Jordan Johnson is well aware that she could be tumbling on the postseason gymnastics mat for the final time this season.
That’s why the Kentwood senior is making the most of these final few weeks.
Johnson certainly made the most of her time on the mat during Saturday’s sub-district meet at Mount Rainier High in Des Moines, leading all locals with a sixth-place finish in the all-around with a final tally of 35.225.
“I just wanted to have fun and qualify for distircts in as many events as I could,” said Johnson, noting that she probably will not be competing in gymnastics at the college level next year. “I pretty much don’t want to stress out about it, because when I do that I get nervous. I want to have fun, be relaxed and not worry because that’s when I usually do my best.”
The top six teams and top nine individuals from the meet earned berths to the district meet, which will be held Friday, Feb. 11 at Mount Rainier High.
The top two teams, two all-arounds and six individuals at the district meet earn berths to state, which is slated for Feb. 19-20 at the Tacoma Dome.
Johnson, who advanced to state last year and barely missed the cut to advance to the second day, is hoping to return.
“Most likely, this is the end (of gymnastics) for me, so I just want to go out there and do my best,” she said.
And while Johnson was the top local individual placer, Kentlake advanced to the district meet as a team, taking fifth place with 160.05 points. Kentwood finished in 11th (151.225), Kentridge in 12th (150.625), Kent-Meridian 14th (141.775) and Tahoma in 15th (135.5).
The Falcons were paced by junior Katie Steckler, who finished ninth in the all-around (35.025).
“Katie had a very solid meet, hitting 4 of 4 routines,” said Kentlake coach Marla Boyd.
Other local qualifiers for the district meet include: Kent-Meridian’s Jenna Crain (vault) and Juliana Adams (uneven bars); Kentridge’s Amy Hiraki (uneven bars) and Ellie Hoekman (floor) along with Kentwood’s Zoe Brigham (uneven bars, balance beam).
Erick Walker can be reached at ewalker@kentreporter.com or 253-872-6600.
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