Three Mercer Island gymnasts head to state this weekend

Lenny Lewis called it their best meet of the season, and it was. The Mercer Island girls gymnastics team finished in fourth at district's last weekend at Sammamish High School.

"The girls all really did their best," said head coach Lewis. "It was our best meet all season. They just did excellent." The team also had their best score of the season, posting a 143.75 to finish behind Bellevue, and ahead of Liberty, which had been a season long goal, to beat the Patriots.

Three members of the team qualified as individuals for this weekend's state competition at the Tacoma Dome. Kari Johnson, Kristin Trumble and Meg Lindsay will represent the Islanders at state.

Lindsay, who entered the district tournament qualified in the all around, did not qualify for the state all around competition, per say, but because she posted top finishes in enough individual events, she will be taking part in the state all around.

Trumble will compete in the bars, vault and beam competition, while Johnson will take part in bars and beam.

Lewis said he just wants the girls to have their best possible meet and enjoy the experience. Typically Mercer Island qualifies a couple individuals every year for state, but the team as a whole has not made the competition since 2007.

"I want them to have the best meet of their season," said Lewis. "It will be really tough, but I wouldn't be surprised if they do well. Last weekend was a big boost of confidence."

To make the finals at the state competition in the individual events, the girls must be in the top 10, something Lewis said will be hard, but is possible.

"The season ended on an excellent note," said Lewis. "Out of 14 teams we finished fourth at districts, I was very happy with that."

The meet begins at 9 a.m. on Friday morning at the Tacoma Dome. The Island trio will start with their first rotation on the bars at 9:40 a.m.

See next week's Reporter for a recap of the state gymnastics, wrestling and swimming meets.

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

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