Goslings Send Three To State Gymnastics Meet

For the first time in school history Watertown High School is sending three student athletes to the WIAA Division One State Gymnastics Meet in Wisconsin Rapids next weekend.  Seniors Lauryn Olson and Meghan Hurtgen along with freshman Sammy Knight all are headed to state after strong showings at the Manitowoc Sectional this weekend. Knight is also the first Gosling freshman to qualify for state.

As a team the Goslings scored a season high 131.65 points which was good for third place.

Watertown started on the balance beam in round one with a season high team score of a 32.  “The girls were definitely nervous starting on the balance beam as it sets the tone for the rest of the competition, Olson took a pretty hard fall in warm ups but she shook it off and gave a strong performance with a no fall beam.  Jake up also had another fall beam routine but missed her foot on her dismount and still was able to rotate around.“ Coach Jenna Wendt said.

Next was the floor exercise Hurtgen qualified for state taking 4th place and Olson just missed the cut as she was 6th. The top five advance.

In the vault Lauryn Olson took 2nd place freshman Sammy Knight fifth earning both a trip to Wisconsin Rapids.   and landed her first ever tsuk this year at the right day, sectionals!  Hurtgen also flipped a nice yurchenko but just missed the podium as she was 6th.  Luckily Hurtgen gets to vault with her teammates Olson and Knight as Hurtgen made it as an all around.

During the uneven bars Hurtgen took 2nd to earn a spot at state in that event.

Hurtgen also took 2nd on all around so she will compete every event at state this Saturday however she will also be in qualifications for uneven bars and floor exercise as individual events.

Watertown has taken a pair of gymnasts in the past.  In 2014 Ellen Vitale on beam & Emily Schueller on floor went to state.  In 2013 Emily Schueler on floor and Ellie Mandel on bars and floor also went to state in the same season.

The WIAA Division One State Gymnastics Meet is Saturday, March 5th at Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids.

Manitowoc Lincoln Sectional 2.26.22 results

If you have a question about this story or have an idea for a future local sports story, please email Wade Bates at ddsports@goodkarmabrands.com

 Photo Caption:  left to right- Freshman Sammy Knight, middle is Senior Meghan Hurtgen, and right is Senior Lauryn Olson pose on the podium after qualifying for the WIAA Division One State Gymnastics Meet.

-Jenna Wendt contributed photo and story information