Wooster returns full roster as gymnastics season begins; Triway enters rebuilding year

The high school gymnastics season will begin Dec. 1. Below are season previews for area schools.

Wooster

The Generals return plenty of experience and didn’t graduate anyone from last year’s team.

“This year’s team will be different from last year by gaining even more experience,” eighth-year coach Megan Hackett said. “The two incoming freshmen have been competing and involved with gymnastics for many years. They will add more depth to a team that already has plenty of experience. This year’s team is hardworking and willing to do whatever it takes to meet expectations and goals they set together as a team.”

Returning letter-winners include seniors Danielle Hendrix and Amarah Painter; juniors Jayda Conaway, Kassidy Kartisek and Molly Watson; and sophomore Jacey Chaney.

Freshmen Kendall Conaway and McKinnley Hackett also will be in the mix this season.

“This year’s strengths will be experience along with a level of difficulty,” coach Hackett said. “These girls all have experience competing at a high level and are willing to work to meet their goals. The level of difficulty will help to increase scores, and having high scores will get your team a win.

“Early in the season, I expect we’ll still be building consistency and endurance as we polish our routines and adjust to competition pressure. But those are areas we’re already focused on improving every day. We also will be competing against some of the top teams in the state of Ohio.”

Wooster finished last season 8-4 overall and second in the Northeast Gymnastics Conference with a 5-1 record.

“Our goal is to win the Northeast Gymnastics Conference,” coach Hackett said. “Our team motto is 'better than yesterday.' Each meet we want to improve our scores as a team and as individuals. With the level of determination and the want to win, this team will be hard to beat.”

Triway

The Titans are in rebuild mode this season due to small numbers.

Junior Gabby Mullen is their lone returning letter-winner. Classmate Evanna Carson has experience in gymnastics but is competing as a high school gymnast for the first time.

“Our team’s strengths this season will come from Gabby’s experience, determination and hard work,” seventh-year coach Angie Mullen said. “Gabby is returning as a junior with even more skills than last year. She worked incredibly hard in the offseason, setting big goals and making huge improvements. Her leadership and dedication will set a great example for her teammate, and we’re excited to see that energy translate into strong performances throughout the season.”