The Lady Bulldogs gymnastics team has a strong and experienced lineup to start their 2019 season. Head coach Amber Fraasch is in her fifth... Gymnasts Positioned For a Successful Season

The Lady Bulldogs gymnastics team has a strong and experienced lineup to start their 2019 season. Head coach Amber Fraasch is in her fifth season. Seniors Maddie Gustafson, Lindsey Hartman, and Tori Hooth will lead the squad.

Gustafson is a four-year varsity member who has found success in the vault, bars, and floor competitions and earned state appearances in each. “Maddie made huge improvements in beam last year which allowed her to compete in all-around,” said Fraasch. “We are looking for continued consistency in her all-around performance.”

Hartman joined the team two years ago from Ortonville. “Lindsey brings clean form and a positive attitude to the team, and we are looking to see what she can accomplish in her final gymnastics season,” says Fraasch.

Hooth is also a fourth-year varsity member. Fraasch feels her strengths include vault and beam, events in which she placed 19th and 12th, respectively, at the state meet last season.

Other returning letter winners include: junior Greta Snaza; sophomores Maddison Mathews and Dani Yamaura; and eighth grader Aubrey Fraasch.

Newcomers who might score some varsity experience include freshmen Laney Forrette and Rylie Overby. The two were the top JV gymnasts on the squad last year. Also vying for a varsity spot is freshman Zoe Theis.

Rounding out the team’s roster are: eighth grader Zoe Converse; and seventh graders Hannah Brown, Johana Jimenez, Quinlan Kehnle, Darlene Keoke, Addisyn Krause, Ava Lovgren, Brooke O’Farrell, Gaby O’Farrell, and Gemma Street.

Coach Fraasch says, “We set a new team record last year with a score of 134.325. The girls have the ability to go after that record again this year. They have been working on new skills and combinations that will add value to their routines.”

The Lady Bulldogs also broke the school record on beam with 34.295 points and finished third overall in the event at the state meet. “Our goal is to duplicate our beam season from last year and maintain our consistency on beam and floor,” says Fraasch. “However, our biggest push this year will be on bars and vault.”

Milbank is in its third co-op year with Ortonville and its second year with Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley (CGB). The team started their competitive season today, Monday, December 2, with a dual meet in Sisseton.

Lady Bulldogs 2019-2020 Gymnastics Schedule:

December 2 – Sisseton Dual – Sisseton – 5:30 p.m.
December 6 – Fargo South Invitational – Fargo, ND – 5 p.m.
December 14 – Aberdeen Central Invitational – Aberdeen – Noon
December 17 – Britton-Hecla Invitational – Britton – 6 p.m.
December 21 – Milbank Invitational – Milbank – 11 a.m.
January 4 – Sisseton Invitational – Sisseton – 11 a.m.
January 7 – Quad (Morris, RTR, Wahpeton) Milbank – 6 p.m.
January 18 – Madison Invitational – Madison – Noon.
January 25 – Watertown Invitational – Watertown – Noon
February 1 – Deuel Invitational – Clear Lake – Noon.
February 6 – NEC/Region Meet – Madison – 6 p.m.
February 14 – State A Meet Aberdeen Central – Aberdeen – 11 a.m.
February 15 – State A Meet Aberdeen Central – Aberdeen – 10:30 a.m.

Photo by VPD Studio – Seniors (l. to r.) Tori Hooth, Maddie Gustafson, and Lindsey Hartman.

Staff Writer

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