State Gymnastics Meet Makes Big Changes

Watertown will host the state high school gymnastics competition on February 12-13. Fans and competitors will see major changes to the traditional format, and the 2021 meet will not feature a formal awards ceremony.

Instead of a two-day event with one day for the individual competition and the next day for team events, the days will be separated into Class AA and Class A. Class A on Friday (Feb. 12) and Class AA on Saturday (Feb. 13). According to the Jo Auch, assistant executive director for the South Dakota High School Activities Association, “The idea is to cut down on the number of schools who are in the building at one time.” 

The teams will also be divided into pods with four teams in each pod.  Auch says, “When your teams are competing, you’ll be allowed in the facility. We’re thinking probably about two hours to two and a half hours per pod.”
“For example,” she says, “if you’re in the building on Friday to watch Milbank perform, as soon as the pod that Milbank is competing in is done, fans will have to exit the building. Teams, however, who want to stay and watch, will have a blocked off area of seating to sit and watch the remainder of that day’s competition.” 

“Another significant change,” says Auch, “there won’t be separate routines for the individual and team competition. You’re still going to have your team competition and you’re still going to have your individual, but it’s all going to be in the same routine.” 

The SDHSAA says the changes are for this year only. They plan to return to the normal Capital Cup format in 2022.