The gymnastics team got back in action in January with a 3rd place finish at the UW-Eau Claire Invitational. Since then, the team has competed five more times, with their best performance being against UW-Whitewater on Feb. 7, where they scored 178.950 points. The score would usually be good enough for a victory, but the women were defeated by UW-Whitewater who scored 189.025 points.
Senior Kalyn Botzet is enthusiastic about the season. Even though the team is lacking a victory, gymnastics is a sport where your score shows how well you have performed, rather than your wins or losses.
“Our team is stronger than we have been in a long time. Since my freshman year, our team goal has been to score a 180. While we haven’t scored that in my years at Gustavus, I’m hoping we can reach our goal this year,” Botzet said.
“As a captain, it is important for me to maintain a positive attitude and be a good role model inside and outside of the gym. I’m always joking around and creating a positive, memorable experience for my teammates, spotters and coaches”—Alyssa Ciati
As the MIAC does not support gymnastics, the Gustavus team competes in the WIAC league. As a result, Botzet has developed a fondness with the journeys to the eastern neighbor.
“I look forward to the team bus rides. Since we travel to Wisconsin for most of our meets, we spend a lot of time together on the bus. Over the years we’ve developed the tradition of playing mafia on the way home from meets–the game gets super intense,” Botzet said.
Botzet and the rest of the team make sure the confident approach spreads outside the gymnastics floor as well.
“Our team is actually volunteering this season at a local nursing home and decorated Christmas cookies with the residents. Along with community service, the Student Athletic Advisory Committee representatives promote supporting other athletics teams on campus. For instance, our buddy team is football, so we made posters and body painted for one of their home games,” Botzet said.
Senior Kacie Kohler also appreciates the company of the Gymnastic team. After being cleared of an injury last month, she is now back in the swing of things.
“I’m pretty excited to train again. For the team, I am looking forward to the multiple team traditions we have throughout the season. For example, we have a team dinner the night before each meet, and we do secret sibling gifts for each meet. It’s always a lot of fun to be together as a team outside of the gym since we spend so much time in the gym,” Kohler said.
Kohler finished last season with an average score of 7.608 in bar events. Her senior status has given her the responsibility to produce a poised aura around the team.
“As a senior this year, I work to create a positive atmosphere in the gym during practice and at competitions. It is really easy to get down on yourself in this sport, so I try and keep everyone happy and encourage everyone to be the best they can be, even when they’re having a rough practice. It is important for us to work together as a team, so I try and support each and every one of my teammates in and out of the gym,” Kohler said.
Kohler’s vision is shared by Senior Captain Alyssa Ciati. They both agree that a positive attitude is one of gymnastics most important features, as being graceful while performing a physically rigorous routine is exceptionally demanding.
“It is such an honor being a leader on the team. It has been a very rewarding experience so far. As a captain, it is important for me to maintain a positive attitude and be a good role model inside and outside of the gym. I’m always joking around and creating a positive, memorable experience for my teammates, spotters and coaches,” Ciati said.
The team have four meets before the WIAC Championships in March. Next up, the Gusties will host UW-La Crosse on Fri. 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the Lund Center Gymnastics Studio.
-Philip Evans and Jessica Yang