Gymnasts to watch at the state meet

South Dakota’s premier prep gymnasts will put their skills to the ultimate test at next week’s state meet at the Swiftel Center in Brookings.

In terms of the team title, three appear to be frontrunners – two-time defending state champion Mitchell, the state’s most decorated ‘AA’ program in Rapid City Stevens, and Sioux Falls’ torch-carrier, O’Gorman.

Where individual standouts are concerned, several gymnasts are expected to be in the mix for titles. Here’s a look at some of those expected to make a splash in Brookings.

Quinci Herll – Mitchell – Senior

Herll found the podium in the vault and floor exercise at state last year, and was a hair away from doing the same in balance beam and uneven bars. Add it up and it was good for third in all-around, and Herll’s senior season has seen steady gains. Herll has made a habit out of claiming all-around gold this season, and as the lead dog on a two-time defending state champion team, she’s a virtual lock to be in the individual chase in Brookings.

Shay Trimble – Rapid City Stevens – Freshman

Trimble finished a hair behind Christensen for the all-around title last year and claimed gold in the vault and balance beam. At a January meet in Rapid City, Trimble set a Stevens record for all-around with 38.250 points.

Mitchell, Madison earn three-peats at state gymnastics

Hannah Riker – Rapid City Stevens – Senior

At Friday’s East-West state qualifying meet in Sioux Falls, Riker emerged all-around champion with titles in uneven bars, floor exercise and vault. Riker has been most successful in floor exercise and uneven bars.

Jenni Giles – Madison – Sophomore

Giles is truly in a class of her own in the ‘A’ chase. As a freshman at the state tournament, Giles nearly went chalk – claiming the all-around title and all the rest not named balance beam. The Bulldogs have maintained a dynastic hold on the Class A scene, and gymnasts like Giles are a big reason why.

O’Gorman trio

Senior Jamie Benedict, sophomore Lizzie Miller and eighth-grade upstart Payton Steffensen have played a big part in O’Gorman’s return to prominence. The trio finished second, third and fourth ( in order Miller, Steffensen and Benedict) at Friday’s East-West Qualifier in Sioux Falls.

OTHER GYMNASTS TO WATCH:

Emily Prill (Mitchell); Maria Krall (Mitchell); Mikah Moser (RC Stevens); Jaiden Boomsma (Yankton); Josie Dierks (Mitchell)

Sanford Standout: O'Gorman's Jamie Benedict soars as a senior