M’CHIGEENG—Several members of the Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) Mustangs gymnastics team have qualified for the Northern Ontario championships after the team posted excellent results at a recent competition.
“Our team did very well,” stated Heather Theijsmeijer, co-coach of the team along with Jill Ferguson. “Our athletes qualified for the Northern Ontario championship,” she said, explaining that with no other secondary school on the North Shore fielding a gymnastics team this season, the competition they took part in last week was equivalent to the annual North Shore championships.
The MSS gymnastics team had their first competition of the season last week at the Sudbury District Secondary School Athletic Association (SDSSAA) qualifier. The gymnastics meet was held over two days, with MSS competing on March 4 against other level 1 and 2 gymnasts. Thirteen schools from the region were there with all schools except MSS based in Sudbury.
In level one Grace Pennie placed third on beam, fourth on bars, sixth on vault and 10th on the floors. “Grace was also the level 1 all-around champion, beating out the second place gymnast by only 0.07 points,” said Ms. Theijsmeijer.
Mackenzie Green placed third on the bars, fourth all-around, sixth on beams, eighth on floor and 10th on vault, said Ms. Theijsmeijer.
“Both Mackenzie and Grace qualified for NOSSA (Northern Ontario Secondary School Association) championship in all events, and they will be vying for the level 1 team award at that event,” said Ms. Theijsmeijer.
In level two, “Captain of our team, and reigning vault champion from 2023, Maren Kasunich took the gold again on vault, and placed sixth on the beam,” said Ms. Theijsmeijer.
Saraya Eshkawkogan placed second all-around, fourth on floor and bars, sixth on vault, and eighth on the beam.
Aspen Debassige placed third on the beam, was fourth all-around and seventh on bars.
Hailey Ferguson placed ninth on beam.
“It should be noted that all four of our level two athletes placed in the top 10 on beams, no mean feat,” said Ms. Theijsmeijer.
“All our level two athletes will compete in their events at the NOSSA championship,” continued Ms. Theijsmeijer. “Aspen will also compete in the floor and vault. Like level one, this team will be vying for the level 2 team award.”
The second day of last week’s competition saw levels 3-6 compete, but MSS only fielded athletes in levels one and two.
Coaches Ferguson and Theijsmeijer are extremely proud of the team. “With half of the team members being new to the sport, each athlete overcame personal obstacles to be able to achieve the outstanding results posted here, and represent the Island with pride,” said Ms. Theijsmeijer.
The NOSSA championship will be held Tuesday, March 26 at Gymzone in Sudbury.
