Mercer Island gymnastics fifth at districts

It was a tough day at the SeaKing district gymnastics meet for the Mercer Island team. After finishing second at the KingCo meet a week before, the team has its sights set on qualifying as a team for the state meet.

Despite strong performances individually, injuries plagued the day, and the Islanders finished in fifth place as a team, just three points from qualifying for state. The Islanders had 145.45 points, while Shorewood, which finished third, had 149.175 points.

“It didn’t go as well as we wanted,” said head coach Leonard Lewis. “Our No. 3 gymnast went down with an injury and couldn’t finish. Tonayo Crow injured her ankle and we went to an alternate after she went down.”

Lewis said the team had already lost several other gymnasts to injuries and were well into the alternate list when Crow was hurt.

“They were just wiped out after she got hurt,” said the coach. “We knew we could make it, but all bets were off after she got hurt.”

Despite the lower-than-hoped-for team finish, four individuals made the state meet, which will be held this weekend.

“They did an excellent job,” said Lewis of the qualifiers, and the team as a whole.

Kristen Trumble and Kari Johnson will compete in the all-around competition, while Cheyanne Lewis will compete on the floor and Emily Lightfoot will compete in the vault. Trumble finished fourth in the all around with 33.15 points, while Johnson was sixth with 32.85 points. Johnson also finished third in the bars competition with a 7.85 score.

The 3A state meet begins on Friday, Feb. 17, at the Tacoma Dome. The individual competition will begin with the march-in at 9 a.m. and will finish by 1 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for the entire day, and $11 for seniors and students.

Contact Mercer Island Reporter Reporter Megan Managan at mmanagan@mi-reporter.com or (206) 232-1215 ext. 5054.

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