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 Feb. 13 at Auburn Mountainview High. Not only did Steckler qualify for more than one event at state, she qualified for all of them, 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 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 consecutive trip to state, 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 stop her from posting strong performances. She 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.”
Meanwhile, Tahoma will be represented by Kaylee Kiffer and Annamarie Price on beam at state while Bri McKenny will compete in the floor exercise, vault and on bars.
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.”
