Kentlake gymnast Katie Steckler had a simple goal established before entering this past weekend’s Class 4A West Central District meet – earn a berth to state in at least one event.
Steckler, a sophomore, did a lot more than that on Saturday at Auburn Mountainview High. Not only did Steckler qualify for more than one event at state, she qualified for all of ’em, going a perfect 4-for-4.
“It was awesome to be there,” Steckler said. “I felt like I had worked really hard. I think the reason that I qualified in all four events is because of my consistency. I am not a star in any one event.”
Maybe not, but Steckler certainly was one of a handful of stars on Saturday. She posted a 9.150 on her floor routine, 8.850 on the balance beam, 8.825 on the vault and 8.100 on the uneven bars.
“She has been just a really consistent performer for us all year,” said Kentlake coach Marla Boyd. “She is blossoming into a really strong gymnast.”
One who will be making her second straight trip to the state meet, which is slated for Friday and Saturday (Feb. 19-20) at the Tacoma Dome. The top two teams, top two all-around scores and top six individuals in each event earned berths to state. The top 10 gymnasts in each event at state advance to Saturday’s competition. From there, the top three earn medals.
While it will be Steckler’s second trip to state in as many years, she will return to the Tacoma Dome with a decidedly different feel. Last year, Steckler competed at district and state with a broken right foot.
Finally healthy, the Kentlake sophomore is ready to see what she can accomplish.
“One of my goals is to place in the one of the events,” Steckler said.
If things go according to last weekend’s results, Steckler could be set for a big weekend.
Steckler, however, won’t be alone among local competitors at the state meet.
Kentlake standout Lynnsey Thielman (floor, uneven bars and balance beam), Kentwood’s Jordan Johnson (vault) along with Kent-Meridian’s Nora Keith (vault, uneven bars and floor) and freshman sensation Juliana Adams (floor, balance beam) also will be making the trip.
During the district meet, as she was a week earlier, Kentlake’s Thielman was still battling a cold. It didn’t, however, stop the KL standout, who collected an 8.825 in the uneven bars, 8.850 in the balance beam and 9.075 on the floor.
“She did exceptionally, especially considering the respiratory infection,” Boyd said. “It’s just kind of hanging around. If you have a congested head, it’s hard to have balance and breathe. Hopefully by this weekend she will feel better. She seems to be on the mend.”
One gymnast who appeared to be on the mend on Saturday was Kent-Meridian standout Keith, who was battling a strained back a week earlier.
If the sore back remains, Keith hardly showed it, taking third on the vault (9.325), third on the floor (9.425) and also advancing in the uneven bars (8.450).
“She was feeling a lot better,” said K-M coach Rachel Watanabe. “She went in with an I’m-going-to-have-fun attitude.”
Keith took third at state in the vault last year and enters the meet this weekend as a legitimate title contender.
“She’s definitely got that title on her mind,” Watanabe noted.
Talk to us
Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.
To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.
