Lakers Clinch Bronze at Jackie Mann Invite, Eye Future Success

The Detroit Lakes gymnastics team secured a bronze medal at the Jackie Mann Invitational held on December 6, 2023, in Perham. The team finished with a score of 141.7, closely trailing second-place Cambridge-Isanti, who scored 141.75. Watertown-Mayer took the top spot with 142.25 points.

Co-head coach Leesa Lindgaard expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, noting a slight improvement from their previous competition. “We did do a little bit better than our first meet, so that’s good,” Lindgaard stated. The focus remains on enhancing scores incrementally with each event.

Seniors Maggie Schander and Olivia Gag were particularly pleased with their performances. Schander achieved a notable all-around score of 36.350, placing her third overall, while Gag secured eighth place with 35.200. Schander’s standout events included top scores of 9.650 on both vault and floor. Gag also medaled in the vault, finishing seventh with a score of 9.250.

“Even though it might not have turned out exactly how we wanted it, we were all there for each other, and we’re all very proud of each other,” Schander remarked. The team’s camaraderie shone through, as they rallied around one another despite the pressure of competition.

Learning and Improving

Gag highlighted areas for improvement, such as landings on the floor and maintaining balance on the beam. The pressure to defend their title from last season adds to the challenge. The Lakers are coming off a successful year, having claimed their sixth Class A team title, and they are keen to repeat that success.

“It does bring a lot of pressure,” said Lindgaard about the expectations following their championship win. “But there’s lots of fun and excitement in the gym.” The returning gymnasts, including Schander, Gag, Addy Laux, and Shelby Lyman, are focused on mental resilience as well as physical performance.

Schander, who recently earned an individual state gold medal on the vault, aims to refine her skills in all areas. “I want to have the mentality of, ‘I have to do this for my team,’” she explained, underscoring the importance of teamwork and support.

Building Future Leaders

The team, which includes several seniors alongside underclassmen, has fostered a supportive environment. Freshmen Rowan Gatheridge and Stella Eckman made their varsity debuts, while freshman Claire Mickelson won the Junior Varsity all-around championship.

Team bonding activities, such as sleepovers and dinners, have contributed to a strong sense of unity among the gymnasts. “We really just stay supportive at practice and talk to new people every time,” Gag noted. Lindgaard praised the older gymnasts for their leadership, encouraging a culture of confidence and improvement.

As the season progresses, the Lakers continue to set ambitious goals. “We definitely want to try and get a 150 this year,” Gag stated, expressing the team’s aspirations for both individual and collective success. With their sights set on future competitions, including sections, the Lakers are determined to build on their achievements while nurturing the next generation of gymnasts.