Lakers Capture Bronze at Jackie Mann Invite, Show Steady Growth

The Detroit Lakes gymnastics team secured a bronze medal at the Jackie Mann Invitational held on December 6, 2023, at Perham High School. The team achieved a final score of 141.7, finishing closely behind second-place Cambridge-Isanti, which scored 141.75. Watertown-Mayer took first place with a score of 142.25, marking a competitive outing for the Lakers.

Co-head coach Leesa Lindgaard expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance. “We did do a little bit better than our first meet, so that’s good,” she said. The focus remains on incremental improvements, with the team aiming to elevate their scores at each competition.

Senior gymnasts Maggie Schander and Olivia Gag celebrated their team’s bronze medal finish, reflecting a positive atmosphere despite the desire to defend their previous gold medal. “I thought we did very good,” Schander stated. “In the end, it might not have turned out exactly how we wanted it, but we were all there for each other, and we’re all very proud of each other.”

Both Schander and Gag earned top-eight all-around scores, with Schander achieving a commendable third-place score of 36.350, boosted by her top performances on the vault and floor, each scoring 9.650. Gag finished eighth overall with a score of 35.200, her standout event being the bars where she placed fifth with a score of 9.000. Gag also earned a medal for her vault performance, finishing seventh with a score of 9.250.

Rowan Gatheridge tied with Gag for fifth place on the bars, while Addy Laux secured a sixth-place finish on the beam with a score of 9.000. Kordosky tied with Schander on the beam, finishing eighth with a score of 8.850. Gag noted areas for improvement, specifically in landings on the floor and beam stability.

The stakes are high for Detroit Lakes, which recently claimed its sixth Class A team title and first since 2019. With that victory comes increased pressure, as every team aims to outperform the reigning champions. Lindgaard acknowledged the excitement and pressure that accompany the title. “It does bring a lot of pressure, though, putting that on there as the girls want to come back and be that state champ again,” she said.

Returning gymnasts Schander, Gag, Laux, and Shelby Lyman are now key leaders on the team. With a championship season behind them, the Lakers are concentrating on strengthening their mental resilience. Schander emphasized the importance of a strong mentality, stating, “Staying strong mentally is probably one of our biggest things.”

Schander also achieved a significant milestone last season, winning a state individual gold medal on the vault. She hopes to replicate that success as she prepares for the upcoming Section 8A all-around competition. “I would definitely like to get better at the beam and bars,” she said, highlighting the importance of recovery after falls.

The Detroit Lakes team comprises both seniors and underclassmen, fostering a supportive environment. With the departure of Maya Schlauderaff and Sam Close, the senior gymnasts have taken on leadership roles, guiding younger athletes like freshmen Gatheridge and Stella Eckman. Notably, freshman Claire Mickelson won the Junior Varsity all-around championship, showcasing the program’s depth.

The Lakers foster a familial atmosphere among the gymnasts, with seniors mentoring younger teammates. Lindgaard praised the upperclassmen for their leadership, stating, “They are really big leaders on our team and in our program.” The team engages in various bonding activities, including sleepovers and dinners, to maintain a strong sense of unity.

The season commenced on December 4 with a victory against Central Lakes Conference rival Fergus Falls, followed by the bronze medal performance at the Jackie Mann Invite. The Lakers are determined to achieve ambitious goals, aiming for a score of 150 and a flawless beam rotation without falls, as they continue to pursue another team title.

As the season progresses, the Detroit Lakes gymnastics team is poised to enhance their performance and build on their recent accomplishments, embodying the spirit of improvement and resilience that defines their competitive journey.