M’CHIGEENG—Led by one team that took first place in their division and another that finished second, the Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) Mustangs gymnastics team finished third overall at the Northern Ontario Secondary School Association (NOSSA) championships held in Sudbury last week. The entire MSS team had qualified for NOSSA at the regional qualifiers, also held in March.
At NOSSA, “Grace Pennie and Mackenzie Green were the level one team champions, marking the first time (MSS) has won a team award since the sport started at MSS in 2006-2007,” said MSS co-coach Heather Theijsmeijer. “Individually, Grace placed fourth on bars and floor, fifth on vault and beam, while Mackenzie placed fourth on vault and beam, fifth on floor and sixth on bars.”
In level two MSS team captain Maren Kasunich, Hailey Ferguson, Saraya Eshkawkogan and Aspen Debassige placed second as a team, just one point back of the level two champions. Ms. Theijsmeijer explained Ms. Kasunich won silver on vault and placed fourth on beam, Aspen placed fourth on bars and ninth on floor and Saraya placed fourth on vault and floor, sixth on bars and 10th on beam.
An overall aggregate school award is also presented at this meet, which takes into consideration the top two scores per school for every event in each level, for a maximum of 48 scores in total. “MSS placed a very respectable third overall, especially considering there are no MSS athletes in levels three to six,” explained Ms. Theijsmeijer.
Coaches Jill Ferguson and Ms. Theijsmeijer couldn’t say enough about the tenacity and determination of this year’s team. “We are the only team in the league that does not get to regularly train on club equipment, which puts us at a disadvantage. Despite this, our athletes worked hard throughout the season, rose to the occasion at this year’s meets, and fought for all their skills and landings. We are extremely proud to be representing the Island at these meets.”
Congratulations, especially to graduating gymnasts, Maren, Mackenzie, Hailey, and Saraya. You will all be missed next year!
