Milbank Gymnasts Celebrate at Year-End Awards Banquet

Milbank Area gymnasts were honored for their accomplishments during the 2023-2024 season at an awards banquet held on Tuesday, February 27.

Major M letterwinners were: seventh graders Jada Leigh Wellnitz and Aria Prasnicki, eighth grader Raina Untalan; ninth graders Macyn Dunnihoo and Madilyn Sletten; and 11th graders Hannah Brown and Gemma Street.

Hannah was recognized for having this season’s highest score in the Vault, Bars, Beam, and All-Around competitions. She scored 9.05 on the Vault, 7.6 on the Bars, 8.85 on the Beam, and 34.225 in the All-Around. She was also voted Hardest Worker by her teammates.

Kelly Wollschlager, head coach for the Lady Bulldogs, commented, ”Hannah added many new skills throughout this season to increase her starting value in each event. Her All-Around score improved by .9 from last season.” Hannah qualified for the State meet in the Vault, Bars, Beam, Floor and All-Around. She placed 10th on the Vault at State.

Gemma received the Coaches Award. “ Gemma starting the season by adding a new tumbling pass and jumps to her routines, but unfortunately she was injured during a meet.” The injury prevented her from competing this year, and she took on the new role of student manager for the rest of the season. “We are thankful for her continued encouragement and support for her teammates,” Wollschlager added.

Macyn was recognized for tying with Hannah for this year’s highest score on the Bars at 7.6. She also posted this year’s highest score on the Floor with a 9.4. Macyn received the award for accruing the most points on Vault at 74.25, Bars at 63.75, Beam at 67.85, Floor at 79.925, and All-Around at 285.775. She received the Most Dedicated Award as voted on by her teammates. Macyn also qualified for State in the Vault and Floor competitions for the second time in her career.

Madilyn was voted Rookie of the Year by her coaches. “Madilyn increased her All-Around score by over one point and PR on the Vault and Floor,” Wollschlager noted. “Throughout the season, Madilyn dealt with injuries, but continued to push through to have most of her scores count towards our team score each meet. She is a consistent performer who added multiple jumps, new tumbling passes, new vaults, and her long hang kip to increase her starting value. Madilyn also qualified for State on the Floor for the first time in her career.”

Raina had a great season! She posted many new personal bests throughout and increased her personal All-Around score by over one point.’ Wollschlager said. “We are very proud of all her accomplishments and the new she skills learned this season.”

Aria was voted Most Improved by her teammates. “Aria increased her All-Around score by over 2.5 points since her first meet of the season. Not only did her scores improve, but she also learned multiple new skills on each event, including her long hang kip on bars, her tuck ¾ on beam, and branny on floor,” esplained Wollschlager. “Along with those skills, she gained consistency and confidence with each of her performances.”

First-year competitor Jada Leigh Wellnitz also had a great season. Wollschlager commented, “She increased her scores and found her confidence this season. Jada Leigh increased her All-Around score by 2.5 points since her fist competition. She also learned many new event requirements and performed them in her routines throughout the season.”

On behalf of the entire gymnastics team, Wollschlager thanked everyone who had supported and helped the team throughout the season. “The continued support of the community, school staff, and parents is greatly appreciated.”

Submitted Photos: Top–left to right, Gemma Street, Jada Leigh Wellnitz, Raina Untalan, Madilyn Sletten, Aria Prasnicki, Macyn Dunnihoo and Hannah Brown. Bottom — Gemma Street, Madilyn Sletten, Aria Prasnicki, Hannah Brown and Macyn Dunnihoo.