyone stays on the beam without falling.” Miller says they would also like to have their scores in the high 130s this year.

The Eagles recently had a big win over JCC last Thursday. They will host St. Peter on Thursday, January 4th.