by Tom Sasvari
M’CHIGEENG—The Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) Mustangs gymnastics team did very well at a competition held last week, especially when you consider this was the current team members’ first-ever competition.
“We made out very well at the level 1-2 regional qualifier (held in Sudbury),” said Heather Theijsmeijer, co-coach of the MSS team, along with Jill Ferguson. “We had a small team with three athletes who were all in level one, which means they have never competed previously.”
“Everyone on our team placed within the top 16 (in their individual events) in the competition and will be taking part in the Northern Ontario (NOSSA) championships at the end of the month,” said Ms. Theijsmeijer.
On the vault, Mustang Maren Kasunich won a gold medal with Aspen Debassige finishing fifth. On the bars, Aspen finished fifth, while on the beams Aspen won the gold medal for finishing in top spot while Maren finished in eighth place.
Aspen earned a bronze medal (third place) in the all-around category.
“Both Aspen and Maren qualified for NOSSA,” said Ms. Theijsmeijer. As well, Mustang, “Hailey Ferguson qualified for NOSSA on the beam and Aspen also qualified on the floor exercise (both finished within the top 16).”
Ms. Theijsmeijer said the Mustangs team has been preparing since November. “They’ve done well and have worked very hard. It was a good day.”
A total of 13 schools from within all school boards in Sudbury and area were represented at the regional qualifier last week.
The NOSSA championships, which will also take place in Sudbury, will be held on Tuesday, March 28.
