Kaylyn Borden of Todd Beamer High School led local individual event qualifiers to state from the Class 4A West Central District III/Southwest bi-district gymnastics meet held at Federal Way High School on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Bounding and dancing to a 9.3 score, the Titan athlete finished sixth on the floor exercise to gain a state berth.

In each of the four events, the top 14 gymnasts, including ties, who did not qualify with a team or in all-around competition moved on to the state meet.

Under these guidelines, Borden also qualified for state on the vault (8.3), uneven parallel bars (8.175), and the balance beam (8.5).

Another Beamer gymnast, Karissa McMillan, earned state selection on the vault (8.4), beam (8.425), and floor (9.15) while Laura Schrader scored 9.0 to qualify on the floor.

"I'm so proud of my girls," said Titan head coach Jessica Eisenberg. "They've worked hard the last two weeks and bounced back from injuries. I'm really excited for them. They've learned to work much better and be on top of things."

Other Federal Way School District gymnasts followed the same route to state.

Thomas Jefferson delivered five performers to state. Jaimi Nelson earned a spot at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall with 8.375 on the vault. Freshman Vanessa Bennum also qualified on the vault at 8.3. Jennifer McCreery led a trio of Raiders on the beam (8.75). Teammates Nicora Long (8.6) and Anna Wallace (8.55) joined her.

"Throughout the season it's been a great team effort," TJ head coach Debbie Hunter observed. "We didn't have any super stars, but we were steady from top to bottom. The kids gave it their all."

When it came to giving it all, Hunter was recognized along with Ann Diaz of Kentwood and Karyn Peterson of Auburn Riverside as South Puget Sound League coaches of the year.

"Working with the girls has been great," said Hunter. "All the other coaches were great."

Besides working with other SPSL coaches, Hunter has enjoyed coaching with her assistant Laura Rosa.

Heather Penor of Federal Way hit the springboard hard for a state-qualifying score of 8.4 on the vault. She also notched berths on the bars (7.65) and the floor (9.15)

"Heather had a strong performance," Eagle assistant coach David Mackey said. "She stepped forward and became team captain quality in many aspects of leadership today by helping others calm down and prepare to get over

nervousness."

Another state-bound Federal Way gymnast was Alicia Bowen on the beam (8.25).

For Decatur, Mikaela Peckman and Lindsey Warren vaulted to state with identical 8.35 scores.

"This was my best of the year," acknowledged Peckman.

Her coach was even more responsive.

"We're very excited," Gator head coach Patty Braun said. "The freshmen, especially, have improved greatly. They're dedicated kids and our vault core was a good surprise. It was a good end of the season."

The sportsmanship award went to the team from Sumner, which is coached by TJ grads Kimmie and Karrie Marton. These sisters were the first recipients of the sportsmanship award when competing for Thomas Jefferson.

"This is awesome," head coach Kimmie Marton exclaimed. "The team loves to be supportive and help other people. The girls are a class act."

Carly Fitzpatrick of Sumner claimed the all-around title and a trip to state with a score of 37.225. Fitzpatrick won the bars (9.22) and the floor (9.5). She added a third-place on the beam (9.35) and a sixth on the vault (9.15).

Other individual event gold medalists included Raquel Turnbow of Auburn Riverside on the beam (9.625) and Cortney Williams of Capital on the vault (9.4).

Auburn Riverside (169.975), Kentwood (167.75), and Rogers (166.75) took the three allocated spots to the state team championships.

Thomas Jefferson scored 160.425 in seventh place to lead local squads. Beamer placed 11th in the 20-team field at 156.15, ahead of Federal Way (153.35). Decatur was 14th with 145.475 points.

"It was another great year," concluded Mackey, who as floor director joined Federal Way head coach and meet director Bev McIrvin to administer the proceedings. "I'm proud of Debbie Hunter and the other coaches of the year. I know them well. The caliber of the athletes was just amazing."