The Cheney High gymnastics team wrapped up its first season in 20 years after Alexis Miller and Olivia Hovater competed at the 1A/2A/3A state championships, Feb. 20 at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall.
Miller finished 36th out of 97 and scored 7.550 on the uneven bars in the first round of competition. Although she did not make it to the second day, head coach Jaelyn Gardner said she performed well.
“The whole process of performing at state was new to both of the girls,” Gardner said. “They were a little nervous heading into the competition. Alexis did well under pressure. She performed one of the better routines I’ve seen her do.”
Hovater tied for 30th — out of 98 — in the vault (7.750). Gardner said Hovater had worked on different vault routines in the last half of the season and decided to try the handspring vault for state.
The team loses two seniors to graduation: Kasey Bein and Alyvia Huntley. Gardner, who finished her first year as Cheney’s head coach, said she learned a lot during the season.
As for next year, Cheney had a one-year trial with the 3A Greater Spokane League. Although there is no guarantee they will return to the GSL next season, Gardner felt her team had a good turnout and was competitive enough in the league to warrant a return.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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