The “Team That Almost Wasn’t” still has me smiling big today after our recent big meet when Newton and Lawrence Free State tied for the gymnastics state championship.
I am so overwhelmed by everything that has happened, beginning in June when we thought we weren’t going to have the gymnastics program to finishing the season as co-champions The girls, the coaches and the parents went from being devastated to elated in six short weeks when we reached our goal. I cannot say thank you enough to all those who helped our program survive this year. You have given these girls — Brittany Dalke, Kami Wonders, Katie Yoder, Katelin Gaeddert, Jamie Hansen, Maria Jantz, Riley Roberts, Taylor Perkins, Jack Thaw and myself — the opportunity to experience a lifetime memory and so much more. I can’t even begin to tell you how hard these girls worked and how dedicated they were to being the best team possible, but I know their actions and the final outcome tell the story. I am so proud of our Newton community and how you came through even in the worst of times. The money you helped raise so these girls could continue their dream came from so many, and I just want to thank you a million times over for what you did. I know for Jack and me it will be a lifelong memory, and we love you for it.— JoAnne Thaw,Newton gymnasticsNEWTON —
