The Newton High School gymnastics team claimed the title Saturday at the seven-team Newton Invitational at Ravenscroft Gym.
Newton edged Lawrence Free State 98.825-96.95 for the team title. Olathe South was third at 95.2, followed by Olathe North, Hutchinson, Emporia and Lawrence.
“It was a great day,” Newton coach JoAnne Thaw said. “I don’t remember winning our invitational. I’m sure we’ve won it, but it had to be in my early years as a coach. It was a preview of our regionals, as these are the teams in our regionals, so it was great for our girls’ confidence. And it was our season high. The team to stay ahead of will be Free State, and we can do it by increasing the value of some of our routines. This young team keeps meeting the challenges we give them week after week, and we are quite proud of every one of them.”
Newton finished 1-2 in the all-around competition, won by Riley Roberts in 33.375. Jamie Hansen was second at 32.9. Maria Jantz took fifth at 32.45. Kamie Wonders took 12th at 29.725.
“Our all-arounds had a good day,” Thaw said. “It was great to see the Newton girls on the stand. I think it was a season high for Riley, Jamie and Maria. It was an awesome feeling, not only to win the meet, but take the top all-around spot, as well.”
Kylee Green of Hutchinson won the vault at 9.05, followed by Jantz in second at 8.9 and Roberts in third at 8.8.
“We got a lot of help here from Maria and Riley,” Thaw said. “They’ve been working on a more difficult vault, and both girls hit it to get their season high and improve our vault score. They both placed, with the winner having a higher level vault starting value. ... but they’re both capable of scoring 9.”
Amelia Fuirns-Hubert of Lawrence Free State won the uneven parallel bars at 8.775. Hansen was third at 8.2, followed by Roberts in fourth at 7.675 and Jantz in sixth at 7.5.
“Both Jamie and Riley added more difficulty to their routine, and all six girls hit very well, giving us three medals,” Thaw said. “This was the best I’ve seen our girls perform on bars. Some of them don’t have the difficulty they need yet, but their routines are clean and smooth.”
Kelcy Bowers of Free State won the balance beam at 8.85. Hansen was third at 8.5, followed by Roberts in fourth at 8.45.
